DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 I 1 2 I VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 DEFENSE CHRONICLE 2 I VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 DEFENSE CHRONICLE

Defense chiefs of Indonesia, Malaysia and the meet in Extension of trilateral cooperation seen

he defense ministers of maritime command centers (MCCs) domain, in addition to maritime and Indonesia, Malaysia, and in Tarakan, Tawau, and Tawi-Tawi, air domains. Tthe Philippines gathered which play an important role in in Manila for a trilateral meeting on coordinating trilateral patrols and The trilateral meeting September 14 , 2018 at the Department facilitating information sharing. As follows the brief meeting among the of National Defense (DND), to continue a move forward, the ministers also three Ministers on the sidelines of the discussions on the Trilateral Cooperative expressed openness to deploying Arrangement (TCA) as well as trilateral in Singapore. The defense ministers counter-terrorism cooperation. year. ofShangri-La Indonesia Dialogue and Malaysia on June arrived 2, 2018 in liaison officers to the MCCs by next Manila on September 12, 2018. The Philippine Secretary of Against the background following day, the Defense Minister of of a growing threat of terrorism in Malaysia and the Chief of Education and Malaysian and Indonesian Southeast Asia, the defense ministers and Training Agency of the Ministry defenseNational Defenseministers Delfin Mohamad Lorenzana bin underscored the importance of Defense of Indonesia visited further strengthening the ground forces of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the current efforts towards the recovery TCASabu to andaddress Ryamizard issues of Ryacudumutual Philippines, other than sustaining ofCity Marawi and receivedas well as aon briefing the role onof concernemphasized amidst the a significancecomplex maritime of the the trilateral intelligence exchanges the Armed Forces of the Philippines environment in the sub-region. on terrorism. In line with this, the (AFP) in the rehabilitation efforts. Relatedly, the three defense ministers defense ministers agreed to explore the extension of the trilateral connectivity among all the three cooperation to include the land agreed to prioritize enhancing the E D

DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 I 3 R IAL ITO

Editor-in-Chief Miriam G. Albao

News Editor Eva B. Delos Santos

Artist Jasmin Michelle L. Añana

Media Relations Prime S. Berunia

Finance Nelson L. Gallarde

Contributors Public Diplomacy Section, Embassy of the Philippines, Washington D.C. Office of the Assistant Secretary for BETWEEN FRIENDS Assesments and International Affairs (OASAIA, DND), Giorla A. Negre, Public Affairs Service, DND Featured in this issue of the Filipino World War II Veterans based Photographers Defense Chronicle are highlights in the Philippines received their long- Renato P. Alba SSg Saudi S Yusop PAF of some of the friendships that the awaited recognition from the US SSg Avelino A Velasco Jr PA country has made – past, present, and government just this September 2018. Pinky A. Fernandez possibly way into the future – and how So after seven decades of waiting it is these would matter today and beyond. such a historic event when they were Support Service One of which is that with awarded the Congressional Gold Medal SSg Anthony B Cadiz the . Defense Secretary at the US Embassy in Manila. The CGM Sgt Isidro R Areja is the highest civilian honor conferred Sgt Celso P Castromayor Cpl Danilo G Laguitan by the United States Congress Shella D. Sonogan theDelfin Philippines’ Lorenzana defense visited chief.Pentagon He was for for an individual’s distinguished Lyn Tropa the first time, halfway into his term as achievements and contributions for Public Affairs Offices of Mattis with a full honor cordon at the the US. Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine UShosted Department by US Secretary of Defense. of Defense A bilateral Jim The trilateral relations among Army, /Philippine Marine meeting between their respective the defense ministers of Indonesia, Corps, delegations was held and discussed Malaysia, and the Philippines is also one were defense and security matters of of the main features of this issue as the mutual interest. defense chiefs gathered in Manila for Public Affairs Service (PAS) Evident during the visit is the a meeting to continue discussions on Department of National Defense enduring history of close engagements the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement PAS Building, Natividad Avenue Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, between the two nations. (TCA) as well as trilateral counter- Quezon City 1110 Another example of this terrorism cooperation. The DND is Tel: (+632) 982-5679 long history of engagement is how looking forward to more of this meetings Fax: (+632) 911-7113 Email: [email protected] Filipino soldiers fought together with with Malaysian and Indonesian defense American troops during World War ministers Mohamad bin Sabu and II. Some of these Filipino soldiers had been given due recognition and accomplishments of ongoing efforts as

