Philippine Coast Guard and U.S. Navy make Coastal Areas Safer

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Joshua Scott

SULU SEA, Republic of the Philippines – Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Sailors practiced Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) with U.S. Sailors in a shift towards increasing the safety and security of the waters of northern Mindanao.

Members of Philippine Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao and PCG Search and Rescue vessel BRP Romblon (SAR-3503) participated in the MIO training with Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93) in Macajalar Bay, just off the coast of Cagayan de Oro June 23-24.

“The training was very impressive and useful,” said Ensign Johnny Belarmino, engineering officer and boarding team leader of Romblon. “There’s a lot of new techniques and additional knowledge I can impart to my men.”

The training consisted of interdiction (day and night) of a training vessel. The PCG personnel learned boarding techniques, proper vessel searches, and questioning and handling of suspects. Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team members from Chung-Hoon conducted training on hand-to-hand combat, tactical cover and movement, and room clearing with the PCG Special Operations Group.

“The PCG sailors have been extremely enthusiastic to learn new techniques and to discuss what they do and to show us their equipment and procedures. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to see what they can do,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Robert Jennings, a VBSS team member aboard Chung-Hoon.

The goal of the training was to increase the capability of the PCG to help keep coastal areas safe and to prevent terrorist and lawless groups from trafficking people, supplies and weapons freely along coastal regions and the sea. This is a shift from the PCG’s traditional role of search and rescue, to maritime security and law enforcement.

“It’s a big challenge for us,” said Ensign Mary Lou Caoyonan, a PCG officer, “but with the unity and cooperation of different agencies, not just the Coast Guard, other government agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), we can maintain the security of our maritime waters.”

.The Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands, creating more than 22,000 miles of coastline for the PCG and Philippine Navy to patrol.

“We are happy to support the Philippine Coast Guard’s evolution and efforts to expand its maritime law enforcement role into a multi-mission service,” said Cmdr. Stephen Erb, commanding officer of Chung-Hoon.

U.S. Army Special Forces assigned to the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) facilitated the training between the PCG and U.S. Navy. This level of coordination shows the combined nature of the Philippine and U.S. interaction in the southern Philippines.

The mission of the Philippine Coast Guard is to promote safety of life and property at sea; safeguard the marine environment and resources; enforce all applicable maritime laws; and undertake other activities in support of the mission of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Chung-Hoon, home ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, departed June 1 on its western Pacific deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Ton of defective ammunition detonated by Filipino, U.S. members

By Roel Pareño,The Philippine Star

SIRAWAI, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines – A huge mushroom cloud billowed in a logging concession in a mountainous village here as a combined team of Filipino and US ordnance disposal experts detonated about a ton of defaced and defective ammunition.

Lt. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, Western Mindanao Command chief, said the defaced and defective rifle grenades, mortars, and recoilless rockets had to be disposed of safely and away from civilians by the 9th Forward Service Support Unit (FSSU) as these were hazardous.

Dolorfino recalled the explosion in the 9th FSSU ammunition dump at Camp Enrile in Malagutay in 1995.

The combined team of ordnance experts from the Navy, Army and police and the US Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines piled up the estimated 5,000 pieces of defective and defaced rounds of ammunition in a pit in the logging concession in Dacon village.

C-4 explosives were then laid out to ensure that all the ammunition would be detonated. The blast was so powerful that it was felt as far as two kilometers away from the site.

Dolorfino said they also wanted to prevent the defaced and defective ammunition from falling into the hands of terrorists

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=592391&publicationSubCategoryId=67

US army commander ends tour of duty in Mindanao

By Elena Aben, Manila Bulletin

US Army Special Forces commander Col. William Coultrup, who headed American troops temporarily stationed in Mindanao, heads back home soon after a three-year tour of duty in Southern Philippines where his leadership left a lasting impact both on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and on communities in conflict-stricken areas in the region.

Coultrup relinquished command of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) to US Navy Capt. Robert Gusentine during a turnover ceremony last Friday at Camp Navarro of the AFP-Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) in Zamboanga City with US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. as the guest of honor.

Since 2002, some 500 to 600 US military personnel have been temporarily deployed in Mindanao “in a strictly non-combat role to advise and assist the AFP, share information, and to conduct joint civil-military operations.”

Their presence in the region is provided under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), according to an AFP official while the US authorities say that the JSTOF-P is in Mindanao “upon the request of the Philippine government.

Gusentine, before his assignment to Mindanao, was director for operations at Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Senior AFP and U.S. leaders recognized the exemplary service of Coultrup who led America’s efforts to support the Philippine military in the fight against terrorism in Mindanao. Coutrup’s next assignment will be in Washington, D.C.

