Volume 5 Issue 1 2015

1PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

2 PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER


COVER STORY

Balikatan 2015: Biggest iteration in 15 years

The largest amphibious exercise of combined Philippine and United States troops in at least 15 years, with some 11,000 American and Filipino soldiers, was a definitive illustration of allies standing shoulder to shoulder, this as the two countries seek to further strengthen the ties that already bind them.

According to Balikatan Exercise Director for the Philippines Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez, Balikatan 2015 is “by far, the biggest Balikatan in terms of manpower and equipment.”

This display of an enduring friendship of the oldest alliance in Asia was at the 31st iteration of the PHL-US Exercise Balikatan which was participated in by Filipino soldiers numbering more than 5,000, and the US Marine Corps, which deployed about 3,500 personnel from major commands based in Japan and the U.S., and an additional of about 2,500 U.S. sailors, soldiers and airmen.

The Balikatan series according to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, in his speech during its formal opening on April 20, 2015, in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, “ is a “manifestation

of how our alliance has evolved to adapt to the changing strategic situation. When confronted with other security concerns such as natural disasters and other so called non-traditional challenges, our two nations had been able to effectively address them as a product of our sustained military to military engagement.”

Although the event took place amidst a backdrop of territorial disputes and regional security issues in the West Philippine Sea, Balikatan 2015 was not directed at any country.

US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, speaking at the opening ceremonies, said Balikatan is about “working shoulder to shoulder as partners, friends and allies. It’s about preparing to confront emerging challenges across the Asia Pacific region. “To be clear, the US is committed to its alliances and, in the case of the Philippines, our oldest in the region, that commitment is, as President Obama has said, ironclad. At the same time, the US

(continued on page 8)

(From left) Balikatan 2015 Philippine Exercise Director Vice Admiral Alexander S Lopez, AFP; Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin; Acting Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan Garcia; US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg; then AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.; and Balikatan 2015 US Assistant Exercise Director Brigadier General Christopher Mahoney during the opening ceremony for the Balikatan 2015 joint military exercise between the Philippines and the United States held on April 20, 2015, in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1 2015



Public Affairs Service (PAS ) Department of National DefensePAS Building, Natividad Avenue

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City 1110Tel: (+632) 982-5679 Fax: (+632) 911-7113

Email: [email protected]

Dir. Paul Peter R.G. Galvez, MD,MNSA,CESEDir. Arsenio R. Andolong, MNSA

ADVISERS

Miriam G. AlbaoEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Marina M. Agustin Anthon A. Cayaco Managing Editor Associate Editor Nelson L. Gallarde Noriza S. Atienza Finance News Editor Prime S. Berunia Jasmin Michelle L. Añana Media Relations Layout Artist

Ruferick C. Somera Carmelita L. Briones Renato C. Alba Research

Photographers Sgt Isidro R Areja

Administrative Services

ContributorsLTC Harold F. Cabunoc (AFP)Eva B. De los Santos (DND) Dianne M. Gammad (DND)

Hiyasmin O. Karunungan (GA)Chester Cabalza (NDCP)

Romina R. Marasigan (OCD)Ma. Juanita S. Fajardo-Rivera (PVAO)

Support Services Assistance & Support by Gloria A. Bantaotao AFP-PAO SSgt Anthony B Cadiz OJ7Cpl Celso P Castromayor CRS-AFP

Public Affairs Offices of Philippine Army

Philippine Navy/Philippine Marine Corps

Among the many defense related issues that are brewing these days, what seem to affect Filipinos the most are these two: first, the government’s unwavering commitment to give peace a chance in Mindanao; and the government’s firm stand to make good its commitment to uphold the rule of law in addressing the territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.

If we closely examine these two issues that stick out as major concerns for Filipinos, it will not be difficult to see that the bottom line is the country’s sovereignty. For a nation that fought long and hard for centuries to attain its independence and ascertain its national sovereignty, territorial issues will always touch the core of its citizens. Reactions will be simply visceral and instinctive. Love of country in the Philippines is synonymous to readiness to protect the country and its territories, and willingness to sacrifice one’s life for its defense.

One way or another, our government must be able to communicate to the Filipino people that our national sovereignty and the territorial integrity are foremost among its considerations in the decision making and delivery of concrete responses to these issues.

