AFP making significant headway in internal peace and security operations

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is making significant gains in its ongoing Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO) and Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) "Bayanihan."

This was disclosed during Friday's command conference conducted by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista with senior military leaders in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. 

During the meeting, the AFP disclosed that the New People's Army (NPA) miserably failed in achieving its goals bound on its "5-Year Central Plan," which was supposed to end in 2013. 

The rebels' unsuccessful plan of expanding their mass base support during the five-year period was shown by the fact that the AFP was able to normalize 16 more provinces last year from the NPA influence. 

This brought the latest overall success to 43 provinces, including Pampanga, out of the 64 NPA-affected provinces nationwide (56 percent of the total).

Also, a total of 824 NPA personalities were neutralized and 425 firearms were seized by the military in 2013.

Concerning the Rogue Moro National Liberation Front Elements (RMEs), the AFP was able to neutralize 502 RMEs, with 208 killed, 24 surrendered, and 270 captured/apprehended during the defense of Zamboanga last September. 

A total of 324 firearms were also recovered.

On the government side, the AFP suffered 197 casualties -- 20 killed in action and 177 wounded in action, while 195 hostages were safely rescued.

The RMEs do not represent the whole MNLF, which is supportive of the peace process in Mindanao, therefore the AFP is ensuring that the peace process is not hampered or disrupted by these rogue elements, the AFP chief said.

During the incident in Lahad Datu, Sabah last February 2013, Bautista said the AFP deployed ground, air and naval assets against armed followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram to prevent spillover and assist displaced persons.

Against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the AFP continued the conduct of its focused military operations to contain the threat in few areas. The AFP was able to effectively limit the BIFF's capability to sabotage or derail the ongoing GPH-MILF Peace Process.

The AFP chief added that efforts against spoilers of the peace process are being done in line with the AFP’s continued commitment to support the ongoing peace process between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"Currently, peace talks with the MILF are progressing well as we are in near realization of forging a final peace agreement with the group," he said.

Bautista added that the two parties have already signed three Annexes (Transition Modalities; Wealth Sharing; Power Sharing) while the last Annex on Normalization is still being negotiated.

Proving the success of supporting the peace process is the government’s gains from the Closure Agreement with the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA). 

Last year, the military was able to integrate 168 CPLA members in the AFP. In the process, 403 firearms were also turned over to the armed forces while the government’s livelihood assistance project "PAMANA" was launched in the Cordilleras.

One of the essential factors of the AFP’s success is the military’s continued adherence to Human Rights, the International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law. Alleged human rights violations went down by 88 percent, with only 11 cases in 2013 from 96 in 2010.

Among the significant humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations conducted by the AFP in coordination with other National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) member agencies were: the active HADR response as part of the "first responders" in the Zamboanga crisis, Bohol earthquake, and typhoon "Yolanda."

The AFP’s participation in the disaster relief operations in "Yolanda"-affected areas reached as high as 25,526 personnel who were directly involved in the HADR operations. 

In addition, all available strategic lift and mobility assets from the major services were utilized. AFP units were organized under the Central Command for HADR mission in coordination with the NDRRMC and foreign military contingents.

As this developed, the Civil Society Organization-led "Bantay Bayanihan" says the AFP is gaining ground and can potentially gain more ground if the IPSP "Bayanihan" is sustained. 

Further, the AFP has generally enhanced trust among peace and security stakeholders, especially in the provinces.

Perception of security in communities is notably enhanced when there is increased transparency; accountability; communication lines being opened; openness to cultural sensitivity; adherence and respect for human rights, international humanitarian law, rule of law; and multi-stakeholder engagement.

They also recognize that IPSP is planting seeds. Seeds do not grow to trees and bear fruit overnight. They have to be nurtured and sustained to flourish.

Despite the election period and the calamities and disasters that struck the country last year, the AFP was able to accomplish much.

For this year, the AFP is fully poised to vigorously conduct internal peace and security operations to meet the objectives of IPSP "Bayanihan."

“We must consolidate our gains and sustain our momentum. In the face of any challenge, the cohesiveness of the entire AFP will always be our best assurance,” Bautista said.

Article Source: PNA

Philippine Military to start second phase of IPSP ‘Bayanihan’

The second phase of the military’s internal peace and security plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” will start this year with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressing optimism that the target end of armed struggle will be met by 2016.

AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said that the 120,000-strong military will start its gradual transition to territorial defense and other mandated tasks this year as part of the second phase of IPSP “Bayanihan” from 2014 to 2016.

“We will complete our targets under ‘Bayanihan’ for the next three years…second half, we will sustain the gains and hopefully before 2016…there will be no more violence, no more conflict, no more armed struggle,” Bautista said.

“2014, we will start the transition…we will initiate already (the transition), gradual transition, handing over to the appropriate agencies of government the peace and security and preparing for our other mandates like territorial defense, even addressing climate change,” he added.

The AFP chief said that the gradual transition is anchored on the modernization program of the AFP.
The IPS “Bayanihan” was launched in 2011 and aimed at rendering the insurgency problem in the country to insignificant level by 2016.

According to Bautista, the military has gained so much against the insurgents during the initial phase of “Bayanihan.” Many provinces previously influenced by communist insurgents were declared areas ready for development after ridding them with the rebels.

“We will sustain the ‘Bayanihan.’ It’s more of an appeal to our people to end all internal conflict because there are more pressing concerns, urgent concerns that we need to address,” said Bautista.

The AFP chief cited the devastation brought about by super typhoon “Yolanda” last November where the military served as first responder during the calamity. He also mentioned the ongoing dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

“We are witness to ‘Yoalnda,’ climate change, we are witness to our problems in the West Philippine Sea and many more which call for us as people to be cohesive, to be focused on problems that we face as a people,” Bautista said.

“So, it is imperative for us to join hands in finally ending internal conflict. We are now in modern times, insurgencies are for Jurassic era,” he added.

Bautista said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) should now realize that the Filipinos do not want armed struggle.

“I hope they see the writing on the wall that the Filipino people desires peace, prosperity that all of us will enjoy,” he said.

Article Source: The Daily Tribune

DND, AFP officials tackle internal, territorial security threats

CEBU CITY, Philippines  – Top guns of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assembled here on Friday for a closed-door conference to tackle the country’s internal and territorial security threats.

The mounting tension in the country’s territorial waters in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) was foremost in the agenda.

Dubbed as Commanders’ Forum and Midyear Assessment held in the tightly guarded MIP Lounge of Mactan International Airport, the daylong conference hosted by the AFP’s Central Command was presided by AFP chief of staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa.

Only the three major service commanders, unified commanders and the AFP Joint Staff were allowed to attend.

The conference with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin as guest speaker was aimed at setting parameters on international security operations.

“The AFP aims to lay down a yardstick on its internal security operations in line with the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan,” AFP spokesman Col. Marcelo Burgos Jr. said.

Burgos said that wide-ranging topics were discussed, including an update on the country’s territorial defense as well as the AFP ongoing capability upgrade program.

Administrative matters such as the continuing adherence to reform initiatives in AFP procurement, resource allocation and management, peacekeeping operations and information technology systems to enhance campaign execution and directives dissemination, were also taken up.

Burgos said Dellosa stressed the importance of addressing the internal armed threats soonest in lieu of the security developments in the West Philippine Sea.

The STAR, however, learned that Western Command (Wescom) chief Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban discussed before his peers and other top defense and military leaders the prevailing security situation in the West Philippine Sea brought about by the aggressive behavior of China in laying its claim of the entire South China Sea as an integral part of its maritime domain.

Aside from territorial and internal security, topics also tackled were the military’s capabilities in humanitarian assistance and disaster response considering the country’s geo-hazard risks and vulnerability to man-made and natural calamities.

Gazmin informed military commanders that his department is doing its priority upgrade programs to address many security challenges that the country is facing.

“At the end of the conference, the participants came to a consensual agreement on the appropriate directives and plans for successful implementation of new and refined policies vital in resolving all pressing security issues,” Burgos said.

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Jaime Laude | The Philippine Star | July 22, 2012 | Article Link

Philippine military men no longer warriors?

MANILA, Philippines - Much of the military’s time that was supposed to be used for combat training are being diverted to roles of civilian agencies that could not perform their tasks, a magazine of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said.

An article of the magazine “The Air Force Way” released over the weekend said the military’s role has expanded partly because of the inability of many civilian agencies to perform their mandate.

The article said the military is performing the functions of these agencies even if support to civilian bodies is just secondary to the core function of war fighting.

“In reality, much of the time and activities that should have been devoted to combat training and preparation are being used to fulfill these (civilian agencies’ roles) tasks,” the magazine article read.

