DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 I 1 2DEFENSE I VOLUME CHRONICLE 3 ISSUE 1 2019 DEFENSE CHRONICLE DEFENSE CHRONICLE

DND chief outlines national security outlook for 2019

efense Secretary sovereignty and sovereign rights of our country’s maritime claims and enumerated the The Defense Chief shared that entitlements, to include the West Delfin N. Lorenzana the Philippine Government has already Philippine Sea and the Philippine Rise, D reiterated its call on China and other the AFP is steadfast in performing this internal and claimant countries to finalize and adopt constitutional duty,” external security challenges for the a valid, binding“While and we mutuallyrecognize acceptable China as during the 2019 Alumni acode bilateral of conduct partner in the for South joint China ventures Sea. the Defense Chief Forum of the National Defense College and other endeavors, it is worth said. of the Philippines (NDCP). Secretary emphasizing that our territorial In his message, Secretary Lorenzana discussed the projected sovereignty and integrity, maritime Lorenzana“Given also this underscored challenge with the security climate and key peace and entitlements and rights should China,imminent everyone Mutual Defensemust be Treaty asking (MDT) why security issues for the Philippines, such not be compromised. We are not wereview. initiated the call to review the MDT as maritime and territorial disputes, compromising them; we are not giving with the United States, our only treaty terrorist activities, the effects of climate them away,” ally,” “We believe it is time to change, among others. Speaking before “The Philippines sit down with our U.S. counterparts NDCP alumni and students as well as continues to view Secretary the arbitral Lorenzana tribunal and revisit he said. the terms of our alliance.” members of local and international rulingemphasized. as valid and legitimate. We media, the Defense Chief also have not, and we will never surrender highlighted the Defense Department’s“The any part of our territory.” Secretary Lorenzana said that Nationalway forward Security in addressing Outlook these for issues. the the Philippines have always valued its Philippines In the in forum2019 dubbed as partnership and“must our deepclearly historical define ourties Secretary Lorenzana said that roleswith theand U.S. responsibilities He noted, however, when thatthe ”, which was held the AFP maintains its presence within needthe two arises.” allies in NDCP on February 4, 2019, Secretary the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and Lorenzana cited the competing with its limited resources, does its best territorial and maritime claims in the to safeguard“Since the it farthest is endsimperative of the South China Sea as the most critical tocountry’s secure territory. the national territory, external security challenge for the Philippines. E D

DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 I 3 ITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief Miriam G. Albao

Associate Editor Noriza S. Atienza

News Editor Eva B. Delos Santos

Artist Jasmin Michelle L. Añana

Media Relations Prime S. Berunia Visit to the DND of students from La Salle Contributors College of Antipolo on February 12, 2019. Anabel T. Lasaten Dianne M. Gammad Public Affairs Service, DND Jason Bautista Mejia , ABMC, (ABE/LLB) Office of the Secretary, DND Philippine Vetereans Affairs Office Counting Milestones

Photographers Renato P. Alba SSg Saudi S Yusop PAF SSg Avelino A Velasco Jr PAaPinky A. Fernandez Dianne M. Gammad The segue from what other major milestones can one very busy be achieved this year. There are and productive many milestones in the offing. In Support Service SSg Anthony B Cadiz year to another happened really the legislative arena for example, Sgt Celso P Castromayor fast. The Department is well on this could be the year that the Cpl Danilo G Laguitan its way to another busy year. ROTC implementation becomes Shella D. Sonogan Lyn Tropa While the way ahead is being mandatory again. Also, is this the paved, improvements from year that we could ultimately put Public Affairs Offices of lessons learned are already being an end to the 50 year-old local Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine implemented. But what is more communist armed conflict and Army, /, interesting is that milestones are win the peace among us Filipinos? set to decorate this 2019. Or is this the year that our more As early as January 2019, than half a century long Mutual Public Affairs Service (PAS) a major milestone has marked Defense Treaty with America gets Department of National Defense PAS Building, Natividad Avenue our country’s quest for peace reviewed? Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, in Mindanao with the peaceful This will surely be an Quezon City 1110 conduct of the plebiscite on the interesting and very busy year Tel: (+632) 982-5679 Fax: (+632) 911-7113 Bangsamoro Organic Law. The for concerned offices. One thing Email: [email protected] One Defense Team is once again is already certain at this point. privileged and honored to have For the DND as a whole, 2019 is a helped pave the way for the new milestone year as the Department and better chance for peace and will be celebrating the 80th A CREDIBLE DEFENSE ORGANIZATION, A RELIABLE PARTNER IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, prosperity in Mindanao. Anniversary of its foundation in AND A STRATEGIC PLAYER IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION If our collective hard November. work really pays off, who knows 4 I VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 DEFENSE CHRONICLE