If Juan dela Cruz is worried about losing islands, reefs and shores to China, or Mindanao to secessionists, the DND cannot be any less concerned. It’s our duty to ensure that this country is safeguarded from both internal and external threats. It is the Department’s responsibility and obligation to keep the country secure, and to ensure a peaceful way of life for the Filipinos. Although mandated as such, DND, however, is not the sole agency that is duty-bound to respond to challenges to peace and security. The Department of Foreign Affairs, for instance, takes the lead in handling international and diplomatic concerns with other countries; and ultimately it is the President who makes decisions for well-orchestrated or calibrated responses. DND helps analyze, anticipate, plan, strategize, prepare, and synchronize efforts with the rest of government to ensure that responses to problems and volatile situations will be for the general well-being of the nation and the Filipino people..

A case in point is the quest for peace in Mindanao, which is something that has to be actively pursued. Filipinos cannot just sit and wait for peace to happen. Filipinos in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao also have the right to live without fear from the constant and nagging threat of impending danger and violence. Now that the government has laid down the groundwork and foundation for peace to be had, it has to be pursued to its full fruition. But, of course, details have to be ironed out. Most importantly, the Philippine Constitution and pertinent Philippine laws must be upheld in the establishment of the Bangsamoro.

As for the West Philippine Sea, a no-nonsense approach is necessary to solve this problem. It is plain to see that our defense capabilities are no match for any economic giant who will attempt to touch our territories. There are other ways

EDITORIAL


Quest for Peace



SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2014(continued on page 10)


The Philippines’ first C295M Medium Lift Fixed-Wing Aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) touched down Clark Air Base, Pampanga on March 22, 2015. It is the first of the 3 brand new C295 procured by the Department of National Defense for the PAF.

Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, together with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen Gregorio Pio P Catapang Jr and Air Force Commanding General Lt Gen Jeffrey F Delgado, led the turnover of the C295 medium-lift transport aircraft for the Air Force in a ceremony held on March 30, 2015, at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Arriving five months earlier than its expected delivery, the new augmentation to the PAF transport fleet is expected to see action in military and humanitarian missions. It will help in troop and limited equipment movement according to Secretary Gazmin.

It will be assigned with the 220th Airlift Wing based in

Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan. The makers of the C295, the Spanish Airbus Defense and

Space, one of the world’s largest defense and airspace product manufacturers, describes the C295 as “a capable and versatile transport and surveillance aircraft.”

It can carry up to nine tons of cargo or 71 people with a maximum cruising speed of 260 knots and can take off and land in short and rough airfields.

The Air Force has only three C-130 cargo planes and three Fokker planes for air transport before the arrival of the C295. Like the C-130, the C295 has an open ramp at the rear for easier loading and unloading of passengers and cargoes.

Two more C295s will arrive this year to complete the deal which amounts to P5.29 billion. In the meantime, bidding and negotiation processes continue at the DND in a bid to purchase more aircrafts for the Air Force to pursue its modernization. PDN

PAF receives first C295: 2 more to arrive within the year

AFP Procurement Service earns coveted ISO 9001:2008 Certificate First government procurement office to be ISO certified

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Procurement Service (AFPPS) has earned its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 Certificate.

The AFPPS officially obtained ISO 9001:2008 Certificate on April 6, 2015 from TUV Rheinland Philippines, Inc., a well-respected international audit body which specializes in evaluating management systems based on international standards according to Col Alvin Francis Javier, the Commander of AFPPS.

It is the first procurement office to earn the coveted certification from an international audit body according to Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr., President of the Development Academy of the Philippines.

Currently, the AFPPS Headquarters, the General Headquarters Procurement Center and 302nd Contracting Office (CO) are ISO 9001:2008 Certified. “But we are



of tipping the balance of power more favorably towards weaker nations, however. Solutions to problems of this sort do not automatically necessitate military action. Judicious and astute solutions are required. We do not want inflammatory responses that can spark incendiary situations. For now, the wheels of justice are churning at the International Tribunal for the resolution of Territorial disputes. While we wait for the outcome of the case that the Philippine government has lodged at the Hague, the Department will continue to work on the attainment of a credible defense capability for the AFP, while at the same time enhance our ties and defense cooperation with nations, who are on the same page with us as far as keeping the peace in the region is concerned. New ties are also being established and nurtured with friendly and peace loving nations. Because we are not alone in our quest for peace. PDN