“One needs only to read AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) anniversary programs or yearly reports to see this trend,” it added.

The “Air Force Way” magazine was published to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the PAF. Copies of the magazine were distributed by the PAF to journalists last Friday.

The AFP is performing civilian tasks like medical missions, school construction and clean-up projects due to its internal security plan “Bayanihan” which took effect in 2011.

The PAF article said critical combat capabilities “have been lost or transformed into capabilities that are oriented towards supporting civilians and not soldiers.”

“Such diversion of missions and capabilities had given rise to a situation wherein people in the military no longer considered themselves as warriors,” the article read.

“Instead, they perceived themselves as policemen, relief workers, educators, builders, health care providers, politicians – everything but war fighters,” it added.

The article noted that the AFP does not have a combat engineering capability but has several civil engineering brigades.

The magazine article also noted the seeming lack of interest in military theory and history within the AFP.

It claimed that there is scarcity of studies on these subjects even in AFP General Staff Courses.

“Yet ironically, foreign armed forces have seen more value in Philippine military history by thoroughly studying it than, with rare exceptions, their Filipino counterparts,” the PAF article read.

The magazine article said the military seems to have no inclination to develop a program to systematically collate, organize, and analyze its records.

It noted that majority of AFP officers have preference for courses like business or public administration despite the fact that civilian institutions have already offered courses in military-related subjects.

The PAF article said the AFP should address the issue of military professionalism “by returning to its traditional or war fighting roots.”

“After all, the ultimate test of (a) military professional is whether he or she can prevail in war over an adversary. These could be one and would reflect in training, indoctrination and the education of the personnel,” it read.

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Alexis Romero | The Philippine Star | July 9, 2012 | Article Link

Military losing sight of its primary role—to fight and win wars

The military’s role is to win wars against the enemy, not to support civilians and government agencies.

So claimed an article in the latest issue of “The Air Force Way 2012,” the official magazine of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), that came out in time for its 65th anniversary last week.

The article, which did not carry a byline, argued that the country’s military has lost sight of its primary mission “to fight and win wars” due to its expanded role in supporting civilian government agencies.

Filipino soldiers have lost their critical combat capabilities since their time has been diverted to civic functions supporting civilians and not soldiers, the article pointed out.

“Such diversion of missions and capabilities had given rise to a situation wherein people in the military no longer consider themselves as warriors but as policemen, relief workers, educators, builders, health care providers, politicians, everything but warfighters,” read the article titled “Militum Phasellus” (no translation found).

The article criticized the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) focus on civic projects that was cemented in its new Bayanihan counter-insurgency campaign under the Aquino administration.

The PAF article argued that a professional soldier’s “expertise is on warfighting (and) his responsibility is as an expert military adviser and a soldier to his society…his corporate character is that of a warrior.”

Instead, the writer said, soldiers are made to do nonsecurity related tasks like medical missions, school construction and community clean-up “partly because of the inability of many civilian agencies to perform their mandate.”

While support to civilian agencies should only be secondary to the military’s core function of warfighting, the article said that “in reality much of the time and activities that should have been devoted to combat training and preparation are being used to fulfill (civilian) tasks.”

The PAF article also assailed the lack of interest in the study of military theory and history as “another sign that military professionalism is eroding.”

It added that (military theory and history) are hardly taught as subjects in military educational institutions, not even in the courses taught to the AFP officer corps as part of their continuing studies.

“Ironically, foreign armed forces have seen more value in Philippine military history by thoroughly studying it than… their Filipino counterparts,” the PAF article said.

The article said the AFP officer corps needed to show “high levels of proficiency in performing its core mission” in the face of serious external and internal defense and military challenges.

“Does it have… morale courage to advise political leaders that there are limits to what the armed forces can do, and that expanding their roles runs the danger of diverting them from their primary mission and focus?” the article asked.

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Dona Z. Pazzibugan | Philippine Daily Inquirer | July 10, 2012 | Article Link

NPA shoots PDT Soldier at the back then robs; PDTs facilitate tenurial rights

Negros Occidental—The shooting incident on Tuesday against a soldier of the Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion’s (47IB) Peace and Development Team (PDT) transpired will all four initial gunshots fired at the back then a last frontal shot made after the soldier has already fallen on the ground as revealed by witnesses here.

