Subic bay news vol 13 no 44 20.00Php

Tapas Bar and Restaurant 2nd Floor Subic Gas Bldg 724, Dewey Avenue, Subic Bay Freeport Zone PRC Ship Leaves Subic For Humanitarian Mission To Catanduanes

SBMA cites service, excellence in 28th anniversary M/V PRC AMAZING GRACE, the Philippines’ first and only humanitarian vessel, powers its way out of homeport Subic Bay this afternoon to deliver much needed relief and assistance to the survivors of typhoon Rolly in Catanduanes province. rites; Subic SubicBayNews photo by Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr. M/V PRC AMAZING GRACE, the man and CEO Senator Richard J. Gordon. It also carries a minivan and a volunteers Philippines’ first and only humanitari- M/V PRC Amazing Grace “is Willy Jeep “as additional vehicles for bet- an vessel left its homeport in Subic Bay bringing non-food items… including ter delivery of service and assistance,” honored for this afternoon to deliver much needed hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, Gordon added. relief and assistance to the survivors of mosquito nets, 10-liter and 20-liter jer- Based on PRC’s experience, Gor- typhoon Rolly in Catanduanes province. ry cans, galvanized iron (GI) sheets for don said, delivering goods by land and ‘showing the The Catanduanes mission is roofing, and kitchen sets,” Gordon said air immediately after disasters has many the “first humanitarian deployment” of during the send-off ceremony at the times proven difficult, thus, the decision the 195-foot Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Subic Dock, inside the Subic Bay Free- to acquire a ship. (VVV) way forward’ owned vessel, according to PRC Chair- port Zone. SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Service and ex- cellence on the job took center stage here as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) honored volunteers, employees and stakeholders during the agency’s sim- ple 28th founding anniversary ceremony last Tuesday. In his speech at the Volunteers Park here during the Nov. 24 anniversary celebration, SBMA Senior Deputy Admin- istrator for Operations Marcelino Sanqui paid tribute to the more than 8,000 work- ers who served without pay in the early days of Subic and also recognized those who worked in the Freeport thereafter. Sanqui spoke on behalf of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who was not at the event but had issued her “anniversary salute” earlier. Eisma thanked volunteers “for showing the way forward”, SBMA employees “for service beyond self”, and Subic stakehold- ers “for keeping faith even in these trying times.” Sanqui, who was among the pio- (from left to right) SBMA law enforcement officers place a wreath at the Volunteers Park to honor the 8,000 volunteers; SBMA neer SBMA volunteers like Eisma, said the Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Marcelino Sanqui recalls his volunteer days with the Subic agency ;during the being a volunteer “entailed sacrifices, but 28th SBMA anniversary celebration at the Subic Volunteers Park on Tuesday. SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon O. also provided unexpected heart-warming Agregado (left) gives a copy of the Covid-19 Workplace Handbook to PCSPC CEO David Attewill during the 28th SBMA anni- see, SBMA 28th Anniversary, page 03 versary celebration on Tuesday. U.S. National Security Advisor Reaffirms Alliance, Announces Military Assistance and Typhoon Relief during Philippines Visit Manila —U.S. National Security Advi- sor (NSA) Robert C. O’Brien met with Executive Secretary Salvador Medial- dea, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Te- odoro Locsin Jr., Secretary of Finance Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez, National Security Advisor Hermogenes Esperon, Undersecretary for the Department of National Defense (DND) Cardozo Luna and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff Rear Admi- ral Erick Kagaoan in Manila on Novem- ber 23. NSA O’Brien visited the Phil- ippines to affirm the strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance and the depth of the broader bilateral relationship. While in Manila, he announced the de- livery of new U.S. military assistance in support of the Philippines’ emergency counterterrorism needs. He also an- Left: U.S. National Security Advisor (NSA) O’Brien, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Locsin, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Law and Philippine mil- itary officers touch elbows in solidarity. Right: NSA O’Brien and Sec. Locsin inspect military equipment handed over to the Armed see, U.S. NAt’l Security Advisor, page 04 Forces of the Philippines. Subic Bay News www.subicbaynews.com 02 OCNHS-TLE/HE, coping Gifting local this Christmas with the “NEW NORMAL” IBP Statement with Kultura The prolonged school closures this year caused unprece- dented challenges to teachers and students. In the midst of this raging pandemic, teachers and learners