2 I VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4 2020 DEFENSE CHRONICLE DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4 2020 I 3 BRP JOSE RIZAL (FF150) PARTICIPATES IN The quest continues… RIMPAC EXERCISE 2020

Editor-in-Chief Miriam G. Albao

Managing Editor Anthon A. Cayaco rises mean opportunities for those who always await to tip the Associate Editor Noriza S. Atienza balance of power to their favor. The dynamics of power can drastically change in times of crises. More often than not there News Editor Eva B. Delos Santos Chappens a scramble for resources, control and ultimately, power.

Layout Artist Themis N. Escalada Prudence dictates that states be more on guard in times of global crises. But to be on the lookout for opportunities and what Media Relations Photos: Prime S. Berunia can be best for the nation is wisdom. While there is a need to strike a balance between being cautious and navigating fiercely through the he Philippine Navy’s (PN) brand new and first missile- In his statement, Capt. Garrido noted that, “[the] Finance winds of change, things happen really fast and the need to act on time capable frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) participated in Nelson L. Gallarde RIMPAC20 will provide resources and environment that can be great. A crisis of great magnitude behooves us in the defense the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2020 held permits international participants like the Philippine Navy Contributors Tin Hawaii on 17-31 August 2020. to achieve their individual and collective training objectives.” and security to strongly brace ourselves as we face the challenges while Public Affairs Service Shane Krista Yumikura also making the most of the opportunities at hand. Patricia Ann C. Lo Ten countries with 22 ships, one submarine and “RIMPAC20 is a great avenue for our Navy to train Alexandra Michaela T. Nicha So while we are one with the nation and the world in working approximately 5,300 personnel took part in this years participating commanders, staff and forces in planning and exercise. The participating nations for this year’s RIMPAC execution of combined naval operations. It will likewise Photographer to beat the pandemic, the quest to further strengthen the country’s Pinky Rose A. Fernandez are Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, provide an opportunity for officers and crew of FF150 to defense system continues to gain ground. And opportunities to its , Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United work in conjunction as a team since most of them have Support Service furtherance are always very much welcome. SSg Anthony B. Cadiz States. undergone separate, individual trainings” he added. Shella D. Sonogan Jasper Abueg RIMPAC20 is led by the United States Pacific Fleet FF150 arrived in the designated RIMPAC exercise and is considered as the world’s premier and largest joint area to form part the Task Group (TG) along with other Public Affairs Offices of and combined naval exercise that covers the entire spectrum Office of Civil Defense participating naval ships. Philippine Veterans Affairs Office of naval operations ranging from disaster response and Armed Forces of the Philippines, maritime security operations to sea control and complex war Unique for this year’s exercise, RIMPAC20 had to be , Philippine Navy/ , fighting. executed purely at sea to ensure the safety of all participating military forces amid the ongoing pandemic. In a published opening remarks recorded by the U.S. 3rd Fleet and RIMPAC commander, Vice Adm. Scott Public Affairs Service (PAS) Department of National Defense Conn, he said, “RIMPAC presents a unique opportunity to PAS Building, Natividad Avenue strengthen relationships and build trust. The work we will do Camp General , Quezon City 1110 here will make us more capable and adaptive – ready to meet Tel: (+632) 982-5679 any challenge – be it a threat to international commerce and Fax: (+632) 911-7113 prosperity, or a natural disaster that requires a response from Email: [email protected] the sea.”

The event was virtually graced by all the component commanders and senior representatives of participating nations including the Philippine Navy’s Naval Task Group

A CREDIBLE DEFENSE ORGANIZATION, (NTG) 80.5 contingent represented by the commanding A RELIABLE PARTNER IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND A STRATEGIC PLAYER IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION officer of BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and concurrent contingent commander, Capt. Jerry Garrido Jr. 4 I VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4 2020 DEFENSE CHRONICLE DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4 2020 I 5

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The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) harmonizes all efforts of the government to implement a peace framework centered on national development and good governance. Furthermore, with the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program implemented through Task Force Balik-Loob, as well as the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, thousands of former rebels have returned to society. They have rejoined their families and received housing, and livelihood and cash assistance.