“Bill, you are a true hero. It is an honor to be here recognizing your leadership, courage, vision, and sheer tenacity,” Thomas told Coultrup, adding: “You are an extraordinary leader who has developed JSOTF-P into an enabling force for peace, for improvement, and for progress in Mindanao.” said Thomas.

Coultrup, who arrived in the South in September 2007, has overseen the completion of more than 151 developmental projects valued over $19 million.

Implementation of the projects, aimed to create the conditions necessary for socio-economic development, peace, and prosperity in the Mindanao region, were done in coordination with the AFP and local government units in the region.

Among the projects completed by joint JSOTF-P and AFP personnel are the construction of schools, new wells, roads, and bridges; implementation of civic action programs like providing medication for health aliments, vaccinations for animals, and distribution of school supplies to children.

Both Philippine and US authorities admit that newly built schools, new wells, repaired roads, bridges, medication for health aliments, vaccinations for animals, school supplies for the children, or basic education and information are all small steps that allow individuals and families to have hope for a better future.

“By doing so, we are gradually shrinking terrorist safe havens and hampering these groups’ ability to conduct operations in Southern Philippines,” they said.

Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, Wesmincom chief of staff who has served and trained alongside JSOTF-P forces on the ground and at the headquarters level, praised Coultrup for enhancing the enduring partnership to defeat common enemies in Mindanao.

“Our war against terrorism and lawlessness in the Mindanao region has us (AFP) with the upper-hand,” said Cenabre. “Col. Coultrup’s focus on civic action programs has improved the quality of life for the people and specialized training has increased the capacity of the AFP,” he added.

According to Cenabre, Coultrup’s leadership helped build AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) capacity through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) that provided training in marksmanship skills, small unit tactics and explosive ordinance disposal, forward air control, maritime operations and casualty evacuation.

“Assistance has also been provided to the AFP in special operations planning and the sharing of information. The AFP has been successful in conducting targeted surgical strikes, designed to minimize collateral damage while neutralizing the threats, these efforts have led to the execution or capture of 56 known terrorists,” said Cenabre.

“The citizens of the Philippines can be proud of the men and women of their Armed Forces. I know I am,” he said, further stating: “To the AFP, I challenge all of you to continue moving forward in this common cause leveraging the same innovation, ingenuity, and initiative that has brought us to this historic moment.”

Coultrup, for his part, said: “My service here has been one the most rewarding times of my career in the military and in special Operations. I have seen heartbreaking events and things that make me proud to be in the military doing this job.”

His implementation of the “by, through, and with” method of foreign internal defense was key to building operational capacity in the AFP. By integrating all aspects of national power to include military, political, and economic means into a cohesive strategy for engagement, a significant and lasting improvement in the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency capacity in the southern Philippines has been made.

The US Ambassador extended his congratulations to Gusentine and told him the embassy offers their continued support to the AFP/U.S. partnership. “You inherit a thriving command and an excellent relationship with the AFP. You can count on us, and I know we can count on you,” Thomas told Gusentine.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/265051/us-army-commander-ends-tour-duty-mindanao

US envoy says Abu Sayyaf, JI, RSM weaker today

By Pia Lee-Brago, The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The United States’ top diplomat in the country said yesterday that rebel groups Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah and Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) have become much weaker.

“That’s an accomplishment we can all celebrate,” US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said during the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) change of command ceremony.

Washington had designated these groups as foreign terrorist organizations.

Thomas lauded the joint task force for protecting Mindanao from threats and making sacrifices every day to ensure that the US partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains strong in the face of terrorist threats.

“Your mission continues to have the interest and support at the highest levels of our government. Never doubt that the work you do contributes greatly to the security of our homeland and the common interests of our allies throughout the region,” he added

The ambassador noted not only the impressive record of the task force in relentlessly pursuing transnational terrorists but also its role in saving the lives of 91 critically injured soldiers and Marines through medical evacuations and the disposition of over 64,000 pounds of explosive materials.

The task force likewise implemented over 150 construction programs worth P900 million and treated thousands of medical and dental patients who may not have received care in the past. Moreover, it worked with the AFP in building partnerships with local communities through civil-military operations even in isolated areas once hostile to government forces.

“The partnerships make possible livelihood projects for rogue fighters willing to turn in their guns,” he said. These partnerships, he added, also make it possible for USAID to build infrastructure, train children, open businesses and create new futures.

Clearly, he said the task force has evolved to become an enabling force for peace, improvement, and progress in Mindanao.