wrestle with the demand of the “new normal”. Do Justice Olongapo City National High School (OCNHS) – TLE/ HE Department is no exemption. Being it known focused for the acquisition of practical skills, has more significant- ly affected by the limitations and protocols to mitigate the without Delay spread of COVID-19. Hence, remote learning is truly chal- lenging for all involved in the teaching-learning process for obvious reasons. In response, one effective way to enhance The Integrated Bar of the Philippines wel- engagement, retention and completion of a module isby comes the filing of criminal charges against the sus- This holiday season, give getting more visual such as talking head or the webcam -re pects in the slaying of Atty. Eric Jay Magcamit of Pala- family and friends all things cording, screen casting and the DEDICT Method of Teaching wan. uniquely Filipino with curated Gifts from the sea and the for- and artisanal pieces from Kul- ests: lustrous pearls, elegant (Demonstrate, Explain, Demonstrate, Imitate, Coach, Test). IBP leaders at the national and provincial lev- tura. Visit www.kulturafilipi- Against all odds, TLE Department is officially starting to hone els and his brother- lawyers have been quietly in touch no.com and send love to your minaudiere with a gold spun another batch of Student-Trainees for this year’s Technical family and friends here and floral clasp, and a wooden Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) Well- with his bereaved family and have coordinated with abroad as Kultura now ships watch box. ness Massage Training Program (S.Y. 2020-2021). intelligence, law enforcement, investigation, and pros- worldwide. Pursuant to the mandate of TLE K to 12, that is, to ecution agencies under our Lawyer Security Program. Celebrate provide 21st century skills development and progress among Within a week, the suspected killers and their cohorts Cebu’s rich Filipino learners, the OCNHS TLE Department strengthens culture the skills of students built on adequate mastery. This curric- were identified, arrested, and charged. We appreci- with world- ulum prepares the students to achieve higher education and ate and commend the swift action and all those who class dried ensures the productivity, quality and global competitiveness helped bring the suspected murderers before the bar mangoes, of the learner’s middle level skills for future work opportuni- of justice. We are working for similar results in the woven bags ties. more recent killing of Atty. Joey Luis Wee in Cebu City. with whim- In March of this year (before the COVID outbreak), Beyond the consistent condemnation and justi- sical de- the very first batch of Junior students was sent for TESDA fied outrage, we must act resolutely on lawyer-killings signs bags NCII Assess- and mother ment for Well- because violence against judges, prosecutors, lawyers of pearl and ness Massage and our fellow-workers in the justice sector mocks and capiz décor. Therapy in erodes the rule of law. For if those who administer jus- Missing your family trips to the City Best Freeport tice are themselves killed with impunity, how can the of Pines? Bring those memories back College, one ordinary citizen believe in due process or feel safe and with these beautiful wooden pieces, of the TESDA secure? hand carved by talented local artisans Assessment of Baguio. Centers under There are other lawyer-killings that remain un- Assessor Irene solved by law enforcers or unresolved in the courts of P. Flores (aka law. We share the fear and frustrations of many about Sir Cham). The the brazen violence, continuing criminality and appall- assessment ing impunity in our country. Justice is distant and de- process seeks layed for too many victims. Since lawyers administer to determine the justice system and occupy key positions in govern- ment, we must humbly recognize our individual and collective responsibility and shortcomings so that we may courageously do JUSTICE WITHOUT DELAY. Let us promptly finish the long-pending cases, pass the much-needed remedial laws and rules, enforce the law fairly and without favor. Accountability and “justice bi- lis” are long-term and sustainable solutions to our na- tion’s dilemma. Finds from Baguio: Cordillera T’boli Brass home accents, Ikat inspired tapestry, acacia wood pieces and chocolates made As Filipino lawyers do their sworn duty, we seek cups and plates, and a colorful of world’s famous Cacao cele- the vigilance, cooperation, and involvement of all sec- souvenir pouch. brate the best of Davao’s cul- tors. Justice, and ultimately peace, are everyone’s busi- ture and cuisine. ness. ATTY. DOMINGO EGON Q. CAYOSA National President and Chairman 24th Board of Governors Integrated Bar of the Philippines whether the student- assesses can perform to the standards expected in the workplace based on the defined competen- NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC cies. Certification is provided to those