Leyte Army camp locked down
The camp of the 93rd Infantry Battalion in Kananga, Leyte was locked down on Tuesday after 21 soldiers tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19......»»
3 suspected rebels killed in central Philippine clash
MANILA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Government forces clashed with suspected rebels in Iloilo province in the central Philippines before dawn on Wednesday, killing three insurgents, the military said. The military reported that a 20-minute gunfight between troops and around 20 New People's Army (NPA) rebels broke out around 3:20 a.m. local time after troops overran a rebel camp in a village in San Joaquin town. T.....»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 8 February 2024
House Speaker Romualdez visits Army’s 4ID HQ in Cagayan de Oro House Speaker Martin Romualdez visited the headquarters of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelista, barangay Patag here on Tuesday. Major Francisco Garello, 4ID spokesperson, said Romualdez came here as part of a two-day Armed Forces of the Philippines and House of Representatives […].....»»
8ID honors troops’ heroism on 35th Founding Anniversary
The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID), Philippine Army, commemorated its 35th Founding Anniversary on August 1, 2023, with a simple yet meaningful celebration at Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan City......»»
Philippine Army Cpl. Raquel C. Suan kampeon sa Cabanatuan chess tourney
CABANATUAN CITY, NUEVA ECIJA—Si Philippine Army Corporal (Cpl.) Raquel C. Suan ang naging unang kampeon sa Cabanatuan Rapid chess tournament na nagtapos dito kamakailan sa SM City Cabanatuan. Ang 32 taong gulang na si Suan, nakatalaga sa unit sa 14IMB IMCOM PA sa Camp General Mateo M. Capinpin sa Tanay, Rizal ay na nagtapos kasama ….....»»
Mindanao LGU execs want more Army-police-MILF basketball games
Various sectors are wishing for a replication in other provinces of last week’s basketball games among soldiers, policemen and former guerillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front at the Army’s nearby Camp Siongco, Mindanao’s largest military installation. .....»»
UN says peacekeepers’ ‘lives in danger’ in Mali
UN peacekeepers made an early withdrawal from their camp at Tessalit in northern Mali because their "lives were in danger", the United Nations mission said Sunday. Malian troops on Saturday took over the Tessalit camp, the army said on social media, the first handover in the Kidal region where clashes with armed groups have flared recently. The withdrawal of the UN stabilization mission in Mali (MINUSMA) after 13 years has ignited fears that fighting will intensify between troops and armed factions for control of the territory. The pullout was completed "in an extremely tense and degraded security context putting in danger the lives of personnel", according to a MINUSMA statement received Sunday. UN staff had previously been "forced to shelter in bunkers several times because of shooting", the statement said. It gave the example of October 19, when an incoming fire targeted a C130 transport plane on landing at Tessalit. No injuries or serious damage were recorded. Before quitting the base, MINUSMA said it took "the difficult decision to destroy, deactivate or put out of service expensive equipment such as vehicles, munitions, generators, and other items". The last convoy left Tessalit on Saturday by road heading for Gao, the biggest town in northern Mali. Mali's ruling junta, which seized power in 2020, had in June demanded the mission leave despite being in the grip of jihadism and raging crises. The withdrawal of around 11,600 soldiers and 1,500 police officers is due to continue until 31 December and has exacerbated rivalries between armed groups present in the north. The Coordination of Azawad Movements -- an alliance of predominantly Tuareg groups seeking autonomy or independence -- has carried out a series of attacks on army positions. The Al-Qaeda-linked Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM) has also increased attacks against the military. Before Tessalit, MINUSMA had transferred five other camps to the Malian authorities since August. But the evacuation of the camps in the Kidal region, and especially the town of Kidal, a separatist bastion, remains a major challenge. The separatists do not want the camps handed back to the Malian army, saying it would contravene the ceasefire and peace deals struck with Bamako in 2014 and 2015. The post UN says peacekeepers’ ‘lives in danger’ in Mali appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gazans await ‘life and death’ aid, Israel readies invasion
Thousands of tonnes of "life and death" aid for Gaza should be delivered soon, the United Nations said Friday, to relieve a "beyond catastrophic" situation after unrelenting Israeli bombing in response to an unprecedented Hamas attack. Some 175 lorries stuffed with vital medicines, food, and water stretched into the distance at the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which has removed concrete roadblocks and is scrambling to repair the route into besieged Gaza -- the only one not controlled by Israel. Overseeing operations personally, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters: "These trucks are not just trucks, they are a lifeline, they are the difference between life and death for so many people in Gaza." Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the Islamist militant group launched a shock raid from the Gaza Strip on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians shot, mutilated or burned to death, according to Israeli officials. Hamas gunmen also kidnapped some 200 hostages including foreigners from around two dozen countries. The Islamist group said Friday that its armed wing had released two Americans among the captives, a mother and her daughter, the first fruit of mediation efforts by the Gulf state of Qatar. The Islamist group did not detail how or when the hostages were released. The Israeli military said earlier Friday that most of those abducted to Gaza were still alive. It said more than 20 were minors. In response to the Hamas attack, Israeli bombers have levelled entire city blocks in Gaza in preparation for a ground invasion they say is coming soon. The Hamas-run health ministry said 4,137 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died in the onslaught. Israeli jets pounded more than 100 Hamas targets in Gaza overnight, the army said, with AFP reporters hearing loud explosions and witnessing plumes of smoke billowing from the northern Gaza Strip. Embracing front-line soldiers and clad in body armour, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged them to "fight like lions" and "win with full force". Fists clenched and voice raised, Netanyahu told cheering troops: "We will deal harsh blows to our enemies in order to achieve victory." Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told some of the tens of thousands of personnel preparing the ground invasion that "the order will come soon". 'Beyond catastrophic' US President Joe Biden said Friday he expected the first aid for Gaza to pass through the Rafah crossing from Egypt within the next two days, under a deal he clinched to allow in 20 trucks of supplies for civilians. Medicine, water purifiers and blankets were being unloaded at El Arish airport near Gaza, an AFP reporter saw, with Ahmed Ali, head of the Egyptian Red Crescent, saying he was getting "two to three planes of aid a day". But World Health Organization emergencies director Michael Ryan said Biden's 20-truck deal was "a drop in the ocean of need" and that 2,000 trucks were required. The UN says more than one million of Gaza's 2.4 million people are displaced, with the humanitarian situation "beyond catastrophic" and deteriorating daily. Refugees from northern Gaza told harrowing tales of bombs, profiteering and extreme temperatures as whole families trekked on foot to flee the violence. Mother of seven Fadwa Al-Najjar walked for 10 hours with her family from northern Gaza to reach a UN camp in the southern city of Khan Yunis, saying she saw cars hit by a strike just in front of them. "We saw bodies and limbs torn off and we just started praying, thinking we were going to die," she said. 'It's unimaginable' On the other side of the conflict, the full horror of what Israel suffered on October 7 and following days was still emerging, as traumatised residents recounted their stories. Shachar Butler, a security chief at the Nir Oz kibbutz, where Hamas militants killed or kidnapped a quarter of the 400 residents, recalls more than a dozen gunmen spraying bullets indiscriminately and lobbing grenades at homes. "It's unimaginable," the 40-year-old told AFP as part of a trip organised by the Israeli military. "Anytime someone tried to touch my window, I shot him," he said. "The people who came out got kidnapped, killed, executed, slaughtered." Butler estimated as many as 200 militants attacked the kibbutz, entering from three sides before going house-to-house. Homes there were still charred with burnt personal belongings strewn everywhere. Israel says around 1,500 Hamas fighters were killed in clashes before its army regained control. 'No safe place' Biden requested a massive $105 billion security package Friday, including $14 billion for Israel, but paralysis in the still speakerless Congress means it will hit an immediate wall. Fresh from a whirlwind trip to Israel this week, Biden is hoping to staunch the possibility of a wider Middle East war. The United States has moved two aircraft carriers into the eastern Mediterranean to deter Iran or Lebanon's Hezbollah, both Hamas allies, from getting involved. After days of clashes with Hezbollah fighters along the Lebanese border, Israeli authorities announced the evacuation of Kiryat Shmona, a nearby town which is home to some 25,000 residents, many of whom have already left. The conflict has inflamed passions across the region, with protests held in several countries. Thousands flooded into Egypt's iconic Tahrir Square in support of Gaza, an AFP correspondent said. Protests were also held outside the French and US embassies in Tunis. Following a strike at a church compound late Thursday, the Hamas-controlled interior ministry said several people sheltering at the church were killed and wounded, blaming an Israeli strike. The Israeli army acknowledged a church wall had been damaged in one of its air strikes targeting a "command and control centre belonging to a Hamas terrorist". "This place is dedicated for praying, a place of love and peace," said witness Abu Khalil Jahshan. "There is no safe place here in Gaza." The post Gazans await ‘life and death’ aid, Israel readies invasion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Army, Air Force launch interoperability exercise
At least 836 personnel from the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force will participate in a joint exercise that will enhance the interoperability, combat readiness and effectiveness of the two service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The ceremonial opening was held Monday at the PA’s 5th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela. 5ID commander MGen. Audrey Pasia, who graced the event, reminded the soldiers “to give their best in the entirety of the exercise.” The PA and PAF personnel will train side-by-side from 25 to 30 September in this year’s Interoperability Exercise. Meantime, PAF spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said several drills will cover command post exercises, subject matter expert exchanges and field training exercises. The subject matter expert exchanges will cover a series of topics, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Air-to-Ground Operations, Close Air Support, Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System Military Free Fall, Hoist, Communication and Support System and Sustainment Operations. Battle Staff Exercises, on the other hand, will focus on problem-action scenarios, which will all be applied to the field training exercises, which will be done as a culmination activity. During the drills, Castilo said that the PAF and PA personnel are expected to showcase their capabilities, strengthen working relations, as well as evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve air-to-ground communication and operations. The post Army, Air Force launch interoperability exercise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Army, Air Force begin joint exercise
