Vicenzo Sagun town becomes 1st recipient of PH Rural Development Program grant in Zamboanga peninsula

By Sheena Mae Mendoza

 SAGUN, Nov. 09 (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture will allocate P179 million for the concreting of a farm-to-market road (FMR) in the town of Vicenzo Sagun in Zamboanga del Sur which was chosen as the first eligible recipient of its Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) Scale-Up subproject in the Zamboanga peninsula.

Among the other municipalities in the region that submitted project proposals to DA, only Vicenzo Sagun successfully met the required criteria and have complied with the necessary requirements, making them eligible to avail the project.

Vicente Sagun Mayor Jeffrey Maata personally received the certificate from DA during the recent launching of the department’s three core projects namely; PRDP Scale Up, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), and the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) project. These core projects of the department are made possible with the partnership and funding support of the World Bank.

Mayor Maata conveyed his gratitude to the department as it addresses the municipality’s need for much better farm-to-market connectivity.

“The municipality is deeply honored to be the sole recipient of the much-needed FMR project from the PRDP in the entire region. This is not just a milestone but a testament to the tireless dedication and effort of all those who worked to make this a reality”, he said.

0Zamboanga del Sur second district representative Victoria Jaezel Yu, who also attended the event, expressed her utmost gratitude to the DA for considering Vicenzo Sagun as the recipient of the project.

“Malipayun ko sa bag-ong proyekto nga nahatag o mabubo pinaagi sa PRDP para sa isa sa mga kalungsuran sa segundo distrito tungod kay daghan ang maka benipisyo niini labina sa ilang trabaho nga mas mapadali ang ilang transportasyon”, she said.

(I am happy with the new project that has been given or will be poured through PRDP in one of the municipalities in the second district because many will benefit from it, especially in their work that will make their transportation easier.)

The PRDP Scale Up project adopts the clustering and consolidation strategy of farmers and fisher folk groups producing priority commodities such as rice, corn, coffee, and cacao, among others. The project also prioritizes farm-to-market roads (FMRs) with value chain infrastructure support to improve access of farmers to the market.

Consistent with the President’s 10-point economic agenda of boosting the country’s agricultural productivity through mechanization, modernization, and value chain development, the DA’s PRDP Scale Up project will bridge the gap between farms and markets, streamlining easier transportation of agricultural goods.

With its focus on infrastructure and improved connectivity, the PRDP Scale Up project not only enhances mobility but also catalyzes economic development by ensuring timely and efficient delivery of local products to the market.

(NBE/SBM/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur with reports from the Department of Agriculture and photos from Basta Sagun Malabuon Page)

Iligan locks down radio station, 13 firms for operating sans permits

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Iligan City government on Friday closed 14 business establishments, including a radio station, for allegedly operating without business permits.

Dr. Darwin Manugbag, the city administrator, led the closure of the businesses following the issuance of a final notice by the City Legal Office on Aug. 17.

City Legal Officer Roberto Padilla gave the erring business 15 days to comply with the local revenue code.

CLOSURE. Accompanied by the police, Iligan City officials brought chains to shutter on Friday (Nov. 24, 2023) the operation of a radio station allegedly operating without a business permit. Local officials say the station lacked registration from the National Telecommunications Commission, a requirement in securing a business permit. (Photo courtesy of Radyo Bandera Iligan)

However, the 14 business firms failed to follow the requirements despite the generous extension, Manugbag said.

One of the businesses involved was Radyo Bandera Iligan.

According to Milagros Mahinay, focal person of the city's Business Permits and Licenses Office, the radio station was denied a business permit because it failed to comply with a certificate of franchise registration from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Lawyer Dexter Rey Sumaoy, representing Radyo Bandera, countered that it was better for the local government to file appropriate charges "so we can answer them and let the court decide."

Sumaoy, a former city administrator, admitted that its permit was not signed by the local government because of "some issues."

Meanwhile, NTC-10 Director Teodoro Buenavista Jr. said the franchise of Radyo Bandera "has recently lapsed, and all assigned frequencies were recalled."