who meets the com- petency standards. Notice is hereby given to the public that an Under the training and guidance of Sir Jovert Miran- EX- da and Ma’am Jocelyn Jantoc, the ten (10) students boned TRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DE- Philippine Eagle designed tote up and made it on first attempt for TESDA NCII Certification, CEASED WITH WAIVER for the following motorcy- and pouch from Davao. namely: Pina silk clutch bag and scarf, Aerian Pearl C. Arpilleda, Pamela Joyce C. Samson, Grace cle and tricycle with franchise : A. HONDA wth plate Missing timeless South Sea pearls and C. Bernardino, Mark Jerome C. Medina, Nicole M. Toledo, number XD 2347, zone color green, Body No. 2516 and Puerto decorative etched wood carv- Jobelle S. Yepes, Franzyne A. Baula, Mary Jhoyce A. Litana, Princesa, ings from Palawan. Mary Ann de Vera, and Pauline Astorga. CR No. 203961133 B. Kawasaki 2019 MTC type, plate El Nido All the Best to the Second Batch! (Written/Photo: number XD2347 CR Number 38856369-6 was made and and the JOVERT MIRANDA) executed by the heirs of the late pristine PAZ NORMA P. PALO- beauty of MO who died intestate on January 15, 2020 in Olonga- Palawan? po City as per Doc no 62 Page No. 14, Book No.XXXIV Take home these rus- Series of 2020 in the notarial registry of Atty. Edwin C. tic wood- Torres en carv- ings and All interested parties, creditors,and persons elegant having money claims against the decedent are hereby pina silk required to file their claims with the court appointed ex- scarves. ecutor of their estate. 3 Kultura Filipino’s online shop is now live and is now shipping worldwide. Visit www. kulturafilipino.com for uniquely Filipino holiday gift ideas. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Bring the heritage, artistry, and taste of the differ- ent regions of the Philippines to family and friends with gifts from the heart from Kultura. Notice is hereby given to the public that an At a time when most of us are relatively home- AFFIDAVIT OF SELF - ADJUCATION compris- bound, these curated and artisanal gifts take you on a ing Philippine National Bank (PNB) SA Acct. No virtual road trip to your favorite cities in the Philippines which you hope to visit during better times. Send these to Branch: 1677 Rizal Ave., West Tapinac,Olongapo City 205810022822 , was made and executed by the only your loved ones abroad who long to be home for Christ- surviving heir of the late LERESA ROMUALDO AN- mas, to friends who wish to add a homespun touch to TONIO who died intestate on 07 October 2020 with their home office, or to foreign business associates who want to know more about our country. residence at Luna St., Brgy. Farañal, San Felipe There are woven wonders and handcrafted woodworks Zambales as per Doc. 266 Page No. 55 Book No from beautiful Baguio . . . exquisite South Sea pearls, hand- 1 Series of 2020 in the notarial registry of Atty. Jar- woven pina silk bags and scarves, and decorative etched wood carvings that highlight pristine beauty of Palawan. . . ene Eurice C. Cambaliza. gifts from the sea from Cebu, the Queen City of the South. All interested parties, creditors,and persons . . and T’boli brass accessories, Ikat designed pieces, and having money claims against the decedent are world-class chocolates from Davao. Now shipping worldwide - check out www.kulturafilipino. hereby required to file their claims with the court ap- com for all things uniquely Filipino holiday gifts and have pointed executor of their estate. 1 it delivered here and abroad conveniently. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AUCTION SALE Notice is hereby given to the public that an Notice is hereby given that NORMAS EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE PAWNSHOP (w/ Branch) owned by Elena M. Nor- WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, was made and kus located at 22 National Hi way, Bo. Barretto, executed by the sole heirs of the deceased Cecilia Olongapo City with Tel. No. 224-1847 will sell all expired pledges and unredeemed articles on De- Villanueva Sunglao and Macario Cruz Sunglao, 2 Sr. who died on November 2, 1995 and Decem- cember 22, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. ber 18, 1986 respectively at Olongapo City as per Doc. No.154 Page No. 32 Book No LX Series of AUCTION SALE 8C Fontaine Ext., East Tapinac, Olongapo City 2020 in the notarial registry of Atty. Federico T. Ma- TEL. 251- 3104 CELL: 0917 503-8350 / 0928 503-8350 cabangun. Notice is hereby given that ADEL’S PAWNSHOP All interested parties, creditors,and persons owned by Adelita M. Ballares located at No. 1950 Rizal 0932 879-8350 / 0917 879-8350 having money claims against the decedent are email: [email protected] Ave., East Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City with Tel. No. hereby required to file their claims with the court ap- 223-2656 will sell all expired pledges and unredeemed 1 2 www.subicbaynews.com pointed executor of their estate. articles on December 22, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Subic Bay News www.subicbaynews.com 03