Some 836 personnel from the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force will participate in a joint exercise that will enhance the interoperability, combat readiness, and effectiveness of the two service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The ceremonial opening was held Monday at the PA’s 5th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on Monday, 25 September. 5ID commander MGen. Audrey Pasia, who graced the event, reminded the soldiers “to give their best in the entirety of the exercise.” The PA and PAF personnel will train side-by-side from 25 to 30 September in this year's Interoperability Exercise. PAF spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said several drills will cover command post exercises, subject matter expert exchanges, and field training exercises. The subject matter expert exchanges will cover a series of topics, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Air-to-Ground Operations, Close Air Support, Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System (FRIES) Military Free Fall, Hoist, Communication and Support System, and Sustainment Operations. The Battle Staff Exercise will focus on problem-action scenarios, which will all be applied to the field training exercises, which will be done as a culmination activity. During the drills, Castilo said that the PAF and PA personnel are expected to showcase their capabilities, strengthen working relations, as well as evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve air-to-ground communication and operations. The post Army, Air Force begin joint exercise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MILF, DI clash leaves 2 dead
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte — At least two individuals believed to be members of the Dawlah Islamiya were killed after a fierce firefight erupted between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the outlawed DI in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town, Maguindanao del Sur province on Monday. The Philippine Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog revealed that the clashes between MILF commander Saga Malandag of 118th base command, and the DI Group under commander Abdulnasser Guianid occurred in the outskirts of Barangay Mother Tuayan. “The fighting erupted at about 5 a.m. in the mountains of Datu Hoffer and lasted for about an hour,” Pangcog said in a radio interview Tuesday. He added that it took several hours for government forces to reach the clash site. “When our troops arrived at the clash site in the afternoon, they found two dead bodies of DI armed men,” said Pangcog, adding that a long-standing “rido” or family feud between Guianid and Malandag triggered the skirmishes. No civilian casualties were reported as the clash site was far from surrounding communities. A team of soldiers backed by armored personnel carriers were deployed in Barangay Tuayan to prevent the escalation of hostilities. Pangcog said the Army and the MILF expect retaliation from the DI group that may come anytime. “We are ready, we are on alert,” Pangcog said. The post MILF, DI clash leaves 2 dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Australia boost partnership, mull more bilateral military exercises
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Australian Defense Forces are mulling more bilateral military exercises that will further strengthen and boost both of their military forces. This development came after ADF chief Gen. Angus Campbell paid a courtesy call to AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday at the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Brawner and Campbell discussed the existing defense partnership between the Philippines and Australia as well as the joint Exercise ALON. "We want to showcase the close ties that we have among our Armed Forces. We would also like to thank you for the recent exercise,” Brawner said. For his part, Campbell emphasized that the ongoing Philippine-Australia bilateral drills serve an “expression of an important message and a demonstration of cooperation among partner nations.” “We want to make sure that the particular form of the military is evolving in ways that the Armed Forces of the Philippines want and that would see mutual benefit and partnership. I want to make sure that we remain a partner that listens and adapts,” Campbell said. Brawner, meanwhile, thanked the Australian Defense Force Chief for the continuous support that they have given to the country. "All have seen how the relationship between both our Armed Forces has grown, from counterterrorism and now shifting to territorial defense. There is a lot of room for us to work together,” Brawner said. [caption id="attachment_176884" align="aligncenter" width="1800"] AFP Chief General Romeo S Brawner Jr. welcomed Chief of Australian Defense Force General Angus Campbell during arrival honors conducted at the general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on 29 August 2023. (Photo by AFP PAO)[/caption] From Comprehensive to Strategic Partnership Department of National Defense Undersecretary Ireneo Espino on Tuesday also announced that the Philippines and Australia are now elevating bilateral relations from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership following their biggest bilateral Cooperative Amphibious Serial exercise. “Indeed, the importance of our two countries' place on security partnership comes at the crucial junction in our regional security landscape with challenges becoming more complex by the day,” Espino said during the closing ceremony of Philippines-Australia Exercise ALON 2023, which was held at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. “Our partner can rest assured that DND stands ready to further heighten the Philippines' friendship and cooperation with Australia,” he added. Meanwhile, Bgen, Jimmy Larida, executive director for Exercise ALON-23, described the newly concluded combined amphibious drills between AFP and ADF as a “very resounding success,” noting that the strategic objectives were met throughout the exercises. “We were able to identify what particular procedures where we are already good in dealing with Australia and what particular tactical procedures that we should improve further so we will do everything to improve during the next iteration of this exercise,” Larida said. AFP Public Affairs chief, LtCol. Enrico Gil Ileto, said the largest bilateral exercise conducted between the AFP and ADF included an air assault exercise in Palawan on 21 August and a combined amphibious assault exercise in Zambales on 25 August —which was carried out by launching a combined amphibious landing force from the Navy ships to secure the beach landing sites, followed by parachute insertion to seize the objectives and a simultaneous landing via landing craft and USMC MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Palawan air assault exercise in Rizal was designed to simulate realistic combat scenarios, enhancing the forces’ preparedness and operational readiness across air, sea and land actions. It featured over 600 soldiers from the AFP, ADF and USMC, and