Fortifying national defense and security through the revival of the Mandatory ROTC Program

citizen or reserve force shall also assist in relief and rescue during disaster or The moral duty for the calamities; to assist in socioeconomic or the NSTP through RA 9163, which defense and security development; and to assist in the amended RA 7077. ROTC, in effect, of the Philippines is operation and maintenance of essential became just one of the options which mutually“defense shared custodian by the agency” government of government or private utilities in the tertiary level students can choose from the Republic of the Philippines through furtherance of overall mission.” under the NSTP. its -- the This was after some lapses Department of National Defense and the in the implementation of the ROTC citizens of the republic. This is enshrined RA 7077 provides that graduates program, though isolated in nature, in our National Defense Act (NDA) of of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps stirred an emotional public opinion 1935 that formally established the Army (ROTC) basic and advance courses, who against mandatory ROTC. of the Philippines, now the Armed Forces were issued orders as enlisted reservists Today, President Rodrigo of the Philippines (AFP), and further or reserve officers or the AFP, are among Duterte’s pronouncement that he elaborated in the provisions of the 1987 those who are to be incorporated into the wants to reinstate the Mandatory Philippine Constitution, mandating the Reserve Force. ROTC program, is generating a able-bodied and qualified citizens of the Since its formal inception in 1935 growing nationwide support from Republic to defend and secure the nation before the outbreak of the World War various sectors of the Philippine or the state in the event of war, invasion, II, the ROTC has been a reliable national society. rebellion or in any national emergency defense resource. Its effectiveness as a A recent Pulse Asia survey situation. national defense preparedness program showed that majority of Filipinos Republic Act“It Number is the policy 7077 orof was proven later at the onset of the support the return of the ROTC in the the CitizenState to Armed maintain Force a - Reserviststanding Actor Second World War in 1941, as then able- country. Out of the 1,800 respondents regularof 1991 military states that force in times of peace bodied and young Filipinos at that time surveyed, 1,440 or 80 percent agree consonant to its adequate and actual responded to the call of duty to defend with the implementation of the ROTC needs for the security of the State but the country from the Japanese Imperial either in senior high school, in college, which can be rapidly expanded by the Army invasion. or in both. Only 270 respondents or well-disciplined Citizen Forces in the In 2002, however, the ROTC 15 percent do not want the program event of war, invasion or rebellion. This ceased to be mandatory. ROTC was turned implemented, while the remaining into one of the major components under five percent of the respondents have the National Service Training Program no opinion on the issue. DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 I 5