"The number of stations in the country that are under Bandera (of Fairewaves Broadcasting Network) are affected due to expired franchises. The expired franchise has prompted NTC to recall all the frequencies assigned to Bandera," Buenavista said in a separate interview.

He said the radio station owners may operate again by applying for a franchise at the House of Representatives. (PNA)

Communist Terrorist Group remnant neutralized in encounter with government forces

By PIO WESMINCOM

 A remnant of the communist terrorist group was killed during an encounter with the government forces in Dumingag, Zamboanga Del Sur on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022.

 While conducting patrol at the mountainous portion of Purok 2, Barangay Saad, same town, troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion were fired upon by unseen assailants from a concealed position prompting the troops nearest to the assailants to return fire. 

 Firefight ensued after which enemies scampered in different directions. While clearing the encounter site, operating troops recovered one enemy cadaver, one sling bag with, tobacco, and one Nokia keypad phone. 

 Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPelan, identified the neutralized CTG member as Martino Ayas, a.k.a. Nasser, a remnant of the Guerrilla Front BBC. He is reportedly trying to recruit members into the NPA in the mentioned barangay since August 2022 along with Jessel Cabal, a.k.a Sabel, and Nelboy Baron, a.k.a. Jundy.

 Operating troops are in pursuit of the fleeing enemies. 

 

Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Acting Commander of Western Mindanao Command commended the troops for their vigilance. “I urge the CTG remnants to come out and end their useless battle. Our troops will continue to press on until all areas will be cleared from traces of terrorism.”   

 

 

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction yielded to the military.

 By , PIO, WESMINCOM

 Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 15, 2022- A field commander and 13 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction yielded to the military in North Cotabato on February 14, 2022. According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the 14 BIFF personalities submitted themselves to Col. Jovencio Gonzales, Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 34th Infantry Battalion at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, North Cotabato Monday morning. 

 One of the 14 surrendered personalities surrendered to Col. Gonzales at 8:30 in the morning, February 14. He handed over one rocket-propelled grenade and one M1 Garand rifle. He was subsequently presented to Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Ramil Umbra Dilangalen.

 Col. Gonzales said the surrender was facilitated by the 34IB, Northern Kabuntalan PNP, and the intelligence units. 

 Meanwhile, at about 10:30 a.m., same day, 13 more BIFF including a field commander surrendered to Col. Gonzales. The former violent extremists were accompanied by Norodin Akis and Dong Bantas, members of the Council of Elders of Midsayap. The 13 handed over seven M1 Garand rifles, one Springfield cal. 30 Sniper rifle, one M14 rifle with magazine, one M16 rifle with magazine, three cal. 45 pistols with magazines, 50 rounds of cal. 30 ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 13 rounds of 6.56mm ammunition, seven rounds of cal. 45 ammunition, and seven clip Garand magazines. 

 The 13 former violent extremists were formally presented to Midsayap Mayor Romeo Araña. They also underwent custodial debriefing conducted by the 34IB. 

 Col. Gonzales attributed the successful surrender of the 13 BIFF personalities to the troops of the 34IB, Midsayap PNP, and the intelligence operatives. 

    For security reasons, the identities of the surrendered personalities are withheld. Surrendered firearms were deposited at the 34IB supply room for safekeeping.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central commended the peacemaking initiatives of the 34IB. He also vowed to assist the former violent extremists in their reintegration into mainstream society. 

 For the first two months of 2022, a total of 64 BIFF personalities have surrendered to the government forces in Central Mindanao.

 “Our efforts compel more militants to just give up their fight and start anew. Rest assured that our campaign to end terrorism will never falter,” said Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. 

 

DSWD Strengthens Partnership with WestMinCom

 By PIO, WESMINCOM

 Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Atty. Sittie Raifah Pamaloy-Hassan, Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-IX (DSWD-IX) visited the Western Mindanao Command on Friday afternoon, February 11, purposely to pay a courtesy call on the Unified Command Chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. The distinguished visitor was received by the WestMinCom Commander at the Laong Laan Hall at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city. 