AROUND CENTRAL LUZON Central Luzon TB cases reach 66,000 CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, -- Isang Libong Buhay virtual event co-or- Tuberculosis (TB) cases in Central Luzon ganized by USAID’s TB Platforms Project Help turn Clark into eco hub, reached about 66,000 from January to and DOH in partnership with Philippine September this year. Information Agency. Department of Health (DOH) Re- She reported that most of those who are Arroyo tells gov’t, biz locators gional TB Program Coordinator Geliza infected are males aged 25 and above. Recede disclosed that from this figure, “There are instances they got 38,337 or 58 percent are notified cases the bacteria when they were young but OATHTAKING. Former president and while 27,663 or 42 percent are missing it will stay inactive until they get older. House of Representatives Speaker Glo- cases. Others are infected because they are ex- ria Macapagal-Arroyo (left) takes her “We have so many missing cases posed to those with TB. If not prevented, oath of office as the newly appointed that we have to look for. We have to find, they could become drug resistant,” Re- Presidential Adviser on Clark Flagship treat, and cure them,” she said during cede warned. (PIA 3) Programs and Projects before Baran- the Isang Libong Aklat, Isang Libong Bata, gay Captain Joseph Mahusay of Pan- sol, Quezon City on Thursday (Nov. 26, 2020). In her appointment letter dated USAID underscores Pinoy children's November 24, Arroyo is set to be com- pensated PHP1 per annum. (Contribut- health in eliminating tuberculosis ed photo) It said with Arroyo’s able guidance and economic expertise, Clark would be able to complete legacy projects that would benefit not only Central Luzon but the entire country as well. The Bases Conversion and Develop- ment Authority (BCDA) likewise welcomed Arroyo’s appointment. “Her wisdom and gravitas will be in- valuable in making the vision of Clark as the next premier metropolis of Asia a reality," CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – Former the BCDA said in its statement. president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo, has been appointed as Presidential Advis- who chairs the Metro Clark Advisory Council, er on Clark Flagship Programs and Projects, said “her (Arroyo’s) kabalens are extremely has asked the government, business mov- happy knowing that her wisdom and com- ers, and shakers to turn Clark into Asia's passion would complement the vision of economic hub. Clark and its neighboring local government “Let us join hands with government units.” and business movers and shakers to turn Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Clark into Asia’s economic powerhouse in Jr. said Arroyo would further develop the po- the 2020s,” Arroyo said in a statement on tential of the Clark Freeport Zone as a major Friday. growth corridor in Southeast Asia. She said rapid harnessing of the Lazatin credited Arroyo for the- de Virtual handover ceremony of the “Tibay ng Dibdib” storybook to daycare center Clark-Subic service logistics corridor for jobs velopment of the growth corridor in Central workers in Dinalupihan, Bataan. (Camille Anne S. Bartolome/PIA 3) and investment is indispensable to national Luzon comprising the international airport recovery. of the Clark Freeport Zone and the deep-sea CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, -- well-being,” she furthered. port of Subic Freeport Zone. United States Agency for International "If we don’t get children’s health Arroyo said she was grateful to Development (USAID) stressed the pri- right we will never have a healthy adult President Rodrigo Duterte for his trust. “One of the lingering legacies of Ar- oritization of Filipino children's health population in the Philippines,” Calnan “This is an immense undertaking royo was the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway as a leap towards eliminating tubercu- added. that was one of my priority thrusts during (SCTEX) that linked the growth centers of losis (TB). For this reason, she encouraged my presidency, and I am grateful to Presi- Clark and Subic,” he said. In her message during the Isang everyone to work hand-in-hand to make dent Rodrigo Duterte for his trust in empow- Under the Arroyo administration, he Libong Aklat, Isang Libong Bata, Isang sure that no child should be left behind. ering me to provide advice on this econo- said the government successfully negotiated Libong Buhay virtual event co-organized "May we continue to preach out chil- my-boosting initiative once more,” she said. increased seat entitlements with various by USAID’s TB Platforms Project and De- dren’s health at the heart of our inter- Meanwhile, the Clark Development countries that enabled the Clark Internation- partment of Health in partnership with ventions to eliminate TB