Editorial (continued from p.3)

PALOMPON, Leyte, a municipality in the 3rd District of Leyte was declared “Insurgency-Free” on February 16, 2015. The declaration was formalized with the signing of a covenant between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the local government. Colonel Dinoh A. Dolina represented the AFP while the municipal government was represented by Mayor Ramon C. Onate. The signing was witnessed by Hon. Burt Mari M. Bregaudit, Acting Vice Mayor; Lt Col Nedy C. Espulgar, Battalion Commander of 19th Infantry Battalion; and Police Chief Inspector Hipolito Delima, Chief of Police Palompon.

The declaration was by virtue of Municipal Resolution No. 230-020215 passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Palompon, Leyte.

Based on the municipal resolution, Palompon has satisfied the imperatives stipulated in the National Internal Security Plan (NISP) where the threat of CPP-NPA is already reduced to insignificant level.

The intelligence evaluation showed that Palompon had long been insurgency-free when two of its infiltrated barangays were cleared of CPP-NPA influence in 2003. An insurgency free town is a level up of towns declared as Peaceful and Ready for Further Development (PRFD) status.

Col Dinoh A. Dolina, 802nd Brigade Commander, said, “The declaration will definitely attract investors to establish their businesses in Palompon area and in return will greatly improve the town’s economic and financial status where the people will be the ultimate benefactors.”

8ID DPAOMeanwhile, Cadiznons strengthened their commitment

to peace after Cadiz City was declared as Peaceful and Ready for Further Development

The people of Cadiz City in Negros Occidental have expressed their strong commitment to become instruments of peace and to promote a culture of non-violence and contribute

in the further development of their city.The City Government of Cadiz, Cadiz City Police Office,

and the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army signed a joint memorandum declaring Cadiz City as Peaceful and Ready for Further Development in a ceremony held at the Department of Education Hall in Cadiz City on February 12, 2015.

Cadiz City Vice Mayor and Chairman of the City Peace and Order Council Honorable Samson Mirhan, Colonel Jon Aying, Commander of 303rd Brigade led the local government and security sector officials in the signing of the joint declaration.

Present in the declaration were Honorable Patrick Escalante, M.D., Mayor of Cadiz City, Ma. Joy Meredith Madayag, provincial officer of the Department of Interior and Local Government, members of the City Peace and Order Council, Councilors of Cadiz City, Lt Col Rommel Cordova, Commanding Officer of the 62nd Infantry “Unifier” Battalion, Police Superintendent Gerardo Ulanday, Chief of Cadiz City Police Office, other stakeholders and the peace-loving Cadiznons.

Cadiz City was declared peaceful and ready for further development in view of the significant improvement in the peace and order situation of the city which can be attributed to the convergence of efforts among the AFP, PNP, the Local Government Unit of Cadiz City, other Local Government Agencies, Civil Society and other stakeholders.

Further, the occurrence of violence, criminality, insurgency and subversion has become negligible and isolated, thus an enabling environment has been initiated in the city for the effective delivery of basic services, promotion of the general welfare, protection of the environment, and eventually for sustainable growth and development.

Lt Col Rommel Cordova, Commanding Officer of 62IB acknowledged the commitment of the people of Cadiz City in upholding and promoting peace and for being vigilant against threats to peace.

AFP’s anti-insurgency efforts gain more ground2 more Visayas towns commit to peace





Twenty-three new High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), or “Humvee” ambulances, were turned over to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for distribution to Philippine Army units during a ceremony held on January 26, 2015, at the AFP General Headquarters.

The Humvee ambulances were acquired by the AFP through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) transaction, and will be issued to the Philippine Army as part of its Forward Health Service Support System Requirement under the Philippine Defense Reform Program.

In the same program, Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin and then AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. led the conferment of the Military Merit Medals to the members of the Armed Forces involved in the security operations undertaken during the historic visit of Pope Francis on January 15 to 19.