 Atty Hassan expressed her gratitude to the command for the continued support to all the undertakings of the Department including the transport of relief goods to the affected areas of Typhoon Odette. “We also want to thank you for your participation in bringing home Filipinos from Sabah. Through your untiring efforts and that of other concerned agencies, we have safely ferried 3,289 Filipinos back to their respective homes,” the Regional Director expressed. She further stated that she decided to visit the Command and personally engage the commander to strengthen the partnership with WestMinCom in delivering programs and services to the people.

 Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said that the multi-sectoral collaboration must be sustained in the name of Public Service. “The Armed Forces is always ready to assist you whenever you need it. While we are working on our mission to end terrorism here in Mindanao, we also endeavor to provide support to our partners and stakeholders in the best way we could,” the WestMinCom Commander added. 

 In welcoming Atty. Hassan, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. was joined by Col. Elmer Suderio, Chief of Unified Command Staff, and Col. Wendell Basat, Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations. 

 

Drug Den Dismantled, 102K Worth of Shabu Seized in Marawi City

 By PIO, WESMINCOM

 Combined elements of the 55th Engineer Brigade, PDEA Lanao del Sur, and 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company conducted a buy-bust operation at Purok Papandayan, Barangay Caniogan, Marawi City on February 9, 2022. Lt. Gen. Alfredo, Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said that the operation resulted in the dismantling of a drug den, seizure of more or less 15 grams of Shabu with an estimated value of PhP102,000.00, and apprehension of five illegal drug personalities. 

Apprehended personalities were identified as Asmirah Abubakar, Richard Solis, Arjun Auditor, Sainor Montawa, and Jalil Aloyodan. Aside from the 15 grams of Shabu, operating troops also confiscated one genuine 1000-peso bill placed on top of 9 pieces of photocopied 1000-peso bill used as buy-bust money, one Samsung analog phone, one Oppo Android phone, various identification card under the name of Asmirah Abubakar, and drug paraphernalia from the suspects. 

 According to Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, the apprehended personalities were brought to Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office for filing of appropriate charges. “This is another accomplishment attributable to the combined efforts of our troops and the elements from PDEA and PNP,” Maj. Gen. Ponio further stated. 

 Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. assured that the military will continue to assist law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal drug operations in WestMinCom’s area of operation. 

 

Firearms, Ammunition Seized in Joint Law Enforcement Operation in Sulu

 By PIO, WESMINCOM

Combined elements from the Joint Task Force Sulu, different intelligence units, and Sulu PNP conducted a joint law enforcement operation on February 9, 2022, to execute a search warrant issued by Hon. Shene Canete, Acting Presiding Judge, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 4, Parang, Sulu against Abu Sayyaf Group member Muksidal Jumadil. 

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said that operating troops proceeded to Barangay Kan Mindus, Luuk, Sulu to implement the search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act against the abovementioned personality. Sensing the arrival of the government forces, Jumadil open-fired and fled in the direction of Barangay Tangkuan, Omar, Sulu. 

 According to Brig. Gen. Antonio Bautista, Jr., Acting Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, operating troops are in pursuit of the fleeing terrorist. 

 Meanwhile, a search was done at the residence of Jumadil and this was witnessed by Barangay Chairman Patta Putuh Bangalan of Kan Mindus. The search was executed together with the personnel of CIDG9 as videographer pursuant to the rules on the use of Body-Worn Cameras in the execution of Warrants (A.M. No. 21-06-08 SC) issued by the Supreme Court which took effect on August 1, 2021. 

 Firearms and ammunition were recovered by the searching elements at the target’s house. These include one Winchester M14 rifle with three metal magazines, sixty 7.62mm live ammunition, one 9mm pistol with metal magazine and seven live ammunition, and one bandolier. Confiscated items are now under the custody of CIDG9 for proper disposition. 

 “Your armed forces and other line agencies are working doubly to sustain our gains in peace and development in this part of the country. With everybody’s cooperation we are confident that the law enforcement efforts we launched together with our partners will reap more successes in the coming days,” Lt. Rosario, Jr. stated. 