in the Philip- Corp. (CDC) thanked Duterte for Arroyo’s al Airport to allow the entry of more local Philippine Information Agency, Chief of pines," she said. appointment. and foreign airlines. Party Marianne Calnan said children's Serving as the highlight of the “With former president Arroyo’s “This ongoing development in the Philip- health should be a matter for profound virtual event was the turn-over of the stature before the international community, pines aviation sector is still being felt up concern and requires concerted action. Tibay ng Dibdib storybook to daycare honored leadership, and clear and compre- to this day with the entry of foreign airline “Despite all the other challenges centers in Dinalupihan, Bataan. It docu- hensive vision for the country’s bases devel- operators in Clark, such as Emirates Airlines policymakers and healthcare providers ments the story of two sisters from Bula- and Qatar Airways,” Lazatin added. are facing today, from how they navi- can who survived TB at their very young opment, Clark Freeport Zone will be great- gate the implementation of Universal ages – two and seven years old. ly benefitted and will be propelled to be a Health Care, or how they confront the USAID’s TB Platforms in partner- modern aerotropolis and a major business Key components of the government’s eco- physical and societal challenges amidst ship with Rogaciano Mercado Memorial and economic hub it has been envisioned to nomic development, such as the establish- this COVID-19 pandemic, they must not Hospital prepared the storybook which be,” the CDC said in its statement. ment of road networks, airports, seaports, allow the health and well-being of our details the challenges of the family in An aerotropolis is defined as "an and farm-to-market roads had been put in next generation to be neglected or over- coping up with the treatment. urban sub-region whose infrastructure, place in areas encompassing the Clark Free- looked,” she emphasized. It explains how the family found land-use, and economy are centred on an port Zone and Subic Freeport Zone. (PNA) "The foundation for every aspect out that their first daughter’s more than airport." of human development--the physical, two weeks of cough and fever was be- the intellectual, and the emotional are cause of TB. After several consultations SBMA 28th Anniversary...... continued from page 01 laid in early childhood. Much that hap- and laboratory tests, they later found pens during this early years has life-long out that their elder daughter has TB as effect on many aspects of health and well. (PIA 3) PAGCOR donates P50M to City College of Angeles

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon O. Agregado (center) with Employee of the Year awardees Lina P. Sarmiento and Rolando L. Cepeda during the 28th SBMA anni- versary celebration on Tuesday. rewards—the feeling of pride and fulfil- tractual service) were: Nenita R. Sarmiento ment.” of Business and Investment Group; Ronald “We are here today to honor the C. Fonseca, Chairperson and Administra- volunteers and all the people, who in one tor’s Group; Jose O. Madayag, Jr., Operations way or another contributed in bringing this Group; Jonathan N. Labrador, Public Services institution to where it is right now,” Sanqui Group; Jocelyn L. Gustilo, Regulatory Group; City government of Angeles receives PhP50 million aid from Philippine Amusement said. “These include our frontliners, health Mark Genesis G. Medina, Support Services and Gaming Corporation to fund the construction of additional classrooms and com- workers, and fire fighters who until this mo- Group; Jacklord Joseph J. Oceña, Support puter laboratories at the City College of Angeles. (Angeles City Information Office) ment are helping to rescue those affected Services Group; and Louie P. Sarno of Public ANGELES CITY, -- Philippine Amusement though the city faces many challenges to- by the recent typhoon, and all of you who Services Group, who also bagged the overall and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) - do day, the city government is ready to help provide continued public services during this title for this category. nated PhP50 million to City College of An- students, especially its city scholars. time of pandemic,” he added. Meawhile, the awardees in Category geles (CCA) for the construction of addi- “We want the CCA to have a good In the same occasion, SBMA Senior 2 (permanent position) were: Amabelle Lynn tional facilities. capacity, with the help of funds provided Deputy Administrator for Support Services F. Saclao of Business and Investment Group; Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said this by PAGCOR to the city government. This is Ramon Agregado turned over a copy of the Dante M. Salvaña, Chairperson and Admin- will help ensure that CCA can properly ac- in line with our vision of ‘no Angeleño chil- Workplace Handbook on Covid-19 Manage- istrator’s Group; Engr. Gerald P. Mendoza, commodate