Personal belongings contained in the bag of Pfc John P Ilisan of 47IB's Bravo Company was also taken after being shot to death by his attackers at Sitio Camboguiot,  Brgy Camindangan, Silay City.

“This does not reflect of a revolutionary anymore. This is no different from what hardened criminals do. They have no regards on the safety of the people; they killed, they looted, and abused the right of Pfc Ilisan and other people in Cambogiout. On their way out they pointed their guns to the people they met”, said Ltc Rodrigo Sosmeña, Commander of the Army’s 47IB.

Locals want PDT’s to remain

"Gusto tani namon diri nalang gid mag permanente ang army sa amon para mabuligan man kami sa amon mga problema sa duta(If possible, we wanted the Army to remain here permanently so that they can help us in our need to solve land issues)", a local said in Ilonggo dilalect.

“When i attended the pulong-pulong (dialogue) in Sitio Cambugiot this afternoon, I learned from the people how they admired the PDT roaming around the Sitios of barangay Camindangan and Manlukahok in Sipalay City”, Sosmeña said on Wednesday.

Soldiers Facilitating Tenurial Rights

According to Sosmeña, said PDT was already able to facilitate the awarding of 8 Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) in Sitio Calagmakan of Barangay Camindangan and the processing for  issuance of 104 tenurial instruments for farmer-recipients of Barangay Camindangan which are already on the pipeline (in the Registry of Deeds) pending payment of taxes.

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 Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers | June 20, 2012 | Article Link

Unarmed Army Peace and Development Team member killed

Sipalay City, Negros Oriental-A soldier from a Peace and Development Team (PDT) of the 47th Infantry Battalion (47IB) was killed by individuals believed to be members of the New People's Army (NPA) 8a.m. here.

Pfc John P Ilisan of 47IB's Bravo Company was shot to death by his attackers at Sitio Camboguiot,  Brgy Camindangan, of said city.Accordingly, Ilisan was with a fellow soldier to buy food stuffs early on a market day in said sitio for the PDT's consumption.

Bravo Company, 47IB is currently on pursuit operations.

"Our deepest sympathy goes with the family and love ones of Pfc Ilisan. What he fought for peace and development in Negros will surely be continued", said Col Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

"He is the epitome of a PDT operator. Unarmed at that time who lived with the people he served", added Lactao.

"He was there to help the farmers of barangays Camindangan and Manlukahok, Sipalay city on their land ownership and tenurial concerns by serving as conduit between the farmers and the right government agencies", said Ltc Rodrigo Sosmeṅa, 47IB Commander.

"The killing of Pfc Ilisan who is doing community peace and development works is not only an attack to the unit but to the farmers and the peace loving people of Sipalay city. This is a plain display of desperation on the part of the NPA who cannot accept that they are already alienated from the farmers' support", added Sosmeṅa.

"Nevertheless, we will continue our commitment to the farmers to help them and free them from the deceit and manipulation of the NPA", said Sosmeṅa.

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Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers  | June 18, 2012 | Article Link

AFP admits planning lapses in first year of Bayanihan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has admitted that several operational lapses it committed last year have overshadowed significant gains achieved, especially in Mindanao, during the first year of implementation of the military’s internal peace and security plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.

In its assessment of IPSP Bayanihan, the AFP leadership cited the operational blunders in 2011, like the attacks by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao del Norte, in Al Barka, Basilan, in Sulu and in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“The AFP is a big organization, and mistakes still happen. While significant gains were achieved by AFP troops in Mindanao, it is unfortunate that such gains were overshadowed by lapses in joint planning of combat operations resulting in blunders like (the attacks in) Taganito Mining in Surigao del Norte; Patikul, Sulu; Al-Barka, Basilan and in Zamboanga Sibugay,” the AFP stated in its assessment paper.

It will be recalled that last October, some 200 NPA rebels raided three mining compounds in Barangay Taganito in Claver, Surigao del Norte, burning P2- billion worth of mining equipment.

This was followed by the Oct. 18 bungled operation in Al-Barka, Basilan that led to the killing of 19 Special Forces personnel, including four junior officers, who were sent to serve warrants of arrest against Dan Laksaw Asnawi, commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Abu Sayyaf leader Long Malat.

Days later, at least eight police and military troops were killed during separate ambushes staged by MILF rebels in Alicia town, Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Three months earlier, seven Marines were killed in a clash with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu.

The military, however, claimed that it made headway in its campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and cited arrangements with the MILF, particularly the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, aimed at preventing hostilities.

The AFP acknowledged that operational lapses were among the challenges faced by the military during the first year of implementation of the IPSP Bayanihan, which was officially launched in January 2011. It was designed to defeat insurgency by 2016.

The AFP also admitted the need to improve its civil military operations and other humanitarian activities, in coordination with other government agencies, to continue making headway in its fight to end insurgency and armed conflict in the country.

The military called on the government peace panel negotiating peace with the communist organization, and the civilian sector to exert “social pressure” to bring the National Democratic Front (NDF) back to the negotiating table. It also pushed for the resumption and sustenance of the social integration program (SIP) to entice rebels to give up fight against government.

“The suspension of the SIP has brought negative consequences in terms of convincing more rebels to return to the folds of the law,” the AFP said. 

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Mario J. Mallari | The Daily Tribune | June 3, 2012 | Article Link

Army chief: militias dismantled by 2016 as AFP shifts to external security

MANILA, Philippines - Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista sees the dismantling of all paramilitary forces in the country by 2016 as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) transitions from internal to external security.

Bautista, in a forum at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on Wednesday, said they see the dismantling of about 60,000 paramilitary forces within the end of the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan, the AFP's program to "win the peace" through combat and non-combat initiatives.

Paramilitary forces consist of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and the Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (SCAA).

Bautista, replying to queries on the alleged human rights violations committed by paramilitary forces, admitted that these auxiliary forces lacked the same kind of discipline as regular military troops. But paramilitary forces were borne out of "exigencies" and budgetary constraints in the organization, he explained.

"In the future, as we downsize the AFP, first to go are the CAFGUs," Bautista said. Speaking to reporters after the forum, Bautista said he sees the dismantling of these forces "as security condition permits" and improves, adding that one premise if if the "CPP-NPA,NDF abandons the armed struggle."

In the forum, Bautista acknowledged that the AFP should focus on external rather than internal defense. The job of internal defense, he said, should be mainly in the hands of local government units and the Philippine National Police.

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Abigail Kwok | InterAksyon.com | May 30, 2012 | Article Link

AFP to Discuss IPSP 1st Year Assessment with Watchdog

CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its commitment to further increase its multi-stakeholder engagement will present the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan’s first year assessment in a two-day conference to be held at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) in Quezon City, May 30-31, 2012.

The AFP through the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, OJ3 will support this activity which will be managed and hosted by the ADMU Department of Political Science – Working Group on Security Sector Reform (SSR). Dubbed as “Addressing Armed Conflicts through Collaborative Efforts: Focus on the IPSP Bayanihan,” the activity is aimed at assessing how the different security stakeholders appreciate the IPSP Bayanihan. It hopes to bring together local and national government units as well as civil society groups to look into the efforts of the military.

The two-day event also aims to discuss the successful interventions, challenges, spaces of engagements, and remaining things to be done to finally convince the armed groups to abandon their violent means to institute change.

Top military and security officials are expected to attend as resource persons and speakers. The Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND), Voltaire Gazmin will discuss about locating the IPSP in the Defense Tranformation; National Security Adviser, Sec. Cesar Garcia will discuss about Locating the IPSP in the National Security Plan; Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Sec. Teresita Deles will talk about the Relevance of the IPSP in the Peace Process; Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jesse Robredo will talk about the Role of the AFP in the Local Government’s Security Plan; and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Dir. Gen. Nicanor Bartolome will discuss about the Law Enforcement and Internal Security Operations.

LtGen. Emmanuel Bautista, Commanding General of the Philippine Army is also invited to present an overview of the IPSP Bayanihan while MGen. Romeo Calizo, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, AFP is tasked to state the IPSP First Year Assessment.

The managing head of the conference, Jennifer Santiago Oreta of the ADMU Department of Political Science – Working Group on SSR also led the so called AFP’s IPSP Watchdog, named “Bantay Bayanihan.” Conceptualized in September 2011, the creation of Bantay Bayanihan or “BB” started with the initiative of the civil society organization which served as an engagement of civil society and the AFP. It could either serve as an alternative or complementary forum with respect to the Peace and Order Councils and Regional Development Councils.

The BB is envisioned to be a dialogue space that brings together civil society organization, the academe, civilian government units whose services have direct bearing on conflict formation and peace building, and the AFP. It highlights issues and concerns regarding peace and conflict dynamics in localities. 