 

Sayyafs’ War Materiel Seized in Sulu

 By PIO, WESMINCOM

 Two high-powered firearms, other war materiel, and personal belongings of the Abu Sayyaf Group were seized by the military in Sulu on February 6, 2022. Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said army soldiers from the 6th Special Forces Battalion acted on a report of the presence of ASG personalities in Barangay Tanum, Patikul, Sulu. While operating troops were approaching, the ASG members hurriedly fled. 

 “I directed all military units in the area to intensify further their monitoring on the direction of the fleeing enemies and establish blockade on their possible withdrawal routes,” Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu stated. 

 While scouring the area, troops recovered one M14 rifle with two steel magazines, one M16 rifle with two steel magazines, 27 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 29 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, one bandolier, one solar panel, seven assorted sim card cases, one jungle hammock, one civilian backpack, one combat shirt (Phil. Marines), one poncho, one Qur’an, denatured alcohol, two combs, two scissors, nail cutter, and one face mask.  

 Operating troops brought the recovered items to the headquarters of the 6th SF Battalion for proper disposition. 

 “I commend the troops of the 6th SF Battalion for thwarting the possible terror attack of the group in the peaceful communities. I congratulate you all for this laudable accomplishment,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said. 

 

Abu Sayyaf Group Member Yield to Government Forces in Basilan

 

By PIO, WESMINCOM

 A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan under Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway on February 1, 2022. 50-year-old Ismael Ladjatua alias Maing/Abu Macca from Barangay Townsite, Maluso, Basilan yielded at the Joint Task Force Basilan Headquarters in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, same province at about 1:30 in the afternoon Tuesday.

 According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the surrendered personality was a follower of the late Isnilon Hapilon. He handed over one Carbine rifle with magazine and five live ammunition to Brig. Gen. Gobway.

 Ladjatua surrendered after realizing that senseless violence is not the solution to poverty. Also, he got tired of hiding from the government forces. Subject personality relayed that he was forcibly recruited by the ASG at his former residence in Barangay Canibungan, Lantawan, same province when he was 25 years old. In 2017, he migrated to Malaysia to work as construction helper. He decided to return to Basilan last January 10 after five years of hiding in Malaysia. He then sought assistance for his surrender.

 Brig. Gen. Gobway expressed his gratitude to the surrendered personality for entrusting himself to the JTF Basilan. “We will assist him as he starts a new life with his family,” the Task Force Commander said.

 The surrender of Ladjatua is a result of the strong collaboration of JTF Basilan and 101st Infantry Brigade with the MILF-CCCH and the intelligence units. Surrendered personality is currently under the custody of the 101st Infantry Brigade for proper disposition.

 “It is evident that our troops are doubling their efforts to encourage surrender among the bandits,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said. “This recent accomplishment only proves that the landscape in the area has totally changed.”

 “ I am elated with this development, and I commend our soldiers and those who are helping and assisting them to achieve these successes,” the WestMinCom Commander added.

 Since January this year, six abus already surrendered to the government forces with most of them also turning over their firearms and ammunition. Ladjatua is the first Abu Sayyaf Group member who surrendered in Basilan while the five others yielded in Sulu.

 

By PIO, WESMINCOM

       January 28,2022

 Barangay Chiefs Hand Over Loose Firearms to Military in Cotabato

 Chairpersons of the different barangays in Carmen, Cotabato handed over seven loose firearms to the military on January 27, 2022. According to Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., the firearms were received by Col. Jovencio Gonzales, Commander of 602nd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala, Commanding Officer of 90th Infantry Battalion at the Convention Hall of the abovementioned municipality.

 Col. Gonzales said that Barangay Chairpersons Jimmy Cabrillo of Kibudtungan, Percival Bacudo of Aroman, Reynaldo Camique of Tonganon, Acob Guiamilil of Palanggalan, Ronald Akmad of Kibenes, Robert Baguat of Ranzo, and Pepito Calibara of Tacupan handed over a total of five M1 Garand rifles and two US Carbine Cal. 30 rifles. 

 “The activity is part of the Balik Baril Program of our unit in partnership with the municipality of Carmen. This is to eradicate illegal firearms in our area of operation,” Lt. Col. Mundala said.