close air support by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightening II and E-7A Wedgetail. Ileto said the assets used in these drills included HMA ships Canberra and Anzac, with the Tarlac-class BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602), close air support from RAAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft, Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank and two Philippine Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles. To mark the final phase of the exercise, the AFP and ADF will hold a live fire training as the final phase in Capas, Tarlac on 31 August. Exercise ALON was designed to enhance both military forces’ capability in conducting combined operations and improved their tactics, techniques and procedures for amphibious operations. Participants were composed of 1,000 personnel from the AFP and 1,200 from the ADF, with support from 150 US Marine Corps. The post Phl, Australia boost partnership, mull more bilateral military exercises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Australia boosts partnership, mulls more bilateral military exercises
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Australian Defense Forces are mulling more bilateral military exercises that will further strengthen and boost both of their military forces. This development came after ADF chief Gen. Angus Campbell paid a courtesy call to AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday at the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Brawner and Campbell discussed the existing defense partnership between the Philippines and Australia as well as the joint Exercise ALON. "We want to showcase the close ties that we have among our Armed Forces. We would also like to thank you for the recent exercise,” Brawner said. For his part, Campbell emphasized that the ongoing Philippine-Australia bilateral drills serve an “expression of an important message and a demonstration of cooperation among partner nations.” “We want to make sure that the particular form of the military is evolving in ways that the Armed Forces of the Philippines want and that would see mutual benefit and partnership. I want to make sure that we remain a partner that listens and adapts,” Campbell said. Brawner, meanwhile, thanked the Australian Defense Force Chief for the continuous support that they have given to the country. "All have seen how the relationship between both our Armed Forces has grown, from counterterrorism and now shifting to territorial defense. There is a lot of room for us to work together,” Brawner said. [caption id="attachment_176884" align="aligncenter" width="1800"] AFP Chief General Romeo S Brawner Jr. welcomed Chief of Australian Defense Force General Angus Campbell during arrival honors conducted at the general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on 29 August 2023. (Photo by AFP PAO)[/caption] From Comprehensive to Strategic Partnership Department of National Defense Undersecretary Ireneo Espino on Tuesday also announced that the Philippines and Australia are now elevating bilateral relations from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership following their biggest bilateral Cooperative Amphibious Serial exercise. “Indeed, the importance of our two countries' place on security partnership comes at the crucial junction in our regional security landscape with challenges becoming more complex by the day,” Espino said during the closing ceremony of Philippines-Australia Exercise ALON 2023, which was held at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. “Our partner can rest assured that DND stands ready to further heighten the Philippines' friendship and cooperation with Australia,” he added. Meanwhile, Bgen, Jimmy Larida, executive director for Exercise ALON-23, described the newly concluded combined amphibious drills between AFP and ADF as a “very resounding success,” noting that the strategic objectives were met throughout the exercises. “We were able to identify what particular procedures where we are already good in dealing with Australia and what particular tactical procedures that we should improve further so we will do everything to improve during the next iteration of this exercise,” Larida said. AFP Public Affairs chief, LtCol. Enrico Gil Ileto, said the largest bilateral exercise conducted between the AFP and ADF included an air assault exercise in Palawan on 21 August and a combined amphibious assault exercise in Zambales on 25 August —which was carried out by launching a combined amphibious landing force from the Navy ships to secure the beach landing sites, followed by parachute insertion to seize the objectives and a simultaneous landing via landing craft and USMC MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Palawan air assault exercise in Rizal was designed to simulate realistic combat scenarios, enhancing the forces’ preparedness and operational readiness across air, sea and land actions. It featured over 600 soldiers from the AFP, ADF and USMC, and close air support by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightening II and E-7A Wedgetail. Ileto said the assets used in these drills included HMA ships Canberra and Anzac, with the Tarlac-class BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602), close air support from RAAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft, Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank and two Philippine Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles. To mark the final phase of the exercise, the AFP and ADF will hold a live fire training as the final phase in Capas, Tarlac on 31 August. Exercise ALON was designed to enhance both military forces’ capability in conducting combined operations and improved their tactics, techniques and procedures for amphibious operations. Participants were composed of 1,000 personnel from the AFP and 1,200 from the ADF, with support from 150 US Marine Corps. The post Phl, Australia boosts partnership, mulls more bilateral military exercises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Metrobank rewards 10 outstanding Pinoys P1-M each