scholars upon the resumption dren left behind’,” Calaguas said. ment and Prevention to business locators in Public Services Group; Ellenor O. Bautista, of face-to-face classes. It can be recalled that the city gov- the Freeport. Regulatory Group; Joy Q. Manalang, Support “One of the programs my admin- ernment earlier purchased tablets for CCA Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipe- Services Group; and Rolando L. Cepeda of istration is focusing on the continuous students to be used in their online classes. line Corporation (PCSPC) president and CEO Operations Group and Lina P. Sarmiento of promotion of education. We are trying to Despite the pandemic, enrollment David Attewill received the handbook, and Support Services Group, who tied for first ensure that despite the pandemic, the im- rate at CCA increased from 2,481 students expressed pride “that our people in Subic place in this category. plementation of educational programs, in- last academic year to 3,341 students this put safety first.” The outstanding employees were cluding the renovation and construction of year. At the same time, the SBMA recog- cited for their excellent performance beyond classrooms, will continue,” Lazatin said. The said donation of PAGCOR is nized 15 employees who were cited by their the call of duty and for various innovations in CCA Vice President for Adminis- part of their various Corporate Social Re- respective strategic business unit (SBU) as the workplace. tration and Quality Assurance Dr. Carolina sponsibility projects, including the School employees of the year for 2019, honor titles The SBMA Labor Department also Sarmiento said the donation will be used Building Program, Christmas gift-giving for that were not awarded early in February be- conducted an online job fair while the Public for the construction of 10 classrooms and indigent beneficiaries, relief operations for cause of the onset of the Covid-19 pandem- Health and Safety Group organized a blood- two computer laboratories. calamity victims, and donation of comput- ic. letting drive on November 24 as part of the For her part, Chief Adviser and ers and television sets to public schools. The SBU winners in Category 1 (con- agency’s 28th anniversary celebration. Tactician Director IC Calaguas said that al- (CPIA 3) IN THE NAVY

U.S. Secretary of the Air Force and Top Philippine Defense Officials Discuss Alliance, Security Cooperation

ARABIAN SEA. An E/A-18G Growler, from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squad- ron (VAQ) 139, .approaches the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Re- gion, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy pho- to by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cheyenne Geletka)

U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett meets with senior Philippine de- fense and military officials in Manila. Manila — U.S. Secretary of the Air Force with our U.S. counterparts in pursuit of our Barbara Barrett met with Undersecretary common goals and interests,” said Undersec- for the Department of National Defense retary Luna of the visit. (DND) Cardozo Luna and senior Philippine “With our shared history and military officials on Wednesday, November long-standing partnership with the U.S., we 25, in Manila. Secretary Barrett’s visit reaf- also look forward to continuing our coopera- firms the United States’ steadfast military tion on various aspects of defense and secu- partnership with the Philippines, the oldest rity, including the Philippines’ current thrust U.S. treaty ally in Asia. to modernize its Armed Forces,” DND Assis- While in Manila, Secretary Barrett tant Secretary for Logistics, Acquisitions and also met with Armed Forces of the Philip- Self-Reliant Defense Posture Jesus Rey Avilla pines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gilbert added. Gapay and Philippine Air Force Commander Secretary Barrett’s visit coincides Lt. General Allen Paredes. Secretary Barrett with the handover to the Philippine Navy underscored the importance of the U.S.-Phil- of a ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System, a ippine alliance to national and regional Php710-million ($14.79 million) drone that security, and discussed opportunities for will boost the Philippine military’s intelli- SOTO CANO, Honduras . Navy Aircrewman (AWS) 1st Class Kenneth Morris as- greater bilateral security cooperation. She gence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ca- signed to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 Detachment 6 embarked on also highlighted U.S. COVID-19-related assis- pabilities, strengthening maritime domain the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11) joins U.S. Southern tance and disaster relief for recent typhoon awareness and border security. The Secre- Command’s Hurricane Iota relief efforts in Central America, Nov. 27, 2020. Sioux victims, as well as ongoing U.S. support for tary’s trip follows