 Chairman Cabrillo said that this is their way of expressing their support for the government’s campaign against illegal firearms and to be a good example to their constituents.

 Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, commended the 602nd Infantry Brigade and 90th Infantry Battalion for establishing good relationships with the local officials. 

 All surrendered firearms are currently deposited at H90IB for custody and proper disposition.

 “Their gestures are very much appreciated. May they inspire their constituents who are owners of illegal firearms to also yield their weapons to the military. It would be of great help especially during this election period when we double our efforts to clear the communities from undocumented firearms and sustain the peace in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stated. 

 

Basilan fully supports government’s peace efforts

 The elected city and barangay officials of Isabela City, Basilan led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman vowed support to the Small Arms and Light Weapons program of the government.

 According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the signing of Memorandum of Understanding of the local government of Isabela City seals the reputation of Basilan as the pioneer in the implementation of the SALW program.

 The signing of MOU was held at the Basketball Court of Infirmary Building in Barangay Sunrise, Isabela City on July 22, 2021.

 This was facilitated by Joint Task Force Basilan Commander, Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Basilan Provincial Administrator Manny Muarip, Police Lt. Col. Dennies Gemina of the Provincial Police Office, and 4th Special Forces Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Alex Ampati.

 “We appreciate the gestures of support of the local government officials of Basilan in the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms,” said Brig. Gen. Gobway.

 “This exemplifies our strong interagency collaboration in eliminating the menaces of society,” he added.

 During the activity, Cpt. Mark Christian Sta. Ana of the 9th Special Forces Company presented to Brig. Gen. Gobway and Mr. Muarip a total of 40 assorted loose firearms which include three cal. 30 Garand rifles, one M203 Grenade Launcher, five shotguns, nine cal. 45 pistols, 18 cal. 38 pistols, three cal. 22 pistols, and one cal. Magnum 357 pistol.

 Said firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents from the different barangays of Isabela City. “I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan for the huge number of firearms recovered through the SALW program. 244 firearms all in all is a great accomplishment that is worthy of praise and accolade,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

 Of the 244, 54 were turned over in Isabela City, 40 in Isabela City, 34 in Sumisip, 23 in Hadji Mohammad Adjul, 19 in Maluso, 15 in Ungkaya Pukan, 12 in Tuburan, 11 Hadji Muhtamad, nine in Al-Barka, nine in Akbar, seven in Tabuan-Lasa, seven in Tipo-Tipo, and four in Lantawan.-  Press Release

 

 

Children not allowed outside anew due to Delta threat

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor 

july 23, 2021

 

MANILA – Children would have to stay at home as the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) suspended its earlier resolution allowing them outdoors due to the threat of the highly contagious Delta variant, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Friday.

(PNA photo by Oliver Marquez)

“Ang latest natin diyan ay hindi muna natin papayagan sa ngayon para lang makasiguro tayo…dahil nagkaroon na tayo ng Delta variant, nagkaisa ang IATF na iatras muna itong resolution na ito (The latest is we won’t allow [kids outdoors] just to make sure…because there’s Delta variant [in the country], the IATF decided to recall this resolution),” Duque said in a television interview.

Starting July 23, the quarantine status in Metro Manila and four other provinces has been upgraded to stricter general community quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions”.

This, after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the IATF-EID recommendation to place Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte under a more restrictive GCQ from July 23 to 31.

Earlier, children ages five years old and above living in areas under general community quarantine and modified general community quarantine could go outdoors wearing masks and face shields through IATF Resolution No. 5.

On Thursday, the Department of Health reported that health authorities have detected local transmission of the Delta variant in the country following a stringent phylogenetic analysis and case investigation.

So far, the country’s total number of Delta cases is 47 – 36 are recovered cases, eight are active cases and three are deaths.

"Kung makita naman na hindi hindi naman patuloy na tumataas, lalo na dun sa NCR, baka puwedeng ibalik natin ‘yung Resolution 125 kung saan pinahihintulutan na puwedeng lumabas ang mga bata (If an increase [in Delta variant cases] is not seen, especially in the NCR [National Capital Region], we may implement Resolution 125 again allowing kids outdoors)," Duque said.