The ROTC is an enduring help respond to man-made or natural national asset program, for it develops disasters or calamities, including Updates on the among our young professionals or the pro-active disaster resilience reinstatement of citizens the needed personal discipline and mitigation efforts to prevent in order for them to be productive unnecessary loss of lives or damages to mandatory ROTC citizens of the country. properties. The ROTC course also enhances Our country is facing many the sense of patriotism or the love of complex defense and security country, the spirit of public service or challenges such as the continuing n Congress, House Bill volunteerism among our youth, thereby 50-year-old communist-terrorist 8961 reviving mandatory transforming them into able and worthy insurgency; the Southern Philippines I contributors to nation-building and separatist movements existing since civic-oriented endeavors at an early age. the 1970s; the violent terrorism and 12 studentsReserve was approved Officers Trainingon the Therefore, the ROTC program extremism in parts of Mindanao, Corps (ROTC) for Grades 11 and hones and develops leadership and and the evolving national security discipline among our Filipino youth. challenge in the West Philippine Sea. second reading by the House of Whether or not they will enter the A modest defense Representatives on February 6, 2019. active military service after their ROTC transformation and military The bill seeks to amend Republic Act training, they will carry with them the modernization is on-going as a pro- No. 7077 or the Citizen Armed Forces discipline and skills they acquired in the active measure to the 21st century of the Philippines Reservist Act. basic military training. security and defense climate. The The Department of National Many of our successful national revival of the mandatory ROTC will Defense welcomed the approval of the leaders acknowledge that their ROTC give the country a boost since the new proposed“As bill the to voice reinstate of the mandatory Filipino training helped them to succeed in their incoming reserve cadets are the future people,ROTC. our Representatives’ votes businesses, in their careers or families, leaders, defenders and soldiers of our truly reflect the collective sentiments and in their various endeavors in the country. of our people, especially the Filipino communities where they belong. With the revival of the youth who will greatly benefit from Aside from being a “good tool” mandatory ROTC, and with the ROTC program, which aims to for national war-fighting readiness or the complementary Defense instill patriotism, love of country, national defense resource, the ROTC transformation programs and the moral and spiritual values, respect program can also develop a pool of modernization efforts within the for human rights and adherence to talented reservists, who can respond AFP, our overall national defense the Constitution,” to environmental protection, nation- posture will be fortified and our building efforts and socio-economic country’s security and stability will be DND spokesperson activities. This pool of reservist can also strengthened. Director Arsenio Andolong said in a statement. The DND also appealed to developingboth chambers the Filipino of Congress youth toas fastour nation’strack this future key defensedefenders, advocacy patriots of

and leaders. This legislation will also strengthen our Reserve Force which is an importantMeanwhile component in the Senate of our, a national defense and security.

subcommittee of the Senate committee on education,a measure arts proposing and culture the held re- a joint hearing on February 20, 2019,

institutionalization of the mandatory military and civic Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Manny Pacquiao led the hearing, which was joined by DND and AFP officials led by DND Undersecretary for Defense Operations Cesar B. Yano, as well as officials from other concerned agencies. 6 I VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 DEFENSE CHRONICLE DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 I 7

ALLIES IN DISASTER- PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE

- Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorezana (fourth from left) and U.S. Ambassador Sung PH, US inaugurate disaster Y. Kim (fifth) strike a pose, along with officials from response warehouse in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Armed Forces after the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the multi-purpose Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Warehouse funded under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Secretary of National efficiently to both traditional Cooperation Agreement Defense Delfin N. and non-traditional defense and (EDCA). Photo: DND Public Lorenzana and security“I am delighted challenges. that we have Affairs Service & OSEC United States Ambassador to finally undertaken the first the Philippines Sung Y. Kim among the many activities led the inauguration of the and projects under the EDCA,” Humanitarian Assistance and “This IndoPacific region,” Ambassador Disaster Response (HADR) HADR warehouse will surely Kim said. multipurpose warehouse at Secretaryboost the Philippines’Lorenzana said. efforts to Lt. in be a disaster-resilient nation.” Humanitarian assistance Floridablanca, Pampanga on and disaster response is one of January 29, 2019. the main aspects of cooperation between the Philippines and the As one of the major For his part, Ambassador United States under EDCA, along projects under the Enhanced Kim highlighted the strength of with interoperability, capacity Defense Cooperation the partnership between the building, maritime security, and Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the U.S. “This maritime domain awareness, two countries, the HADR facility project illustrates not only among others. will provide access to necessary our commitment to the U.S.- prepositioned equipment and Philippine alliance, but also infrastructure, thus enabling both countries’ dedication to the two countries to respond peace and stability in the larger 8 I VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 DEFENSE CHRONICLE