The country has also formulated the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in the Philippines, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. In addition, Secretary Lorenzana noted SND HIGHLIGHTS GAINS IN SECURITY, JUSTICE up additional detachments in strategic locations,” the passage of the Organic Law creating Secretary Lorenzana said, noting the Philippines’ the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim AND PEACE IN PRE-SONA FORUM enhanced the surveillance, enforcement, security, and , deemed as the government’s most successful development capabilities in the West Philippine Sea. peace initiative of the government. peaking at the “Tatak ng Pagbabago 2020: The Secretary Lorenzana vemphasized that defending The rule of law continues to be strengthened With the passage of Republic Act No. 11479, Pre-SONA Forum” as Chair of the Security, national sovereignty and protecting territorial integrity in the country as exemplified by the campaign against also known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, security Justice, and Peace Cluster (SJPC) of President is a paramount priority of the administration, citing the crime and illegal drugs. Secretary Lorenzana cited the forces will be capacitated to proactively prevent and SRodrigo Duterte’s cabinet, Defense Secretary Delfin N. President’s bilateral and multilateral engagements with overall national crime incidence that has decreased in defeat terrorism. “Titiyakin namin na ang bisa ng batas Lorenzana cited accomplishments in the government’s other countries. The SJPC Chair also highlighted the the first six months of 2020 by 51%. na ito ay itutuon lamang sa mga teroristang gustong implementation of its package of programs and policies country’s efforts, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, maghasik ng lagim at karahasan sa ating mamamayan on ensuring national security and public order as well as in building and cooperative mechanisms amongst claimant Reforms in the Department of Justice have led at pamayanan. hindi namin pahihintulutang magamit in the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. countries in the South China Sea, which significantly to the institutionalization of efficient and impartial ito para hadlangan o yurakan ang mga karapatang lowered tension and greatly helped in managing issues in justice system in the country. ”Bumilis ang pagresolba pantao sa ating lipunan,” Secretary Lorenzana said. The Pre-SONA Forum, streamed live on various the contested area. ng kaso sa piskalya at ang pagsasampa ng mga ito sa online platforms on 22 July 2020, also featured the korte. Dahil sa pinalakas na prosekusyon, nabawasan He also said that the massive efforts that are Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang mga kasong nadi-dismiss at dumami ang nalilitis at being undertaken by the government in the fight against Risk Reduction Cluster (CCAMDRRC) chaired by improved its identification, detection and interdiction nahahatulan,” Secretary Lorenzana reported. the COVID-19 pandemic are integrated, streamlined Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy efforts through our air defense surveillance radars, the and decentralized by the “National Task Force on Cimatu. conduct of wider air and maritime patrols, and setting The welfare of overseas continues to COVID-19” through its National Action Plan. be a priority of the government. The DFA opened six The Duterte administration, through the more embassies and consulates in various parts of the “Anchored on the test, treat and trace Department of the Interior and Local Government globe to ensure wider and faster delivery of services to management system, we focus on prevention, detection, (DILG), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Filipinos abroad. isolation, treatment, reintegration, and eventual Department of National Defense (DND), Department adaption to the ‘new normal,” he added. of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Presidential Adviser on To quell insurgency and achieve lasting peace, the Peace Process (OPAPP), and the National Security the government continues to address communist Council (NSC), has ramped up its efforts to maintain insurgency and violent extremism through peace and order, and dispense justice to enable secure comprehensive, whole-of-government programs, and equitable lives for Filipinos here and abroad. which aim to prevent terrorism as well as bring back former rebels to the folds of the law.

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NEW LEADERSHIP IN AFP TO BUILD ON GAINS ACQUISITION OF AIR SURVEILLANCE RADAR SYSTEM FROM JAPAN Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, accompanied by Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel Raymundo DV Elefante and ational Defense Secretary against external and internal threats and build on the PAF Commanding General, LtGen Allen T Paredes AFP, signed the contract for PAF’s Air Surveillance Radar System Acquisition Project presided over the Change of Command and gains of the past leadership. at the Department of National Defense on August 14, 2020. Retirement ceremony of General Felimon NSantos Jr who relinquished his post as Chief of Staff He called on the men and women of the Armed of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Lt. Forces to continue to uphold the trust of the Filipino amp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City | This cooperation signifies Japan’s first time to export Gen. at the AFP Commissioned Officers people and enjoined our countrymen to continue to 14 August 2020 – Defense Secretary Delfin N. Japanese-made defense equipment under a restructured Country on 3 August 2020. fight with the AFP in the war against terrorism and the Lorenzana has signed the Contract Agreement government policy, permitting sales of defense equipment, Cand Notice to Proceed for the Horizon 2 Air Surveillance as long as it is deemed for the promotion of international pandemic General Santos Jr’s assumed as the AFP Chief Radar System (ASRS) Acquisition Project of the Philippine peace. This is also the first defense equipment and technology in January 2020 and has served in the military for over Lt. Gen. Gapay is a member of Philippine Air Force, under a negotiated government-to-government cooperation project between the two countries in realization 38 years. Military Academy Class of 1986. He led the 23rd Light procurement with Japan. of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic Armor Company and the 52nd Mechanized Infantry of the Philippines and the Government of Japan concerning He ably led the AFP amidst the numerous Company in Central Mindanao during the all-out war The project, which has an Approved Budget the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology signed challenges during his term as Chief of Staff. Among against a Muslim secessionist group in the year 2000. for Contract of PHP 5,500,000,000.00, was awarded to in 2016. which is the AFP’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) with a total in the country even while sustaining its efforts in He later served as Commander of 2nd contract price of $103,500,000.00. The recommended ASRS sites will cover large areas internal security operations against communist and Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Joint Task Force Haribon, of the Philippine Rise, Southern Areas of the country, and local terrorist groups. the Mechanized Infantry Division, and the Southern the Southern portion of the West Philippine Sea. Operations Command before becoming the army chief. from these strategically vital locations will enable the His successor, Lt. Gen. Gapay who was the Philippine Air Force to provide optimal airspace monitoring, Commanding General of the Philippine Army prior aircraft control, perform its Air Defense mission and to his promotion, said that the AFP will continue to CA gives nod on Gapay’s promotion and enhance the security in Areas of Interest identified by the uphold its mandate to protect and secure our country DND. Specifically, the ASRS will help to detect, identify, and appointment as AFPCS correlate any threats and intrusions within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and deliver radar images to The Commission on Appointments (CA) Photo taken during an inspection decision-makers and relevant operating units. approved the nomination of Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay as of a Japan Self Defense Force site in Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff on July 2018 in Tokyo, Japan with the The ASRS package includes three (3) fixed long- 2 September 2020. PAF Technical Working Group for the Air Surveillance Radar System range Air Surveillance Radars, each with building facilities (Horizon 2) Acquisition Project. and one (1) mobile Air Surveillance Radar, and are expected The CA also approved the promotion of Gapay to be delivered to the Philippines starting 2022. to general and the ad interim appointment of 29 other AFP officers to various ranks. 10 I VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4 2020 DEFENSE CHRONICLE DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4 2020 I 11

Photo Credits: OACPA, Philippine Army; PAO, Armed Forces of the Philippines