Specifically, it aims to help create a positive atmosphere for the on-going peace talks; create a “dialogue space” for security stakeholders to begin the discussion on the security sector reform and development, both in the local and national levels; and serve as venue where critical security and development issues are raised into open public debate and to the attention of policy makers. 

With high hopes for the success of this civilian-led forum/dialogue space, BB has already started its ground working and was formally launched last 29 November 2011.

“This activity implies another opportunity for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to put into practice its whole-of-nation and multi-stakeholder approach of winning the peace as embodied in the IPSP Bayanihan. With the concerted efforts of the civil society organizations, the academe, and civilian government units to monitor and assist us in implementing the IPSP, we will be guided and therefore we will be better and more efficient implementers of the people-centered principles of Bayanihan,” Gen. Dellosa said.

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 PAO | Armed Forces of the Philippines | May 27, 2012 | Article Link

No red tagging, harassment of Benedictine nun: Army

THE Philippine Army in Davao Oriental denied Tuesday accusations hurled against them by environmentalist groups that they harassed and tagged a Benedictine nun as member of the New People's Army (NPA).

The soldiers brought with them some barangay leaders to back up their denial.

In the Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police (AFP/PNP) press conference at Task Force Davao (TFD) headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Leopoldo Imbang, commander of the Army's 28th Infantry Battalion, described the accusation as "just intrigues and all lies" to mislead the people who have supported the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) of the government.

"In my experience as battalion commander and former junior officer, such deceptions, lies, intrigues, and propaganda have been always there. It never changes. It is obvious naman that these groups are just sowing intrigues, mas mabuti sana na alamin muna natin ang katotohanan before we jump into conclusions," Imbang said.

He said government troops are actually grateful and supportive on the advocacy of Sr. Stella Matutina for environment protection, and that none of them accused her as member of the communist group.

First Lieutenant Hermie V. Montelibano, Civil Military Office (CMO) chief of the 28th IB, said he vehemently denied the same accusations, adding he never said a word against the nun.

He said the issue started when the barangay officials invited the 28th IB in an assembly to discuss Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) of the Army in the area. 

"Along the discussion with the barangay officials, nihangyo si sister na muistorya siya, so we gave her the floor to speak. But we were surprised because what she wanted is to remove the troops in the area," Montelibano said.

"The barangay officials answered them back and told them that there was a resolution for us to remain and continue our PDOP in the area. After she talked in front of us, I even thanked her for their advocacy. I didn't say anything against them," Montelibano said.

Three barangay officials from Lupon in Davao Oriental echoed the same sentiment with the soldiers. 

Emelita Gastardo, barangay councilman of San Isidro in Lupon, said they never heard any Army official in the area accusing Sr. Matutina as NPA member.

"We are there. We know the agenda of the barangay officials with the 28th IB, and I can assure that Sir Montelibano and Sir Lingat did not say anything against them. It was Sis. Matutina and the groups, who insisted that issue," village chief Arlene Luzon, of Lantawan in Lupon, said.

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SunStar.Com.Ph | May 8, 2012 | Article Link

Task Force Davao ordered: Strengthen drive vs terror

THE Philippine Army (PA) chief ordered Tuesday Task Force Davao (TFD) to strengthen its campaign against anti-terrorist and continue the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan in its area of responsibility.

Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista, PA chief, issued the order anew to TFD personnel and other Army troops in entire Davao Region to maintain the security and stability in the area.

Bautista, during Monday's "Give Us This Day" program of the Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's Kingdom of Jesus Christ, said he believes that through the IPSP Bayanihan, which focuses on the welfare of the people, the country will be able to attain peace step-by-step.

He said the campaign is a nationwide approach that needs everybody's cooperation.

"We at the Armed Forces strive to protect the Filipinos, that is why we are committed to adhere to the Human Rights International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law. The intent really is to win the peace rather than fighting," Bautista said.

He also reminded his troops on the moral transformation of the Army, which is part of the IPSP Oplan Bayanihan, for them to fully implement the internal security and peace plan.

Bautista said the soldiers have to be credible and effective, that they have to prove to the people that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are professional forces and well dedicated to serve the public.

"We've been getting a lot of criticisms every now and then, and we need to change all of these. We need to improve the image of the AFP, and therefore we need to transform," Bautista said, as he also appealed to the public to support the AFP.