The officers and enlisted personnel were recognized for their invaluable contribution in planning, supervising, and execution of security arrangements that led to a peaceful and secure Papal Visit. PDN

New “Humvees” turned over to AFP

“We will sustain our security efforts in coordination and collaboration with the Cadiz City Police and other agencies in the security sector for the uninterrupted economic growth and development of Cadiz City for the benefit of its future generations,” Cordova said.

3ID, DPAOIn San Andres, Quezon, a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 74th Infantry Battalion,

2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army on February 17, 2015.The surrenderee, a certain Randy Lampitao is a member of the NPA’s STRPC operating in Quezon. He brought along two Cal

.38 Revolvers and two homemade shotguns.“This rebel decided to return to the folds of the law upon learning of the government’s programs like the Local Integration

Program and the unit’s Balik Pamayanan Program that aims to help NPA surrenderees,” Lt Col Consolito Yecla, 74IB Commander said.

Brigadier General Romeo Gan, 2ID Commander, calls on fellow Filipinos, who are deceived by the communist propaganda to lay down their arms and embrace a peaceful life. He also thanked the local government for their continuing support and active participation in ensuring that the needs of their constituents are properly addressed, thus making their community conducive for peace and development. PDN

AFP’s anti-insurgency efforts (continued from page 5)




Secretary of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines, Voltaire T. Gazmin, visited Japan from 29 to 31 January 2015. Secretary Gazmin and Defense Minister of Japan, Gen Nakatani, held the Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial meeting on 29 January 2015 in Tokyo, Japan.

At the meeting, the two Ministers extensively and frankly exchanged ideas regarding security circumstances surrounding the two countries, their defense policy and regional and global security challenges, as well as bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges. They briefed each other on and acknowledged the current situation of South China and East China Seas. In this regard, both Ministers shared the view that any dispute should be settled peacefully, without the use of force or coercion, in accordance with basic principles of international law. They also reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation and over flight in the area. Minister Nakatani also explained Japan’s proactive contribution to peace based on international cooperation promoted under the Abe administration and Japan’s efforts in the ongoing development of security legislation. Secretary Gazmin welcomed Japan’s efforts to actively contribute to the peace and stability of the world together with international community. The two ministers also condemned the hostage taking of two Japanese nationals allegedly by ISIL. Secretary Gazmin expressed his strong support for the intention of the Japanese government not to give in to terrorism.

Recalling that ASEAN defense ministers at the Japan-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting held in Myanmar in November 2014, expressed that they value the active contribution by Ministry of Defense of Japan/Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) to the region and they specifically showed high expectations toward promoting Japan-ASEAN defense cooperation in the area of non-traditional security, the two Ministers shared the view that non-traditional security will also be a core issue.

The two Ministers highlighted and valued the progress on bilateral cooperation and exchanges between the two defense authorities through activities such as high-level exchanges, Vice-Ministerial dialogue, JSDF’s contribution to the International Disaster Relief Operations when Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines, Pacific-Partnership, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF)’s participation as an observer to the Philippine-US Joint Exercise, among others. Minister Nakatani also expressed his appreciation for the participation of a Military Music Band of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in “JSDF Marching Festival 2014” for the first time ever and deeply moved the heart of Japanese audience with their impressive performance.

The two Ministers shared views to elevate bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges to a new phase based on the “Strategic Partnership” between Japan and the

Philippines, strengthening cooperation and exchanges through capacity building assistance and trainings/exercises in the area of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) and Maritime Security, exploring such areas as defense equipment and technology. To express their will, they signed the “Memorandum on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines”. They confirmed that, based on this Memorandum, the Ministry of Defense of Japan/JSDF and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines/AFP will cooperate even closer in strengthening the bilateral relationship in security and defense field.

The following major cooperation and exchanges were agreed upon:

(1) Defense Ministerial dialogue will be held on a regular basis;

(2) In 2015, Chief of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will visit the Philippines, and the Commander of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Commander of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will visit Japan;

(3) Vice-Ministerial dialogue will be held on a regular basis;

(4) Joint Staff of JSDF and General Headquarters of AFP will newly establish staff talks and will promote cooperation and exchanges in joint areas;

(5) Ground Staff Office of JGSDF and Headquarters of PA/Philippine Marine Corps will establish staff talks and will start multi-layered army-to-army exchanges;

(6) To promote cooperation in maritime security, JMSDF and Philippine Navy (PN) which are both members of Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) will work together to contribute to the sound implementation of and further development of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES). They will conduct bilateral naval training using CUES in 2015. JMSDF will positively support the WPNS Workshop hosted by the PN in 2015;

(7)PAF will endeavor to participate in future “Cope North Guam”, Japan-US-Australia Joint Exercise, and promote cooperation and exchanges in the area of HA/DR; and

(8) Ministry of Defense/JSDF will commence capacity building project for the AFP in the area of HA/DR. As a part of this project, they will conduct capacity building assistance in the area of air transportation to the members of PAF in 2015.

