A total of 19 “children involved in armed conflict” (CIAC) voluntarily surrendered to the authorities in Barangay Balete, Aroroy, Masbate on Saturday, July 17. Those who surrendered included a 12-year-old, two 13-year-olds, six 14-year-olds, four 15-year-olds, two 16-year-olds, three 17-year-olds and a 19-year-old. According to one of those who surrendered, it was March 2020 when… Continue reading 19 CIAC surrender in Masbate as influx of surrendering CTG members continues
Minor apprehended with high-powered firearms at a military checkpoint in Maguindanao
On the early hours of July 19, 2021, a 13-year-old minor was intercepted at a military checkpoint in Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, and various high-powered guns and other war materiel were confiscated from him. During a checkpoint operation in the abovementioned barangay, troops of the 1st Mechanized Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Cresencio… Continue reading Minor apprehended with high-powered firearms at a military checkpoint in Maguindanao
DND Secretary Lorenzana says war in West Philippine Sea ‘unlikely’
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana stated on Wednesday that he does not envision any conflicts breaking out in the West Philippine Sea, despite increased exercises between the Philippines and the United States and its partners in the region. “There is a provision in the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty) that an attack to… Continue reading DND Secretary Lorenzana says war in West Philippine Sea ‘unlikely’
Japan, United Kingdom to strengthen defense ties at sea, military technology
Defense ministers from Japan and the United Kingdom announced Tuesday that the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and its strike group will visit Japanese ports in September for joint exercises, as the two countries strengthen military ties amid increased Chinese assertiveness in regional waters. The visit by the Royal Navy’s largest cruiser is part… Continue reading Japan, United Kingdom to strengthen defense ties at sea, military technology
Russia debuts a new fighter jet, Putin praises country’s Air Force
On Tuesday, Russian aircraft manufacturers displayed a prototype of a new fighter jet with stealth capabilities and other innovative technologies. Russian President Vladimir Putin viewed the potential warplane on display at the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Salon with great excitement. The air show kicked up on Tuesday in Zhukovsky, a suburb of Moscow. Sukhoi,… Continue reading Russia debuts a new fighter jet, Putin praises country’s Air Force
Civilians in Maguindanao condemns BIFF, violent extremism in the province
Residents of a conflict-affected community in Maguindanao have repudiated the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the path of violent extremism cultivated by the terror group, according to the military in Maguindanao. The people of Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo, have withdrawn any support for the violent extremists, according to Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, commander of… Continue reading Civilians in Maguindanao condemns BIFF, violent extremism in the province
5 Abu Sayyaf Group members yield in Basilan
On July 19, 2021, five members of the Abu Sayyaf Group led by the late Isnilon Hapilon surrendered to the military in Lamitan City, Basilan, according to Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. As per the WesMinCom commander, the militants turned themselves in at the 68th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Campo… Continue reading 5 Abu Sayyaf Group members yield in Basilan
PH Army captures 18,433 rebels using a ‘whole-of-nation’ strategy
Through the Duterte administration’s “whole of nation” integration effort, a total of 18,433 former rebels from Communist Terror Groups (CTG), including 92 “kid soldiers,” have returned to the fold of the law and are now living regular lives. At the weekly virtual press conference of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict… Continue reading PH Army captures 18,433 rebels using a ‘whole-of-nation’ strategy
China did not ‘expel’ a US warship, US Navy says
China’s assertions that it employed naval and air forces to evict a US warship from its territory this week are incorrect, according to US Navy officials. The destroyer John S. McCain was “expelled” from waters around the Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea, according to a senior colonel with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.… Continue reading China did not ‘expel’ a US warship, US Navy says
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to visit Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam
According to the US embassy in Hanoi, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit Southeast Asia later this month. His itinerary includes stops in the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. “Secretary Austin’s visit will demonstrate the importance the Biden-Harris Administration places on Southeast Asia and on ASEAN as an essential part of the Indo-Pacific’s architecture,” Pentagon… Continue reading US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to visit Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam