MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has voiced concerns about China’s deployment of a carrier strike group in the Philippine Sea.
“We emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region and urge all parties to adhere to international laws and norms, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
Reports indicate that the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong, accompanied by a guided missile destroyer and a frigate, was spotted 323 miles off Miyako Island, conducting flight deck operations with its jet fighters and helicopters.
“The AFP remains committed to safeguarding our maritime interests and ensuring the security of our territorial waters through continued vigilance,” Padilla added.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad noted that they are also monitoring a bilateral exercise between China and Russia in the Philippine Sea.
“The AFP is committed to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. We will continue to monitor this situation to ensure PH sovereign rights are not violated,” he said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With the confirmation of the National Security Council (NSC) that some individuals or groups are participating in the spread of China’s narrative and influence, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday (08 July 2024) urged Filipinos to use their social media accounts to fight the spread of “fake news” and disinformation related to the issues of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The AFP earlier said fake news have been spreading lately to sow fear among the public.
“Ang panawagan natin na makatulong ang bawat isa sa ating mga kababayan na ipakalat sa mundo ang katotohanan tungkol dito sa [mga issues ng West Philippine Sea],” AFP Spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said when interviewed by Super Radyo dzBB.
It was learned that under its Communication Plan Mulat (Awakened) for the West Philippine Sea, the AFP aims to “bolster transparency, counter disinformation, and enhance public awareness regarding the Philippines’ rights and interests in the region.”
Padilla further said Complan Mulat includes AFP’s transparency initiative with news organizations.
“By enhancing public awareness and rallying patriotic sentiment, the plan aims to unite Filipinos in advocating for the nation’s interests and contributing to a more resilient Philippines,” the AFP said in a statement.
AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier warned of China’s “united front works” aimed at degrading the value system and divide the Filipinos.
However, he did not name any groups or individuals.
“The Philippines has a great online presence. The truth is on our side, the law is on our side,” Padilla stressed.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Finally breaking its silence, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday (17 June 2024) said it would not dignify the misleading claims of China in relation to the reported collision of Philippine and Chinese vessels in the waters adjacent to Ayungin Shoal.
AFP Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad stressed that the main issue is the illegal presence of Chinese vessels in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The AFP will not discuss operational details on the legal humanitarian rotation and resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal, which is well within our EEZ. We will not dignify the deceptive and misleading claims of the China Coast Guard,” Trinidad said.
He added: ”The main issue remains to be the illegal presence and actions of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which infringes on our sovereignty and sovereign rights.”
Earlier, the China Coast Guard (CCG) claimed that a “Philippine replenishment ship ignored many solemn warnings from the Chinese side” subsequently causing the collision of vessels of the Philippines and China in the waters adjacent to Ayungin Shoal.
Trinidad, however, maintained that the continued aggressive actions of the CCG personnel are escalating tensions in the region.
The Ayungin Shoal, which China calls Ren’ai Reef, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is well within the Philippines’ 200-mile EEZ.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Given the escalating tension between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday (26 Feb 2024) said it is ready to support the country’s coast guard.
The AFP’s statement came out on the heels of the latest incident between PCG and Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.
“The AFP supports the maritime law enforcement operation of the PCG and other maritime law enforcement agencies. For our part, any challenges faced by foreign forces are addressed with utmost professionalism and we will practice maximum tolerance,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters in a Viber message.
At the same time, the AFP maintained that it would practice maximum tolerance in “addressing challenges from foreign forces.”
On Sunday (25 February 2024), the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard (CCG) of attempting to block the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ BRP Datu Sanday, which was delivering supplies to fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc last February 22.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the military operations that killed its leader and some members, it’s only a matter of time before the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group will be finally decimated.
This was the gist of the statement on Tuesday (13 Feb 2024) by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla who said 12 Maute members were killed, three surrendered, and three others were arrested in these operations.
“Maute Group is already on the brink of collapse following a series of decisive military and joint law enforcement operations, particularly against the leadership and perpetrators of the Mindanao State University (MSU) improvised explosive device bombing,” Padilla said during a press briefing.
On Monday (12 February 2024), the AFP reported that the alleged mastermind in last December’s Mindanao State University (MSU) bombing in Marawi City was killed in a military operation in Lanao del Sur.
He was identified as Khadafi Mimbesa or “Engineer,” and also the amir or leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — The reactivation of a once-dormant intelligence unit within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which played a crucial role in apprehending coup and communist party leaders during the 1980s and 1990s, has been reactivated.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Romeo Brawner Jr., oversaw the reactivation ceremony for the AFP Counter-intelligence Group (AFPCIG) in a simple event held at the Camp Aguinaldo headquarters in Quezon City on Thursday.