Colonel Marcos Norman Flores, chief of the Task Force Davao, in response to Bautista's order vowed to strengthen their campaign against anti-terrorism and double their efforts in implementing IPSP. 

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Ivy C. Tejano | SunStar.Com.Ph | April 26, 2012 | Article Link

WESCOM, Lingkod Timog Fdn team up for free medical services to indigents of Simpocan

ISABELA CITY, Basilan — The Lingkod Timog Foundation teams up with the Western Command (WESCOM) and various organizations that recently provided free medical services to some 1,500 indigent patients of Simpocan in Palawan.

The 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP said that the medical and dental mission was made successful with the support of Puerto Princesa City Health Office and the Barangay health workers and volunteers from several non-government organizations that include Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and the Jaycees Foundation.

This undertaking is part of the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan”, wherein all stakeholders are participating in winning the peace through hand-in-hand voluntary services.

Residents and some of the Tagbanua tribes of the barangay were given free basic medical and dental services such as blood pressure check-up, blood smearing and tooth extraction wherein majority could barely afford.

The medical team also offered free circumcision to little boys who felt man enough to go through what is considered a rite of passage in Filipino culture.

More than 1,500 residents benefitted from the said medical and dental mission.

Barangay Chairman Boy Macasaet expressed his gratitude for choosing his barangay as the venue.

During the said activity, the 6th Civil Relations Group conducted film-viewing to the residents, while waiting to be examined by the doctors, to emphasize what the AFP is doing right now to help the Filipinos in “winning the peace”.

WESCOM Commander LtGen Juancho M Sabban AFP said, “with the new IPSP already in effect, the AFP will be implementing more civil-military operations such as the medical mission conducted in Barangay Simpocan in this city. The new IPSP of the AFP, called “Bayanihan,” is heavy on community service-oriented and development-centered programs and projects. It will be in effect until 2016.”

“Through the “Bayanihan,” the armed forces will become not just the protector of the people, but a strong partner in development as well,” the WESCOM Chief added.

Other units and organizations that participated are as follows: Naval Forces West (NFW) of the Navy; 570th Composite Tactical Wing (570th CTW) of the Air Force; Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 and 12 (MBLT-4&12); Camp General Artemio Ricarte Station Hospital and the 1308th Dental Dispensary.

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Rene V. Carbayas | ZamboTimes.Com | Monday, March 5. 2012 | Article Link

AFP Adopts POL Austerity Measures

CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City – In view of the increase in current world oil prices, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) will exercise prudence and adopt austerity measures in the utilization of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) products.

The AFP Chief, LtGen Jessie D. Dellosa through the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4 has recently issued a directive to all Commanders of AFP Major Services, Unified Commands, General Headquarters and AFP Wide Service Support Units (AFPWSSUs) to observe strict measures in the consumption of POL as it is one of the critical items of supply in the AFP. This is also to minimize its impact in the accomplishment of the organization’s mission.

By order of the AFP Chief of Staff, all units and offices must strictly observe the following procedures: priority of POL issuance shall be in the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan; Non-essential movement of vehicles shall be avoided; and Units and offices must observe the “carpool” scheme to save on fuel requirements and expenses.

Furthermore, periodic preventive maintenance schedule of all vehicles shall be strictly observed to ensure its roadworthiness; and whenever possible, all units and offices must avoid or minimize the use of POL high consuming vehicles.

But even before this directive, the AFP has been doing conservation measures in the utilization of POL. Units and offices of the AFP have been submitting a monthly oil consumption report to make sure POL transactions are transparent and monitored. The implementation of “no decal, no POL issuance policy is also being practiced as well as the use of Coconut Methyl Esther (CME) blended-diesel fuel. There is also a measure which excludes vehicles prohibited to travel based on MMDA coding scheme from issuance of POL.

“There’s no denying of the continuous increase of oil price in the global perspective, so for AFP’s part, I have directed all personnel, units and offices to strictly adhere to the austerity measures rooted out from the utilization and usage of POL. This is our way of expressing our oneness with the nation in doing all possible means in saving and conserving our resources,” Dellosa said.

“We assure that this will not affect the performance of our major responsibilities and mission. Our operational and administrative activities anchored with the implementation of the IPSP Bayanihan’s principles will continue,” Dellosa added.

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Written by PAO, AFP

Created on Tuesday, 28 February 2012 11:30

Published on Tuesday, 28 February 2012 11:30

Armed Forces of the Philippines

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