(9) To explore a possibility of cooperation in the area of defense equipment and technology, the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines will start working-level discussions. PDN

Joint Press Release29 January 2015

Ministry of Defense of JapanDepartment of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines




BALIKATAN 2015(continued from page 2)

will always defend the important principles of freedom of navigation in the air and the sea, and the peaceful resolution of disputes through legal, diplomatic and peaceful means,” he added.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Christopher Mahoney, US director for Balikatan, stressed the importance of forging alliances to promote security in the region. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines is undergoing an impressive transformation forging strong bonds with partner nations that share their values. This growing capability is not a threat to other nations; but in fact promotes regional security.”

It is notable that in this year’s iteration of the Balikatan, the inclusion of participants and observers from Australia and other Asian countries including Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam marked a first in the Balikatan series.

The 10-day bilateral activities included civil-military projects, maritime security and disaster response. PDN

LAND AND WATER. As part of Exercise Balikatan 2015, members of the Philippine and United States Armed Forces showcased the capabilities of the two countries’ amphibious assets during a simulated assault exercise held on April 21, 2015, at the Naval Education and Training Command in San Antonio, Zambales.

The simulation was witnessed by Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, then AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr., then Philippine Army Commanding General and now AFP Chief of Staff Lt Gen Hernando DCA Iriberri, Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Rear Admiral Jesus C Millan, Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt Gen Jeffrey F Delgado, and other observers from allied countries. PDN

Congratulations to DWDD 1134 KHz KATROPA RADIO of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for being named “Best Station in Radio Category” at the Asian Peace and Unity Corps (APVC) Awards held on January 31, 2015 at the Manila Hotel.


PHL, US naval assets display amphibious capabilities



Some seventy-five years after the Department of National Defense (DND) was created in 1939, DND formally launched its official hymn that embodies the Department’s institutional identity, core values and unique traditions.

On April 13, 2015, in simple ceremonies after the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, the senior leaders and the entire workforce of the Department of National Defense, together with the heads and employees of the DND Bureaus as well as uniformed soldiers from the AFP, listened for the first time to the DND Hymn as the DND Chorale and the 45-man AFP GHQ Band performed the Noel Cabangon composition entitled “Himno ng DND”.

The launch was a significant milestone in the history of the Department of National Defense and formally took place during the flag raising ceremony held at the GHQ Canopy in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The DND hymn promotes a culture of patriotism, professionalism, good governance, and rule of law--- which are the core values in the Philippine Defense Transformation Roadmap 2028. It is a welcome addition to the Flag Ceremony, which is held every Monday at the GHQ Canopy and will be sung by the employees of the DND and its Bureaus.

The hymn was written and composed by multi-awarded singer and composer Mr. Noel Cabangon, who also graced the ceremony. Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin presented a token of appreciation to Mr. Noel Cabangon and Cpt Theodore C Lumagui, the DND/AFP Chorale Conductor, who composed the band arrangement. PDN

NDRRMC holds nationwide earthquake drillThe Department of National

Defense joined this year’s First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), on March 27, 2015, with Marikina City as the ceremonial pilot venue.

Spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) through its Regional Office for the National Capital Region (NCR), and in partnership with other agencies, the drill was meant to test the National Disaster Response Plan, the Metro Manila Oplan “Yakal” and the Marikina City Contingency Plan, as well as highlight government’s capability in responding to emergency situations, specifically the Incident Command System, evacuation of the affected populace with focus on the women,

children, elderly and persons with disabilities, establishment and management of evacuation areas, and provisioning of medical assistance and relief.