A CREDIBLE DEFENSE ORGANIZATION, wellRyamizard as address Ryacudu other toissues build of onmutual the A RELIABLE PARTNER IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND A STRATEGIC PLAYER IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION from the US government. But some concern. received benefits for their service

4 I VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 DEFENSE CHRONICLE

assistance if necessary. He also commended the courage and

liberating Marawi. sacrifice of Filipino troops in “Once again, the United States was proud to support you and we will always be proud to stand with the Filipino people to support our shared vision of a safe, secure, prosperous, and free Indo

said. Pacific region,” Secretary Mattis On 19 September, Secretary

State Michael Pompeo and both Lorenzana met US Secretary of commitment to the Mutual Defenseofficials reaffirmedTreaty of their1951. mutualTheir conversation also touched on the Secretary Lorenzana and the situation in the South China underscores strong Sea.denuclearization Secretary Pompeo of North expressed Korea PH-US Alliance on condolences for the devastation caused by Typhoon Ompong and 1st official visit to Washington offered US assistance in extending disaster relief. Secretary Pompeo also committed to support the ASHINGTON, “Most in our defense D.C. – Philippine establishments agree that the efforts. WSecretary of Philippines-US alliance remains Philippines’ defense modernization robust based on an enduring While in Washington, reiterated the Philippines’ history of close engagement and commitmentNational Defense to Delfinthe Philippines- Lorenzana our unwavering commitment to with Republican Senators Cory work together on shared values,” GardnerSecretary of Lorenzana Colorado also and engaged Dan visit in the US capital as defense Sullivan of Alaska in separate secretaryUS alliance on during 18-20 his firstSeptember official counterpart during the meeting at meetings. The Secretary exchanged 2018. theSecretary Pentagon. Lorenzana told his US sympathies with the legislators for the victims of Hurricane Florence On 18 September, Secretary The meeting’s wide- in the United States and Typhoon ranging discussion tackled bilateral Ompong in the Philippines. cooperation on counterterrorism, Senator Gardner, Chairman of the withLorenzana a full honor was cordon hosted at bythe US maritime security and humanitarian Senate Subcommittee on East DepartmentSecretary of Defenseof Defense, James N.followed Mattis assistance and disaster relief, as well by a bilateral meeting between Cybersecurity Policy, and Senator their respective delegations. The Armed Forces of the Philippines. Sullivan,Asia, the a Pacific,prominent and member International of the as the defense modernization of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Secretary Mattis expressed both highlighted the importance two defense officials last met on the solidarity with the Philippines of the Philippines-US alliance in sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in the wake of Typhoon Ompong maintaining regional peace and in Singapore in June 2018. (international name: Mangkhut) and pledged readiness to extend stability in the Indo Pacific. DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 I 5

“He was also able to was also able to meet with clearly communicate the priorities members Secretary of Washington’s Lorenzana of the Duterte Administration. business and think tank The Department of Foreign communities at round table- Affairs under the leadership of lunch meetings hosted by the Secretary US-Philippines Society and and the Philippine Embassy will the Center for Strategic and be certain to build on this visit’s International Studies. positive results,” Ambassador