Thomas said on Thursday that the Philippines is a partner in the campaign against terror and not a breeding ground for terrorists. He said he sees a continuing partnership against terrorism with the Aquino administration.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=589880&publicationSubCategoryId=63

U.S. commander leaves lasting impact in southern Philippines

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Josh Scott, Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines – Senior Philippine military and U.S. leaders recognized the exemplary service of a U.S. Army Special Forces commander who led U.S. efforts to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ fight against terrorism in the southern Philippines.

Col. William J. Coultrup, Commander, Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF-P) relinquished command to U.S. Navy Capt. Robert V. Gusentine during a change-of-command ceremony held at Camp Navarro, Western Mindanao Command Headquarters July 2.

“Bill, you are a true hero. It is an honor to be here recognizing your leadership, courage, vision and sheer tenacity,” said guest speaker, Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas, Jr. praising the accomplishments of Coultrup.

“You are an extraordinary leader who has developed JSOTF-P into an enabling force for peace, for improvement, and for progress in Mindanao,” said Thomas.

Since arriving in the Philippines, Coultrup has overseen the completion of more than 151 developmental projects valued over $19 million. These projects were coordinated with the AFP and Government of the Republic of the Philippines to create the conditions necessary for socio-economic development, peace and prosperity in the Mindanao region.

“Newly built schools, new wells, repaired roads, bridges, medication for health aliments, vaccinations for animals, school supplies for the children, or basic education and information are all small steps that allow individuals and families to have hope for a better future,” said Coultrup. “By doing so, we are gradually shrinking terrorist safe havens and hampering these groups’ ability to conduct operations in the southern Philippines.”

Improving the living conditions and livelihood of the people, helps separate them from the terrorist and lawless elements resulting in the steady erosion of popular support for the insurgents and increasing support for the Philippine government.

Coultrup’s implementation of the “by, through, and with” method of foreign internal defense was key to building operational capacity in the AFP. By integrating all aspects of national power to include military, political, and economic means into a cohesive strategy for engagement, a significant and lasting improvement in the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency capacity in the southern Philippines has been made.

“In today’s world where terrorism is a global threat to national interests worldwide, the AFP / JSOTF-P partnership stands as an example for any future efforts in all regions,” he said. “Also, the efforts of USAID, Department of Justice, the Peace Corps and others have been complimentary and supportive of the overall goal of peace in Mindanao.”

Col. Jose Johriel M. Cenabre, Chief of Staff, Western Mindanao Command has served and trained alongside JSOTF-P forces on the ground and at the headquarters level. He praised Coultrup for enhancing the enduring partnership to defeat common enemies in Mindanao.

“Our war against terrorism and lawlessness in the Mindanao region has us (AFP) with the upper-hand,” said Cenabre. “Col. Coultrup’s focus on civic action programs has improved the quality of life for the people and specialized training has increased the capacity of the AFP.”

Coultrup’s leadership helped build AFP and PNP capacity through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) that provided training in marksmanship skills, small unit tactics and explosive ordnance disposal, forward air control, maritime operations and casualty evacuation. Assistance has also been provided to the AFP in special operations planning and the sharing of information. The AFP has been successful in conducting targeted surgical strikes, designed to minimize collateral damage while neutralizing the threats, these efforts have led to the execution or capture of 56 known terrorists.

“The citizens of the Philippines can be proud of the men and women of their Armed Forces. I know I am,” he said. “To the AFP, I challenge all of you to continue moving forward in this common cause leveraging the same innovation, ingenuity and initiative that has brought us to this historic moment.”

Coultrup, whose next assignment is in Washington D.C., said this command has been one of his most rewarding.

“My service here has been one the most rewarding times of my career in the military and in Special Operations. I have seen heartbreaking events and things that make me proud to be in the military doing this job,” said Coultrup.

“And through it all, the men and women of the JSOTF-P have been there, side by side with their AFP counterparts working to bring a better life to the people of Mindanao. It has been my distinct pleasure to serve with you,” he ended.

Gusentine, former Director for Operations at Special Operations Command Pacific in Hawaii, expressed his views on the relationship between the American and Filipino people.

“The relationship between the Filipino and American people is unique and strong,” said Gusentine. “I can say from my own 24 years of service that nearly every unit in the U.S. military has a bond with a Filipino family. It is within this unique nation-to-nation relationship – within this family-to-family bond that we will find the commitment, creativity and courage to succeed balikatan – shoulder to shoulder.”

Ambassador Thomas extended his congratulations to Gusentine and told him the embassy offers their continued support to the AFP/U.S. partnership.

“You inherit a thriving command and an excellent relationship with the AFP. You can count on us, and I know we can count on you,” concluded the Ambassador.

At the request of the Philippine Government, JSOTF-P supports the comprehensive approach of the AFP in their fight against terrorism in the southern Philippines. JSOTF-P works alongside the AFP to create the conditions necessary for peace, stability and prosperity.