The drill in the ceremonial venue was overseen by NDRRMC Chairperson and National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin. Also in attendance were NDRRMC Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense Administrator, Undersecretary Alexander P. Pama and Director Renato U. Solidum, Jr. of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology· (PHIVOLCS), officials of the Marikina City Government headed by Mayor Del de Guzman, and the heads of the various NDRRMC member agencies.

In his address during the pilot activity hosted by the Marikina City

Government, Secretary Gazmin stressed the importance of the country’s preparedness efforts.

“Our goal in making the Philippines a safe, resilient and adaptive nation is based on our appreciation of the lessons learned from our past experiences with disasters,” Secretary Gazmin said. “These lessons made us realize that our reactive stance does not mitigate the effects of disasters. We need to be proactive and we should act before disasters strike, so as to reduce to the lowest possible level the damage that may be incurred,” he added.

Offices of the national government, and most of the headquarters of international and national corporations, and businesses joined the exercise.

There were two secondary pilot venues that simultaneously conducted


DND launches official hymn




related exercises in the drill: The AFP GHQ Grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo and the Santolan Station of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT 2), which showcased the establishment of Incident Command System (ICS) facilities such as an Incident Command Post with Communications Center, staging areas, helispots and field hospitals.

Meanwhile, government offices, commercial establishments and non-government organizations across the nation also participated in their local earthquake drills. PDN

NDRMMC holds... (continued from page 9)

The fifth Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) between the Philippines and the United States was held in Manila on January 20-21, 2015. The annual dialogue, which has enriched the PH-US bilateral alliance by providing a forum for strengthening cooperation, addressed medium-term and long-term strategies to keep the alliance attuned to the realities of the 21st century.

The Fifth Dialogue was co-chaired by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Evan P. Garcia and Undersecretary of National Defense Pio Lorenzo F. Batino for the Republic of the Philippines and by Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel and Assistant Secretary of Defense David Shear for the United States.

The joint-statement released after the dialogue is a reaffirmation of the two-countries steadfast commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, as reiterated in the November 2011 Manila Declaration and reiterated in the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

The allies decided to continue mutually beneficial efforts to reinforce their respective national and collective defense capabilities, including countering terrorism; strengthen maritime security and maritime domain awareness; and enhance disaster risk management, disaster preparedness, and rapid response.

Also among the decisions in the dialogue was the exploration of new opportunities and innovative frameworks to deepen economic and development partnership, and to address issues affecting cooperation in these areas. The allies welcomed the willingness of the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) to consider the Philippines eligible for a second compact, and expressed the intention to work together to ensure that projects under this compact will contribute concretely to Philippine national development. They also discussed collaboration in science and technology, energy security, health,

climate change, and other areas.The statement underscored their shared commitment to

respecting the rule of law and human rights, and discussed cooperative activities in enhancing law enforcement and combating transnational crime, including money laundering; cybercrime; and trafficking in persons, wildlife, and illicit drugs.

The allies also had an in-depth exchange of views on regional and global developments, including measures to ensure that the alliance continues to contribute to regional peace and stability. The two sides expressed concern over developments in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea that are inconsistent with the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and international law and emphasized the importance of upholding peace and stability, respect for international law, unimpeded lawful commerce, and freedom of navigation and overflight. The two sides reiterated that international disputes in the South China Sea should be settled in accordance with international law, and through diplomatic and other peaceful means, including the use of international arbitration. They also expressed concern about the ambiguity and potential breadth of some maritime claims and emphasized that maritime claims in the South China Sea must be derived from land features in accordance with the international law of the sea, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The two sides expressed opposition to unilateral measures that escalate tensions in the region.

Both the PHL and US recognized the mutual benefits derived from people-to-people exchanges and noted that their people-to-people ties remain vibrant, enriching both cultures and fostering deeper mutual understanding. PDN

Philippines-United States Fifth Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held in Manila

AFP Procurement Service ... (continued from page 4)


determined to have all the units of AFPPS comply with international standards,” says Col Alvin Francis A Javier, Commander, AFPPS.

In addition to ISO 9001:2008 Cert i f icat ion and the savings r e c o r d e d , t h e A F P P S a l s o i m p l e m e n t e d o t h e r e q u a l l y significant initiatives such as the Electronic Procurement Management Information System (EPMIS) which was launched to Procurement Centers and Luzon-based contracting offices.