Ten Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, comprised of four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers, are recognized for going beyond their duty and making a difference in the community. Recipients of this year’s career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors were presented to the public on Thursday, 3 August. Each of them will receive a cash prize of P1 million each (net of tax), a golden medallion, and “The Flame” trophy in a conferment ceremony on 29 August, ahead of the Metrobank’s anniversary celebration in September. Outstanding Filipinos embody the true meaning of “Beyond Excellence” as they go the extra mile in their chosen profession and selflessly extend a helping hand to those in need through their various service and community involvements while overcoming adversities and challenges. Bagging the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers are (1) Mr. Rex M. Sario, MAT, Master Teacher I/Teacher-in-Charge of Balogo Elementary School (Pangantucan, Bukidnon); (2) June Elias V. Patalinghug, EdD, Master Teacher II, Catalunan Grande Elementary School (Davao City); (3) Edgar R. Durana, MAEd, Master Teacher I/SPED Coordinator, Don Jose Ynares Memorial National High School (Binangonan, Rizal); and (4) Jovelyn G. Delosa, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Northern Bukidnon State College (Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon). To be conferred with the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers are (5) Staff Sergeant Danilo S. Banquiao PA, Civil-Military Officer — Non-Commissioned Officer, 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (Marawi City, Lanao del Sur); (6) Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Bitancur PAF, Assistant Commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force (Lipa City, Batangas); and (7) Colonel Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), Presidential Security Group (City of Manila) (formerly Commanding Officer, 10th Military Intelligence Battalion, 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao de Oro). Meanwhile, recipients of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers are (8) Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis D. Bendo, Section Team Leader, District Mobile Force Battalion, Manila Police District (City of Manila); (9) Police Major Mae Ann R. Cunanan, Chief, Police Community Relations, Criminal Investigation, and Detection Group, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Chief, Case Monitoring Section, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, PRO 9 in Zamboanga City); and (10) Police Colonel Renell R. Sabaldica, Chief, Morale and Welfare Division, Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Provincial Director of Cagayan Police Provincial Office in Tuguegarao City). “Outstanding Filipinos inspire us to go beyond excellence and pursue a mission that is bigger than ourselves. This year’s batch proved to us how the competence of Filipinos combined with character and compassion can positively impact other people’s lives,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña. “Educators, peacekeepers, and defenders have chosen to render selfless service to the community and the country despite many adversities. We hope their examples and contributions to society create a ripple effect transcending generations,” he added. The post Metrobank rewards 10 outstanding Pinoys P1-M each appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wiping out private armies?
Our otherwise contented political class is definitely on edge with the terrorist branding of suspended Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. While the innovative terrorist branding seemingly solely targets mainstream politician Mr. Teves, the branding is actually also a live political grenade thrown right onto the laps of the mainstream political class. Mr. Teves’s case is the first time an elected official is officially designated a terrorist by the nascent Anti-Terrorism Council or ATC. Previously, the ATC consistently tacked terrorist tags on red-tagged activist groups and armed extremist groups. But obviously, now it’s on the right side of the political spectrum. As a matter of course, Mr. Teves — the suspected mastermind in the March 4 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo — is vehemently contesting the terrorist tag and is trying to reverse it. Anyway, we don’t see yet any telltale signs of mainstream politicians taking serious notice of the terrorist branding, much less starting to scamper for cover. But they will certainly have to. Without a doubt, the unfamiliar use of the anti-terror law complicates matters for politicians, particularly provincial-based pols who maintain private armed groups to ensure their political dominance. And, going by how it describes its intention, the ATC is clearly going after private armed groups. “The tragic incident on 4 March 2023, which claimed several lives and left many others injured, is a stark reminder of the threat posed by private armed groups within our country,” the ATC said in its resolution. ATC’s move also comes after Mr. Marcos Jr., in the wake of Degamo’s killing, ordered the dismantling of “private armies.” Mr. Marcos Jr.’s order shouldn’t be surprising. He actually has no choice but to interdict. Otherwise, he violates the Constitution. The 1987 Constitution provides in Article XVIII, Section 24 that “private armies and other armed groups not recognized by duly constituted authority shall be dismantled.” Private armed groups, of course, had long been an ugly blight on our electoral politics, not only on violence-prone Negros Island. In fact, because of private armies, politicians from North to South, both historically and at present, have been paying a deadly price, with probably 100 politicians killed every year. And in most cases, says a 2022 study, “the principals ordering the killings are not investigated, remain in the shadows and enjoy almost complete impunity. As a result, in the vast majority of cases, it cannot be proven who actually ordered the killings.” Such impunities have, of course, morphed into a violent “culture of fear” all over the country. A point ATC emphasizes in its Teves resolution: “The numerous killings and harassments in Negros Oriental which culminated in the assassination of Gov. Degamo must not be taken as isolated and random incidents of violence. A closer evaluation of these killings and harassments have an unmistakable pattern of a rather organized and orchestrated action. These killings and harassments are meticulously and deliberately planned and executed for the purpose of intimidating the residents of Negros Oriental as well as to create an atmosphere or spread a message of fear.” Despite these substantial political issues, no law — oddly enough despite repeated attempts — has been enacted to penalize private armies and other armed groups, which the Philippine National Police says numbered some 155 in 2021. Of that number, police say they consider almost half as “highly active.” Clearly, something sweeping needs to be done against private armed groups to dramatically change the political landscape. Inadvertently, the Teves camp decries the “weaponization” of the Anti-Terror Act, claiming that the government is using it “for the purpose for which it was not designed.” Yet, a private army is unquestionably designed for terror. This fact leaves us with one provocative question: If this government had accidentally found a powerful weapon, does this mean now this government is bold enough to totally wipe out all entrenched private armies? The post Wiping out private armies? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former ‘child warrior’ fears for her life over NPA ‘kill-list’