U.S. National Security Ad- City is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagen- Philippine counterterrorism and maritime visor Robert O’Brien’s November 22-23 visit, cy Task Force South's mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the security efforts. during which he announced Php868 million Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist “From joint counterterrorism ef- ($18 million) in additional military equip- Seaman Juel Foster) forts to humanitarian support, the U.S. and ment and training for the AFP, as well as an Philippines have a long history of working additional Php169 million ($3.5 million) in together to protect global security through U.S. humanitarian assistance to typhoon-af- regional stability,” said Secretary of the Air fected communities. Force Barrett. “The U.S. Air and Space Forc- The Philippines is by far the largest es look forward to building on our strong recipient of U.S. military assistance in the relationship with the Philippine military Indo-Pacific region. Since 2015, the United through greater interoperability and training States has delivered more than Php33 bil- opportunities with the Philippine Air Force, lion ($650 million) worth of planes, ships, as well as exploring where our nations can armored vehicles, small arms, and other cooperate in the space domain.” military equipment to the Philippines, while “We welcome the visit of Secretary training side-by-side with our Filipino allies. Barrett, and we look forward to working US NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR...... from page 01

Saudi, UK, U.S. Naval Forces Conduct Mine Countermeasures Training ARABIAN GULF. Mine countermeasure ship USS Dextrous (MCM 13), front, Royal Saudi Naval Force mine countermeasures vessel Al-Shaqra (MCMV 422), middle, and Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessel HMS Brocklesby (M 33) sail in for- mation during mine countermeasures interoperability training, led by Command- er, Task Force (CTF) 52 in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 11. CTF 52 provides command and control of all mine warfare assets in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern tip of Yemen.

NSA O’Brien and Sec. Locsin nounced additional disaster relief for re- ippine officials, NSA O’Brien stressed the cent typhoon victims. importance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance At the Department of Foreign Af- to national and regional security, discussed fairs (DFA), NSA O’Brien participated in opportunities for greater bilateral eco- the ceremonial handover of a tranche of nomic engagement, and highlighted the precision-guided munitions to the Armed deep bonds connecting the U.S. and Phil- Forces of the Philippines. This assistance ippine peoples. He also raised the impor- will support the Armed Forces of the Phil- tance of maritime security and freedom of ippines’ efforts to defeat ISIS-East Asia in the seas, underscoring U.S. support for the the Southern Philippines. Present at the Philippines’ sovereign rights to offshore re- handover were Secretary of Foreign Affairs sources in the South China Sea, consistent Locsin, who welcomed NSA O’Brien to the with its rights and obligations under inter- DFA, and senior DND and AFP officials. national law. Following the recent typhoons Before departing the Philippines, that ravaged the Philippines and forced NSA O’Brien laid a wreath at the Manila thousands of people from their homes, American Cemetery to honor the sacrifice NSA O’Brien announced an additional and pay respects to the more than 17,000 Php169 million ($3.5 million) in U.S. hu- fallen U.S. and Filipino soldiers buried manitarian assistance to disaster-stricken there. communities. The United States Agency The Philippines was one of several for International Development will work stops in a three-country Indo-Pacific trip, with implementing partners to address following NSA O’Brien’s participation in shelter, logistics, cash, water, sanitation the November 14 virtual U.S.-ASEAN Sum- YOKOHAMA, Japan. Sailors assigned to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka and hygiene needs of typhoon victims. mit, where he dialogued with Southeast (CFAY) clean off headstones, grave sites and paths during a community relations NSA O’Brien also underscored ongoing U.S. Asian partners to underscore the enduring event at Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery. CFAY provides, maintains, and op- assistance for the Philippines’ response to U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality and erates base facilities and services in support of U.S. 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed a free and open Indo-Pacific region. naval forces, 71 tenant commands, 27,000 military and civilian personnel and their the COVID-19 pandemic. families. (U.S. Navy photo by Tetsuya Morita) TudayaDuring 2 Hydro meetings powerhouse with senior in Santa Phil -Cruz, Davao del Sur