Philippine Ambassador RomualdezThe added. other members of accompanied the Secretary in the the Philippine delegation include latter’sto the US engagements. Jose Manuel Romualdez DND Assistant Secretary for Assessment and International Affairs (ASAIA) Teodoro Cirilo assured US leaders that while Torralba III; Deputy Chief of “Secretary Lorenzana Mission Patrick Chuasoto, other defense partnerships andthe Philippines is exploring has revitalizednew ones Guloy, Philippine Defense and with non-traditional partners ArmedPhilippine Forces Embassy; Attaché, COL. Philippine Marlo in line with its independent US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo discuss PH-US bilateral cooperationPhilippine Secretary in Washington of National D.C. on Defense 19 September Delfin Lorenzana 2018. and foreign policy, this does Ms. Faysaleyyah Abdullah, Senior not, in any way affect the Embassy; BGEN Pablo Lorenzo; longstanding alliance between the Philippines and the United Defense Research Officer, ASAIA; States,” said Ambassador MAJ. Geralfredo Andal (PA); and CDR Jason Manaligod (PN).

Romualdez. Meanwhile, Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White, in a readout provided to the press on the meeting of the two defense officials, released the information that Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Philippine Secretary of National Defense, Delfin Lorenzana at the Pentagon to reaffirm the longstanding defense relationship between the United States and the Philippines. According to her, the leaders discussed a broad range of defense issues, to include their commitment to fighting terrorism and reaffirmed U.S. military advisory support to assist the Philippines in combatting ISIS and other violent extremist networks. It was also mentioned in the readout that Secretary Mattis thanked Secretary Lorenzana for his country’s contribution to maritime security through its trilateral air and maritime patrols with Indonesia and Malaysia in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. I VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 6 I VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 DEFENSE CHRONICLE DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 I 7 Balik Loob, Balik Pamilya, Balik Pamahalaan

27,CAPITOL 2018 – BUILDING,Acting on President NABUNTURAN, ’sCOMPOSTELA call to VALLEY, work together SEPTEMBER for lasting peace, the provincial government of Compostela Valley in , in

welcomed back sixty-four (64) former collaboration with Task Force Balik Loob, Former rebels (FRs) flash the peace sign with DILG Region XI Director Alex Roldan, Compostela rebels (FRs) to the fold of the law and Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, MPA, Task Force Balik Loob Chairman Usec. Reynaldo B. provided them with immediate and Mapagu, Vice-Governor Manuel E. Zamora, DILG Provincial Director for Compostela Valley, Noel C. Duarte, MSPM, EASTMINCOM Commander LTGEN Benjamin Madrigal Jr AFP, 10ID Commander MGEN Noel S Clement AFP, Deputy Chief J7 MGEN Rene Glen Paje, PNP XI Deputy Regional Director remuneration under the Enhanced PPSupt Eden T Ugale, and other AFP officials during the turn-over ceremony of assistance under livelihood assistance, as well as firearms the E-CLIP to 64 FRs in Compostela Valley on September 27, 2018.

Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

—CAMP Following MELCHOR President F DELA Rodrigo CRUZ, Duterte’s UPI, directiveGAMU, ISABELA, during SEPTEMBERhis visit here 24, 2018last September 18 to fast-track grants of land,

NDF rebels, ten former rebels (FRs) were assistance, and benefits to former CPP-NPA-

Agrarianable to receive Reform their (DAR). Certificates On September of Land Allocation (CLA) from the Department of ceremony facilitated by Regional Agrarian Directors21, eight FRsfrom also Region received II, theirthe CordilleraCLAs in a

Administrative Region, and Kalinga. “Ka Elias” Esteban and “Ka Herbert” Bautista receive Certificates of Land Allocation (CLA) today as part of benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) from TANAUAN, BATANGAS, AUGUST 14, 2018 CastricionesTask Force Balik-Loob . (TFBL) Chairperson Reynaldo B. Mapagu, Defense Undersecretary for Civil, – A total of 13 former rebels from the Veterans and Retiree Affairs and Ms. Lucille M. Busog from DAR Isabela, representing Sec. John R. Province of Batangas were welcomed back to the fold of the law through the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive

the Ceremonial Oath-taking and Turn-over Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) during Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog (PAST).of Firearms held at the Satellite Office of the

Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana witnesses the oath-taking of former rebels (FRs) administered by Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Eduardo M. Año in Tanauan, presentBatangas at on the August event. 14, 2018. Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog Jose Maria Nicomedes F. Hernandez, Southern Luzon Command Chief Lt.Gen. Danilo Pamonag and other officials were also IHL Day 2018: Undersecretary for Defense Policy 8 I VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 Ricardo David Jr. delivers DEFENSEhis welcome CHRONICLE remarks during the International Humanitarian Law Day 2018 in Camp Aguinaldo on August 16, 2018. With him onstage were Office of the President Executive Director and Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, Usec Severo S. Catura, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for StratCom Ernesto C Abella, AFP Chief of Staff Gen Carlito G Galvez Jr and International Committee of the Red Cross Deputy Head Delegation Mr. Boris Kelecevicwas.

DND, ICRC culminate IHL month celebration with workshop for government and civil society sector workers

he Department of National Panahon ng Digmaan, Sama-sama Nating Defense (DND), together Pagtulungan”, the workshop was aimed Twith the International at increasing the participants’ awareness Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), on the relevance and practicalities of conducted a two-day workshop for various government agencies and civil humanitarian interventions. IHL in One relation of toits armedpurposes conflicts was andto to 19, 2018. enhance the capacity and knowledge society organizationsThe event was from the September last among 18 of government and civil society sector the series of activities that the Ad Hoc Committee on International “By signifying your willingness workers on the principles of IHL. workshop and by being here today, you Humanitarian Law (IHL) prepared for the areto participatedemonstrating in thisyour two-dayinterest and IHL celebration of IHL month. Anchored on the theme, “Kaligtasan ng Mamamayan sa DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 I 9

commitment to be advocates of Rights, Presidential Human treaties and to secure their full Rights Committee, Department of anduniversal extensive ratification implementation of all related Education, Philippine Coast Guard, IHL,” Undersecretary for Defense Department of Foreign Affairs, the participants during the in both national and local Policy Ricardo A. David, Jr. told Balay Rehabilitation Center, opening at the Tejeros Hall of the levels, through the adoption of Incorporated, Department of relevant legislation and other Social and Welfare Development, (AFPCOC) in Camp Aguinaldo, administrative and practical AFP Commissioned Officers Club among others, were also invited measures. We also have to ensure to the workshop where they Undersecretary David said that all information and updates thatQuezon although City. the concept of the implementation. workshop may not be new to some disseminated to our Armed shared their best practices in IHL who have been in humanitarian Forcesrelated and to humanitarian IHL are properlyworkers work for years, there is a need who are usually in the frontlines for re-education on this law on This year is the 19th national celebration of IHL Day / the protection of persons hors de mandateof conflicts.” related “For tothe international DND’s part, combat—thosearmed conflict, who particularly are wounded on Month in the Philippines. securityrest assured and that peace as we fulfillprocess, our The Department of National or ill and those who are innocent or through the AFP, we likewise Defense (DND) - AFP led the continue to uphold and adhere 2018 IHL Celebration with the such as civilians, especially women to the principle of human rights, participation of other agencies have no participation in conflicts and children. international humanitarian law, and organizations such as For his part, Col. Gerry and rule of law in the performance the Department of Foreign Pulohanan, Chief of the AFP Affairs, Department of Social of all assigned tasks,” Colonel Welfare and Development, Pulohanan added. The workshop Philippine Red Cross and the during the closing ceremony, “The was attended by civilian and International Committee of Human Rights Office, emphasized military personnel of the DND the Red Cross among others. and its bureaus. Representatives weIHL remindsshould work us that towards in order the to from the Commission on Human prevent violations of IHL norms,