However, he added, these children must be with their parents or guardians and must adhere to minimum public health standards when outdoors. (PNA) 

 

Lorenzana gives PRRD 90% rating in protecting PH peace, security

 By Priam Nepomuceno 

July 21, 2021

 MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gave President Rodrigo R. Duterte a rating of "90 percent" in terms of his administration's accomplishments in preserving peace and security in the country.

 "As far as (the) DND is concerned, ang rating ni Presidente ay 90 percent dahil nadagdagan niya 'yung equipment ng ating mga sundalo at maganda yung direktiba niya sa amin na puksain 'yung insurgency (the President's rating is 90 percent because he managed to acquire and procure additional equipment for our soldiers and his directive to us to totally neutralize (local communist) insurgency is also good)," he said during the pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) forum of the Security, Justice, and Peace Cluster on Wednesday.

 Guided by the President's order to defend what rightfully belongs to the country without going to war, Lorenzana also said they have consistently asserted the Philippines' sovereignty and sovereign rights.

 "Patuloy ang pagpapaunlad ng imprastraktura sa Kalayaan at Mavulis Islands. Pinaigting natin ang pagpapatrolya at pagbabantay sa ating himpapawid at karagatan (Improvements in the infrastructure in Kalayaan and Mavulis Islands are ongoing even as we intensified our patrols guarding our airspace and seas). We also intensified our deterrence activities and deployed more personnel in our borders, especially in the West Philippine Sea and the Sulu-Celebes Seas," he added.

 As of last year, Lorenzana said the country has conducted 186 air and 575 maritime patrols.

 "We now have more littoral monitoring stations and detachments in strategic locations to monitor vessels transiting within Philippine waters and key sea lanes of communication," he added.

 Lorenzana also cited the benefits of the country's defense cooperation with other countries, inside and outside the region.

 "Dahil sa Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement natin sa Indonesia at Malaysia, mabilis nating napababa ang mga insidente ng kidnapping-for-ransom at iba pang krimen sa karagatan ng Sulu (Due to our Trilateral Cooperative Agreement with Indonesia and Malaysia, we quickly reduced kidnapping-for-ransom incidents and other crimes in Sulu waters)," he added.

 Aside from this, Lorenzana said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) also invested in climate change and disaster resilience efforts.

"More importantly, member states have committed to asserting the Asean centrality in dealing with other countries in the Indo-Asia Pacific region, especially towards the peaceful and amicable resolution of territorial disputes in accordance with international laws," he added.

 Lorenzana also cited the milestones reached by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in enhancing its capacity and capability.

This includes the upgrading of systems, doctrines, and the acquisition of capital assets and equipment.

 Some of these newly acquired assets include the two newly-acquired Jose Rizal-class missile frigates, the six-newly delivered Embraer A-29B "Super Tucano" close-air support aircraft and a number of combat utility helicopters.

Lorenzana was referring to the Polish-made S-70i "Black Hawk" helicopters, of which 10 units are now in the country while the remaining five are to be delivered within the year.

 "Ginagamit na natin ang mga ito sa (we are now using these equipment in) territorial defense, counter-insurgency, peacekeeping, at humanitarian assistance at disaster response operations. Though we still have a long way to go to achieve our desired level of defense posture, we can now proudly say that the AFP is definitely stronger than it was before," he said.

 Lorenzana added that he hopes that more ships and aircraft would be acquired for the military in the remaining months of the Duterte administration.

 "Ngayon, siguro ang dapat pa nating magawa sa kanyang administrasyon, ay dagdagan natin ang ating mga nabiling equipment dahil kailangan natin yan lalong lalo na yung mga barko at mga eroplano, so, yun lang kasagutan ko (Now, in regards to what the administration can do more, I would want to add on to the equipment that we had already acquired especially ships and aircraft which we urgently need. That is my answer)," Lorenzana said.

 Despite the July 4 crash of the Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft in Patikul, Sulu which claimed the lives of 50 military personnel and injured 46 others along with three civilians killed and four others wounded, Lorenzana said the "One Defense Team" remains committed to serving the nation and its people. (PNA)