In a statement, Brawner highlighted that the decision to operationalize AFPCIG stemmed from “the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief to safeguard the nation.”
Recent reports hinted at a potential destabilization plot against the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing alleged discontent from various sectors. However, Brawner dismissed these claims last week.
The AFP’s counter-intelligence group was originally established during the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino in response to multiple attempts to overthrow her government.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Lacking massive support, the supposed launching of “Imperial Mindanao” lost steam as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday dismissed rumors of a destabilization plot against the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr.
Reliable sources told Maharlika NuMedia that an “Imperial Mindanao” was supposed to be launched on Saturday (January 6) but failed to attract a “critical mass” that will also trigger the ouster of PBBM.
“Wala pong ganiyan sa AFP (There is no discussion for a destabilization plot in the AFP),” AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said in an interview with Dobol B TV.
On Sunday (January 7), former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte denied rumors that he had been secretly meeting with certain police, soldiers, and politicians amid the supposed destabilization plot.
Duterte claimed that he has no reason to do so as he is comfortable with PBBM.
To recall, during the 2022 presidential campaign, Duterte did not endorse the candidacy of Marcos Jr and even referred to him as a “weak” leader.
“We can assure the public that we are solid and united. And we’ll focus sa ating misyon. Huwag muna kaming idamay-damay sa mga iyan kasi it will not be good for our country,” Aguilar said.
The AFP spokesperson also expressed confidence that active soldiers will not engage in any destabilization plots against the administration because they are professional and obedient to the organization’s leadership.
(el Amigo/MNM)
The government is set to maintain its dedication to enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and elevating it to the status of a “world-class force,” as stated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his address at the traditional dinner for the AFP Council of Sergeants Major in Malacañang on Monday.
In his speech, President Marcos encouraged AFP personnel to persist in their outstanding efforts, assuring them of unwavering support from his administration and the entire nation in the execution of their duties.
The President asserted, “Rest assured that we will remain resolute in our efforts to transform and modernize the AFP into a globally respected force that fills our country with pride.”
He went on to add, “Furthermore, I want to assure you that we will persist in the implementation of programs and policies aimed at enhancing your well-being. This commitment extends not only to those in active service but also to their families, whom I consider as contributing to our nation’s active service. So, please continue your commendable work, knowing that this administration and the entire nation stand firmly behind you as you serve our country.”
President Marcos emphasized the indispensable role played by enlisted personnel, describing them as the “backbone of the country’s military force” responsible for sustaining the nation’s security and defense.
He also acknowledged that enlisted personnel constitute 90 percent of the military forces and their specialized skills are integral to the AFP’s daily operations and institutional functions.
“You are crucial to our enduring success in safeguarding our nation’s integrity, sovereignty, and heritage. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that we collaborate to ensure that each of you reaches your fullest potential and becomes a well-rounded soldier,” Marcos emphasized.
The President expressed gratitude for the enlisted personnel’s dedication to understanding the needs of Filipino troops throughout the nation and their efforts to boost troop morale and welfare.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
SEEING THE GRAVE DANGER the Filipinos in Israel are facing amid the armed conflict in the said Middle Eastern country, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it has prepared a possible evacuation operation plan.
“I am here to assure everybody that with the guidance of our President, his excellency President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., the AFP is prepared to execute evacuation operation should there be a need for that,” said AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar in Malacañang briefing.
Fierce fighting still continues between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas which launched a “surprise” attack in Israel in response to “years of Israel oppression” in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian enclave on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Gaza Strip is a 25-mile-long by 6-mile-wide enclave, bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Israel to the north and east, and Egypt to the south.
Maharlika NuMedia learned that during the so-called Six-Day War in 1967, Israel captured Gaza.
In 2006, Hamas won local elections in Gaza and then took sole control of it in 2007.
But despite Hamas’ electoral victory, Gaza has been under a strict Israeli blockade, dependent on the Israeli government for electricity, water, and telecommunications.
“We already came up with a plan on how to do it and this will be a whole of nation approach because what is important for us is the safety of our countrymen there in the conflict area,” Agular added.
He said that they have already identified a temporary safe haven for Filipino evacuees in case the situation worsens.
The AFP official said two airports have also been identified for the embarkation of the Pinoy evacuees.
(ai/mnm)