Libingan ng mga Bayani: A world-class cemetery by 2022

Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana CMDP at the BCDA Corporate Center Boardroom approved the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City following the Agency’s previous Comprehensive Master Development transfer to the BCDA of the amount of P356 Million. Plan (LNMB-CMDP) on January 4, 2019. A projected P3.3 Billion budget is needed to fully The LNMB-CMDP is a five-year development rehabilitate and develop LNMB by 2022 and is program for the national military cemetery and will already included in NEDA’s Rolling Infrastructure be jointly implemented by way of a partnership Plan. between the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Under the agreement, the BCDA will (PVAO) and the Bases Conversion and Development implement the first phase of the LNMB-CMDP which Authority (BCDA). The LNMB-CMDP seeks to includes the construction of a Dignified Cemetery rehabilitate and transform LNMB into a world- Area, a Historical Theme Park, and a Memorial class national cemetery at par with the American Shrine. Cemetery which is located nearby within the Fort The LNMB-CMDP envisions to make the Bonifacio area. Specifically, it plans to strengthen LNMB hallowed grounds a living reminder of the the cemetery’s visual aspect, limit the clutter and patriotism and sacrifice of the country’s martyrs unnecessary objects in the shrines, provide quiet and heroes. Consistent with PVAO’s Kagitingan and exclusive spaces, follow strict themes, and Road Map 2022, the LNMB will become a tourist buffer areas in the cemetery for better access and destination where Filipino citizens, especially visibility. the youth, may derive a keen sense of their great On May 9, 2018, PVAO and BCDA signed historic past and imbibe a deep feeling of national the P100 Million supplemental Memorandum-of- pride from where love of country emanates. Agreement for the implementation of the LNMB- DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 I 9

DND and AFP vow to end insurgency

Speaking before In his remarks, Gen. milestone year for the Department top officials of the Madrigal said the past year was also of National Defense as it celebrates Department of “end-statefull of challenges for 2019 and is meaningfulto achieve its 80th year featuring relevant“Sa National Defense (DND), the Armed thelessons. President’s He reiterated desire to ultimately that their programspamamagitan and ng projects ating maalab that arena Forces of the Philippines (AFP), win the peace and finally put an beneficialpagmamahal to sa the bayan, people. sa isip, sa and the civilian bureaus during end to local communist armed salita, sa puso, at sa gawa, sama- the Joint DND-AFP Traditional conflict.” sama nating gawing tunay na New Year’s Call on January 9, 2019 makabayan ang ating tanggulan, in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, “The DND Sec. plans Lorenzana to end insurgency supported para sa kapayapaan, at Quezon City, Secretary Delfin onceGen. Madrigal’s and for all, statement and we andare said,into kagalingan ng mga mamamayan,” N. Lorenzana and AFP Chief of that now. So, this early, we have Staff Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, to begin thinking and planning Jr., vowed to end insurgency about new approaches and Sec. Lorenzana said. in the Philippines and leave a strategies to effectively end any The annual DND-AFP New legacy of just and lasting peace to threats and security concerns Year’s call is an occasion for the DND Filipinos. The participants in the in our country.” He added that and its five bureaus to reaffirm their Call included Undersecretaries, “peace should be our lasting unity and solidarity as One Defense Assistant Secretaries and Directors legacy to future generations of Team. These bureaus include the of the Defense Department and its Filipinos.” AFP, Government Arsenal, National civilian bureaus, as well as Major Defense College of the Philippines, Service Commanders, the Chiefs of Office of Civil Defense, and the AFP Unified Commands, Joint Staff Sec. Lorenzana also Philippine Veterans Affairs Office. and Personal Staff of the AFP. announced that the 2019 is 10 I VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 DEFENSE CHRONICLE