A former 'child warrior' of the New People's Army on Tuesday expressed fear for her life after surrendering to the government. Zena Punada Segui, now 24 years old, was 15 when recruited to the New People’s Army (NPA). Segui has been very outspoken about her life when she joined the movement but also fears for her life because of the “kill-list” order. “Hindi naman lingid sa atin na kapag galing ka sa hukbo o sa NPA at bumalik ka sa gobyerno ay nandiyan na ‘yung pagbabanta sa buhay mo,” Segui voiced her fears to the Daily Tribune. Segui also shared her plight during a virtual press conference last Friday (21 July 2023) hosted by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). At present, Segui and her husband, a fellow former rebel, are under the auspices of the Army’s 85th Infantry Battalion. “Noong encounter po kung saan naiwan si Ka RC (Jose Dela Cruz), na-recover ang mga list na nasa standing order. Siyempre po ako na tumatayo bilang speaker ng 85th IB na nagpapatotoo kung ano ba talaga ang nasa likod ng CPP-NPA-NDF. Hindi na po lingid sa akin na ako ang nangunguna sa standing order ng NPA na kung saan sila Ka Migs po ang magtatrabaho,” said Segui. Miguela "Ka Migs" Peniero, was arrested together with Ka Rian (Rowena Dasig) last 12 July in Atimonan, Quezon. Segui said she doesn’t know them personally, and that it was battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Joel Jonson who showed her the recovered kill-list order. While she admits that she fears for her life and that of her husband, she said she too is well aware of the NPA threat. “Nung ipinakita sa akin, hindi na po ako nabigla. Ilan taon na po akong nag-surrender kaya alam ko na pong ganun ang mangyayari. Kapag nagbalik-loob ka sa gobyerno, sasabihin nila na isa kang taksil ng kilusan, traydor, walang utang na loob, ganun po ‘yung mga sinasabi sa amin,” she said. “’Kala ko ba para sila sa pagtatanggol ng mga mamamayang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan pero bakit ang dami naming former rebel na gusto lang naman makapagpanibagong buhay ang papatayin nila na nasa listahan nila?” she lamented. Despite all the threats, Segui once more appealed to all NPA remnants to surrender and return to the fold of the law. “Kaya lagi po naming panawagan na sumuko na ‘yong ibang mga natitira dahil nandito po kami. Buhay na patotoo po kami na hindi po kami nasaktan, hindi po kami tinorture. Kami po ay nagsasalita sa harap ninyo para ilabas ang mga naging karanasan namin,” Segui said. Meanwhile, Jonson assured Segui and all the others the military will be always mindful of their safety and security. “We always provide them security escorts every time they go out from the camp. We’ve to know their whereabouts to ensure they are safe and secured,” Jonson said. Inside the camp where the former rebels are temporarily staying, Jonson said they formed a small cooperative for them. “Nagtayo po kami ng FR Cooperative, sila na rin po ang nangangasiwa doon,” he said. “Continuous po ang ating mga gawaing pang-kabuhayan upang makatulong as part of our sustainable effort for the former rebels,” he added. The post Former ‘child warrior’ fears for her life over NPA ‘kill-list’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday officially took over the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focusing his leadership on five priorities aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity. Brawner, speaking at the Change of Command and retirement ceremony in honor of outgoing AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, laid down the priorities of his leadership. “As I take the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, allow me to articulate the five areas where I wish to focus our efforts — for these focus areas I would like to keep in line with the President’s call for national unity,” Brawner said. Using the acronym UNITY, Brawner said the AFP will focus on the areas of unification, normalization, internal security operations, territorial defense, and youth. Under unification, Brawner said the military will provide leverage to inter-agency coordination, links, and alliances to continue the whole-of-nation approach in addressing pressing security concerns. Under normalization, the AFP will give special attention to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. For internal security operations, Brawner said the military will focus on the total annihilation of the remaining local terrorist and communist terror groups in the country. “We have to sustain the dividends of peace by making sure there will be no resurgence of insurgency and terrorism in our country,” he added. On territorial defense, the AFP will heed the President’s pronouncement of “not giving an inch of Philippine territory,” Brawner said, adding that “the AFP will endeavor to modernize its personnel, equipment, facilities, processes, and systems so as to enable it to be a lethal and competent fighting force capable of defending our territory from external aggression.” Cyber warfare, he said, will be included on the military’s priority list in its modernization program, which is in its third phase or Horizon 3. For the youth, Brawner expressed his full support for the revival of the Reserve Officers Training Corps or ROTC, saying the military will push for the proper and relevant conduct of the program. “This will coincide with our efforts to develop our reserve force,” he added. “The AFP will do its share in developing our youth, the future leaders and citizens of our nation to be responsible and patriotic defenders of our national identity as a people and of our territorial integrity,” he said. BBM lauds new chief President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who graced the change of command rites, urged the AFP to continue working towards