IHL Run 2018: Another part of of the month-long IHL Month Celebration is the IHL Run 2018 held on August 17, 2018 in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 10 I VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 DEFENSE CHRONICLE

Filipino WWII Veterans receive US Congressional Gold Medal Award

fter more than seven decades, call of the US government to serve in the United Filipino World War II Veterans States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). A Today, they are in their 90s and most are already received their long-awaited recognition from the sick or bed-ridden. The oldest among the United States governmentbased in the through Philippines the awarding finally awardees is 100-year-old TSGT Sixto A Navidad of the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) on who served as part of the naval defense against September 13, 2018 at the US Embassy in Manila. The CGM is the highest civilian honor conferred Colonel Paterno V Villoria, who served by the United States Congress for an individual’s the Japanese until the surrender in Bataan. distinguished achievements and contributions Military Area in the 1940’s, delivered a speech in for the US. responsethe Luzon to Guerillatheir recognition Army Forces, on behalf Nueva of all Ecija the awardees. In a report from PVAO Public Affairs US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung

recipients. He was assisted by Defense Secretary Office, Col. Villoria was quoted saying that Yong Kim presented the awards to the first 13 the Congressional Gold Medal represents not only the bravery and heroism of most who fought CarolinaDelfin N. AFP Lorenzana (RET). and Philippine Veterans “ during the war, but more importantly, Affairs Office Administrator, LtGen. Ernesto G. recognizing their sacrifices and The 13 initial CMG awardees served in dedicated service to preserve freedom different military areas during the war, notably, not only for our country, but for the rest of humanity.” young and inexperienced, they responded to the Central Luzon, Cebu and Negros. Despite being

Recipients of the US Congressional Gold Medal with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Yong Kim, Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina AFP (RET). DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUMEVOLUME 2 ISSUE2 ISSUE 3 20182 2018 I 11I 11

Defense Secretary Lorenzana delivers his testimony during the US Congressional Gold Medal Awards Ceremony.

and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetRep) headed by Gen. Tony Taguba also D.C., wasIn 2016,part ofSecretary the Filipino Lorenzana Veterans who wasRecognition then the lobbied for the enactment of the law. (FilVetRep)Head of the Officegroup of that Veterans strongly Affairs lobbied (OVA) for in theWashington passage of the conferment of the US CGM to Filipino World War Under Section 3 of the law, Filipino Veterans of II Veterans. The prestigious US CGM award is bestowed by the US Congress collectively for all 260,000 Filipino war veterans. In his testimonial, he highlighted the 26,World 1941, War and II is ending defined on as: December 1.) Any individual 31, 1946; who 2.) served In an active-dutyhonorably atstatus any timeunder during the thecommand period beginningof the United July alliance between the US and the Philippine governments, States Armed Forces in the Far East; and 3.) (a) Within andsignificance conveyed of his the appreciation recognition forof Filipinothe mass veterans recognition in the of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Philippine Filipino war veterans who rendered honorable and loyal units, the New Philippine Scouts, the First Filipino also expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed InfantryScouts, the Regiment, Philippine the Constabulary, Second Filipino Recognized Infantry BattalionGuerrilla tomilitary this 70-year service aspiration. for the Philippine and American flags. He (Separate), or the First Reconnaissance Battalion or (b) commanding or serving in a unit described in the former The breakthrough recognition was granted when President Barrack Obama signed the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) Act on as a United States military officer or enlisted soldier. December 16, 2016. Philippine Consulates General and Filipino communities in the United States, the National Veterans The of WWII. FILVETREP Eligibility Committee examines Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and confirms applications for eligibility of Filipino

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assists Col. Paterno V. Villoria, PhD as he receives his US Congressional Gold Medal awarded by US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Yong Kim while PVAO Administrator Ernesto Carolina applauds. 12 I VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2018 DEFENSE CHRONICLE