T h e E P M I S i s a i m e d a t s t re a m l i n i n g t h e p ro c u re m e n t process, which includes document tracking and effective monitoring of procurement transactions through automation. The EPMIS is envisioned to be used in all procurement centers and contracting offices nationwide.

The ISO 9001:2008 Project and the EPMIS resulted to among other things the reduction of delivery period from 35 days to 18 days.

The recent accomplishment of the AFPPS came in time with the

celebration of its 10th Founding Anniversary on April 16,2015 with then AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

The official announcement of t h e S e r v i c e ’ s I S O 9 0 0 1 : 2 0 0 8 Certification highlighted he AFPPS’s anniversary celebration. PDN



PMAers gather at PMA Alumni Homecoming 2015Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin

of the PMA “Magiting” Class of 1968, together with top officials of the Department of National Defense, who are also graduates of the Philippine Military Academy, attended the annual PMA Alumni Homecoming held on February 21, 2015, at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City.

Todate, PMA has produced over 10,000 alumni with 106 others who graduated from allied service academies since its establishment in 1936. Some of its members became leaders and key-position holders in the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies while some have served in the government, corporate, non-profit, educational, and other leadership and management positions at various levels of responsibility.

The country’s quest for lasting peace was highlighted by homecoming Guest of Honor and Speaker Undersecretary Eduardo S. J. Oban, Jr, Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces in his speech. Usec. Oban, a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is a member of PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979.

Oban emphasized that “While it may be easy for one army to win a war, it will take the efforts of the entire nation to win the peace.”

He also emphasized the importance of truth and justice in the pursuit of peace and exhorted his fellow PMAers to shun corruption and remain loyal to the country and to the values and ideals imparted to them by their Alma Mater.

“We are the soldiers of our people, we are the bastion of their freedom. Securing our people from threats of human violence does not, however, guarantee peace,” he said. “Corruption debilitates and undermines all that we do in our quest for peace,” Usec Oban said.

He further said, “securing our people from threats of human violence does not guarantee peace.” He presented various dimensions in the pursuit of peace, such as hunger, injustice, ignorance, social prejudice and corruption and even climate change as factors that can hamper the nation’s peace efforts.

Meanwhile, members of PMA Class 1955 were given recognition as Diamond jubilarians (60 years); Class 1965 as Golden jubilarians (50 years); and Class 90 as Silver jubilarians (25 years).

The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. also honored outstanding cavaliers for their achievements in their own field of expertise.

Eleven alumni of the Philippine Military Academy received the 2015 Cavalier Awards during this year’s Alumni Homecoming held on February 21, 2015, at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City. The awardees are SSupt. Wilfred A. Nicolas (Class 1965) for Private Enterprise; DGen. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. (Class 1970)

for Public Administration; LtGen Felicito VM Trinidad (Class 1982) for Command and Administration; Col Danilo G Pamonag (Class 1985) for Army Operations; SSupt Ronald M Dela Rosa (Class 1986) for Police Operations; LtCol Elpidio T Factor (Class 1995) for Naval Operations; Cdr Inocencio C Rosario, Jr (Class 1996) for Coast Guard Operations; Maj Gremel B Brual (Class 1996) for Special Operations; and Maj Jonathan P De Leon (Class 2001) for Air Force Operations. PDN

PMA application, now online!Beginning this year, application for cadetship to the Philippine

Military Academy (PMA) has been made more convenient and accessible online.

Apart from its traditional processing of application through regular mail, PMA application goes online and aspiring cadets may now visit http://pma.ph to access the online application until July 15, 2015.

The applicant is required to fill out the form online and attach a scanned copy (in PDF format) of at least his/her NSO Birth Certificate and possibly his/her Form 137 to be processed. After which, applicants will just have to wait for the Examination Permit that will be sent to them through email indicating the testing center, the date and other pertinent instructions regarding the entrance examination; including the requirements needed on the day of the exam.

Aside from the online application, forms are also downloadable from the PMA website. Applicants have to completely fill out the form with proper attachments (High School FORM 137 and the NSO copy of the Birth Certificate) before sending the same through preferred courier services to the Office of the Cadet Admission, PMA, Fort Gregorio H del Pilar 2602, Baguio City.




Documents

Volume 5 Issue 1 2015