an agile and prepared force and to strengthen its external defense capabilities. In his speech, Marcos told the AFP to work with national government agencies and civilian stakeholders to form an archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos. “I have faith that under the supervision of General Brawner, the Armed Forces will continue to ensure the security of Filipinos and our country’s national sovereignty amidst the challenges ahead,” he said. “Together, let us protect the interests of our people and help them fulfill their goals for themselves, their families, their communities, and our nation,” he added. The President assured that his administration is “firm in reinforcing this noble pursuit of modernizing the AFP.” Centino awarded During the ceremony, the Department of National Defense presented Centino with the Legion of Honor Award with the rank of Chief Commander. Centino has been appointed by Marcos the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. In his speech, Marcos lauded Centino for his “exemplary service and resolute commitment” to the nation’s peace, order, and security. “Under your supervision, the AFP has made significant strides in reducing the presence and capabilities of communists and local terrorist groups,” the President said. “You have also strengthened our external defense capabilities and helped to promote archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos.” The President then urged Brawner to recalibrate the AFP’s internal security operations so that public services could be delivered to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. “I know that under your supervision, we will have a safer and more secure nation where more rebels will return to the fold of the law and decide to be productive citizens,” Marcos said. The DND lauded the appointment of Brawner as it expressed confidence he is an “excellent choice” to lead the country’s crucial internal and external security operations. “We are confident that Lt. Gen Brawner will continue to exemplify excellence, innovation, and professionalism as he leads the AFP,” it said in a statement on Friday. Brawner still heads Army Meanwhile, Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Army is expecting a movement in the leadership of the organization after its commanding general, Brawner, was named AFP chief of staff. He said Brawner will remain as concurrent Army Commanding General while awaiting Marcos’ next appointee. “In the absence of any orders, he is still considered the commanding general of the Philippine Army. You can perform two functions, wear two hats at the same time,” Trinidad said. @tribunephl_Lade @tribunephl_tiz The post ‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner officially takes over AFP helm focusing on 5 key areas
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday officially took over the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focusing his leadership on five priorities aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity. Brawner, speaking at the change of command and retirement ceremony in honor of outgoing AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, had laid down the priorities of his military leadership. “As I take the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, allow me to articulate the five areas where I wish to focus our efforts—for these focus areas, I would to keep in line with the president's call for national unity,” Brawner said. Using the acronym of unity, Brawner said the AFP will focus on the areas of unification, normalization, internal security operations, territorial defense, and youth. Under unification efforts, Brawner said the military will provide leverage on inter-agency coordination, links, and alliance to continue the whole of nation approach in addressing the pressing security concerns. The AFP will also give special attention to the normalization process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao particularly in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. In internal security operations, Brawner said the military will focus on the total annihilation of the remaining local terrorist groups and the communist terrorist group in the country. “We have to sustain the dividends of peace by making sure that there will be no resurgence of insurgency and terrorism in our country,” he added. The AFP will also heed Marcos’ earlier pronouncement of “not giving an inch of the Philippine territory,” he said, adding that “The AFP will endeavor to modernize its personnel, equipment, facilities, processes, and systems so that, so as to enable it to be a lethal and competent fighting force capable of defending our territory from external aggression.” Cyber warfare, he said, will also be included in the military’s priority lists of its modernization program—which is now on its third phase or Horizon 3. Expressing his full support for the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Brawner said the military will push for proper and relevant conduct of the ROTC's program. “This will also coincide with our efforts to develop our reserve force,” he added. “The AFP will do its share in developing our youth, the future leaders and citizens of our nation to be responsible and patriotic defenders of our national identity as a people and of our territorial integrity,” he added. During the ceremony, the DND awarded the Centino Legion of Honor with the rank of chief commander. PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the army is definitely expecting a movement of leadership in the organization but Brawner will remain as concurrent Army Commanding General while awaiting Marcos’ next appointee. “In the absence of any orders, he is still be considered the commanding general of the Philippine Army… You could perform two functions—wearing two hats at the same time,” Trinidad explained. Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense lauded the appointment of Brawner as the next AFP chief as it expressed confidence that the incoming AFP chief is an “excellent choice” to crucially lead the country’s continuing internal and external security operations. “We are confident that Lt. Gen Brawner will continue to exemplify excellence, innovation, and professionalism as he leads the AFP,” it said in a statement on Friday. The DND, likewise, wishes Centino in his new role as the presidential adviser on the West Philippine Sea. The post Brawner officially takes over AFP helm focusing on 5 key areas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM eyes Northern Samar to become insurgency-free by yearend