task force pledges to improve social reintegration program for former rebels

ore than 20 lead by the Department of Information will be created to be responsible and partner and Communication Technology in resolving matters concerning agencies of Task (DICT). The website which was livelihood and employment, Force Balik-Loob (TFBL) pledged designed by the DND Management harmonizing policies and guidelines to improve the government’s social Information System Service serves of the E-CLIP and the refinement of reintegration program for former as the authoritative source of the database of former rebels. Usec. rebels by adding more benefits and information and updates on the Mapagu expressed his gratitude simplifying the process of availing E-CLIP. It also empowers the public to all the partner institutions and assistance under the Enhanced to monitor the activities and give encouraged them to continue to ComprehensiveM Local Integration feedback to the Task Force. cooperate in strengthening the Program (E-CLIP) during the The Task Force Chairperson task force to attain its ultimate monthly regular meeting held also provided guidance in goal of contributing to peace and here on 27 February 2019 in Camp resolving issues and concerns in development in the country. Aguinaldo. implementing the E-CLIP. Among The Armed Forces of the Undersecretary Reynaldo which are the timely submission of Philippines shared that the number B. Mapagu of the Department reports and updates on rebels who of communist terrorist group as of National Defense (DND) and surrender to the military or to the of year-end 2018 has significantly Chairperson of the Task Force, provincial offices of government dwindled and they are optimistic presided over the meeting and agencies or local government that continued pressure against the announced the establishment of the units to avoid duplication in communist terrorists through their http://tfbalikloob.gov.ph/official website of the Task Force availing of assistance and false focused military operations will with an independent domain – representation. It was agreed that encourage more rebels to surface , hosted a technical working group (TWG) and abandon the armed struggle. DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 I 11

Director Karl Caesar On the other hand, to monitor the status of the Rimando of the Department of the the Department of Trade and construction of halfway houses; Interior and Local Government Industry conducts capacity- fast-track the demilitarization presented updates on the number building trainings and related of surrendered firearms to former rebel beneficiaries assisted activities to equip former rebels belie allegations of them being by the DILG under the E-CLIP. In with basic knowledge, skills used in unscrupulous activities; addition, he mentioned that they and attitude in the setting-up and to convene Livelihood and have already turned over the funds of new businesses under their Employment Cluster to be led by for construction of halfway houses Livelihood Seeding Program. the Technical Education and Skills to 40 local government units within Assistant Secretary Sergio Development Authority. the country. Yap II of the Department of Justice Other attendees in the For their part, the presented previous amnesty meeting included representatives Department of Labor and proclamations covering former from lead and partner agencies Employment reported on DOLE’s members of the Communist Party of the Task Force such as the Integrated Livelihood Program of the Philippines, New People’s Presidential Management Staff, (DILP) that grants assistance Army, and the National Democratic National Housing Authority, to former rebels for capacity- Front. The discussion on amnesty Office of the Presidential Adviser building on livelihood either for for communist terrorists is aligned on the Peace Process, National individual or group projects/ with the intents of Executive Order Intelligence Coordinating Agency, undertakings. Hundreds of former Number 70 signed by President Department of Social Welfare and rebels from the different regions in Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Development, Department of Labor the Philippines have availed of the In closing, Chairperson and Employment, Department assistance that includes fishing, Mapagu encouraged the members of Health, Armed Forces of the welding, commercial cooking, to continue undertaking efforts Philippines, Land Bank of the food processing, gardening, to renew the life of former rebels Philippines, Department of Trade task force pledges to improve livestock raising, grocery store, to being productive citizens and Industry, Department of rice retailing, vulcanizing, among and partners for peace and Agriculture, and the Cooperative social reintegration program for former rebels others. development. He also asked Development Authority. 12 I VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 2019 DEFENSE CHRONICLE