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed confidence that Northern Samar would be declared insurgency-free by the end of 2023 as he cited the accomplishments of the military personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed in the province. Marcos declared his optimism during his visit to Camp Sumoroy in Catarman, Northern Samar last 14 July—where he lauded the Philippine Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) for their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the province, leading to “successful” counterinsurgency operations. He likewise expressed hope that the troops would be relentless in dismantling the remaining communist rebel groups before the yearend. “I just received the briefing on the success rate of dismantling the fronts and that they are weakened. And I was also given a very encouraging deadline that we could say—that we will have dismantled all of the CTG (communist terrorist group) fronts by the end of the year and that is the result of your good work,” he said. "From the progress being made in Northern Samar, we are looking forward to declaring that province clear of CTGs by the end of the year." Marcos said he could not wait to visit Northern Samar again to declare that it is already free from all forms of insurgencies. “I am very, very impatient already to come back here and to be with you when we declare your area of operation clear of any CTG formations, any CTG groups. And that will be a big, big blow to the enemy forces because they have always felt that Northern Samar is a place that they feel safe in,” he added. The 803rd IBde has been instrumental in weakening the insurgents in the region, with the surrender of more than 6,200 of its sympathizers and personalities, and the dismantling of two guerilla fronts in Northern Samar. Despite the brigade’s accomplishments, Marcos reminded the soldiers to stay alert and vigilant over possible security threats. “You are still now in Northern Samar, on the front line. So, do not let your guard down. Continue to do what you have been doing because, as I said, it has been successful, it has been effective and we can see that from the weakening of the enemy forces,” he said. The President also urged the brigade to step up their counterinsurgency efforts and convince the rebels to instead return to the fold of the law. Marcos reassured that rebels who wish to reintegrate into society would get the government’s full support and assistance upon their surrendering. “So, that is the plan. This is how we are going to move forward but this is all founded. It is all based on the continuing good work that you put in every day,” Marcos said. The President also urged the troops to continue their close coordination with communities to ensure the further success of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign. “We have seen…. the increase in the firearms that have been neutralized and also the personalities that have been neutralized. Let us continue that trend,” Marcos said. Marcos also renewed his vow to provide the government troops with all the tools, equipment, and training that they need as part of the administration’s efforts to modernize the AFP not only for internal security operations but also for countering possible external threats. The post PBBM eyes Northern Samar to become insurgency-free by yearend appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Red fronts crushed by year’s end — BBM
Northern Samar, once a hotbed of the communist insurgency, will be declared insurgency-free by the end of 2023, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has boldly predicted. Thereafter, other rebel lairs throughout the country will be dismantled, he added. “I just received a briefing on the success rate of dismantling the fronts and that they are weakened. And I was also given a very encouraging deadline that we could say that we will have dismantled all of the CTG (communist terrorist group) fronts by the end of the year and that is the result of your good work,” the Chief Executive said. Marcos aired his optimism during a visit to Camp Sumoroy in Catarman, Northern Samar where he lauded the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade for their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the province, leading to “successful” counterinsurgency operations. “From the progress made in Northern Samar, we are looking forward to declaring the province clear of CTGs by the end of the year,” he said. Marcos said he could not wait to visit Northern Samar again to declare it insurgency-free. “I am very, very impatient already to come back here and to be with you when we declare your area of operation clear of any CTG formations, any CTG groups. And that will be a big, big blow to the enemy forces because they have always felt that Northern Samar is a place that they feel safe in,” he added. The 803rd IB has been instrumental in weakening the insurgents in the region, with the surrender of more than 6,200 of their sympathizers and personalities, and the dismantling of two guerrilla fronts in Northern Samar. Don’t let your guard down Despite the brigade’s accomplishments, Marcos reminded the soldiers to stay alert and observe vigilance over possible security threats. “You are still now in Northern Samar, on the front line. So, do not let your guard down. Continue to do what you have been doing because, as I said, it has been successful, it has been effective and we can see that from the weakening of the enemy forces,” he said. The President also urged the brigade to step up its counterinsurgency efforts and convince the rebels to return to the fold of the law. Marcos reassured rebels who wish to reintegrate into society they would have the government’s full support and assistance. “So, that is the plan. This is how we are going to move forward but this is all founded on, it is all based on the continuing good work that you put in every day,” he said. The President also urged the troops to continue their close coordination with the local communities to ensure the success of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign. “We have seen… the increase in the firearms that have been neutralized and also the personalities that have been neutralized. Let us continue that trend,” he said. He also renewed his vow to provide the troops with all the resources and training they need as part of the administration’s efforts to modernize the AFP. The post Red fronts crushed by year’s end — BBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»