The history of AFP Peacekeeping Operations: Q & A

Brief background

1. When did it start? Who were the pioneers?

Despite the fresh scourge of war that brought untold sorrow to mankind, the world saw inter-state armed conflicts in the post WWII that extends up to the end of the Cold War. From Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East, the Philippines as active member of the UN, has done its role in containing hostilities and helping settle disputes in a bid to maintain international peace and security. 

      In keeping with its obligation to the UN, the Philippines had responded to its call for multi-national operations to resolve conflicts in Korea from 1950 to 1953 through the Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK); in Congo in 1963 through the Philippine Air Force Contingent to Congo (PAFCON); in Iraq from 1991 to 1992 through the Philippine United Nations Guard Contingent to Iraq (PUNGCI), and in Cambodia in 1992 to 1993 through the RP Contingent to United Nations Transnational Authority in Cambodia (RP-UNTAC). 

     In addition, the Philippines also extended assistance even in non-UN sanctioned operations by sending the Philippine Medical Mercy Mission to Indonesia in 1963 and the sending civic action contingents to Vietnam from 1996 to 1969 through the Philippine Civic Action to Vietnam (PHILCAGV). Whether under the auspices of the UN or not, the Philippine commitment to world peace and freedom was adequately manifested in its participation in these international efforts. 

2. What is the lineage of AFP International peacekeeping mission?

PEACEKEEPING  MISSIONS

• UNOC (Congo) 1963 – 63 PAF pers 
• UNTAC (Cambodia) 04 Apr ’92 – 93 AFP pers 
• UNTAET (Timor Leste) AFP/PNP – Sep ’99 – Dec 12
• UNOB –  (Burundi) Jul 04 to Jul 06
• UNOCI – (Ivory Coast)  Jan 04 to present 
• UNMOGIP -  (India Pakistan) Aug 09 to present
• UNMIS – (Sudan) Nov 05 to Oct 11
• UNMISS – (South Sudan) June 12 to Sep 12
• UNSMIS – (Syria) May to Aug 12
• UNISFA – (Abyie) April 12 to present
• UNMIL (Liberia) 01 Nov 03 to present 
• MINUSTAH (Haiti) AFP – June 2004 to present 
• UNDOF (Golan Heights) – 09 October 2009 to present  

3. Do we have Filipino Peacekeepers who excelled in the UN?

              The following are the distinguished officers who were entrusted with positions of major responsibility while in the United Nations:

                  a. LTGEN JAIME S DELOS SANTOS AFP – (UNTAET) Force Comdr

b. MGEN NATALIO C ECARMA III AFP – (UNDOF) Force Comdr  

c. MGEN RODOLFO A TOR –  (UNMIT) Police Commissioner

4. What are the present Landscape of the AFP Peacekeeping Operations?

      The shift in the security environment from inter-state to intra-state armed conflict brought about a significant UN invitation for AFP participation in peacekeeping operations.  

To underscore AFP deployment in the contemporary time is the robust invitation for individual deployments such as military observers and PKF Staffs in various mission areas.

The significance and basis of AFP's Peacekeeping Operations 

1. What are the Legal basis of the Philippine Peacekeeping Operations? 

EXECUTIVE ORDER 97 dated Nov 2012 - Policy Framework and Guidelines for Philippine participation in UN Peace Operations. Para 1, provides, The Republic of the Philippines, as a founding member of the United nations is committed to global peace and is honoring its obligation under the Charter, reaffirms its commitment to participate in initiatives under the aegis of the UN. Our country also recognizes that peace operations remain as key and indispensable instrument for the maintenance of international peace and security

                                                                                  

2. Are we duty bound to send soldiers to UN?

As one of the original UN Member States, the Republic of the Philippines has been committed to Global Peace and recognizes the UN Security Council to have responsibility under the UN Charter in maintaining International Peace and Security, hence, our country has been involved in Peace Support Operations by sending troops and equipment for UN peacekeeping missions.  

3. What is its significance for the Country? What are the benefits we received out of it?

- It is an international commitment

- Philippine commitment to world peace and freedom was adequately manifested in its participation in these international efforts

- Financial gain thru COE reimbursement

- Opportunity to work with other nations 

The Peacekeeping Operations Center of the AFP

1. What is the mission of this unit?

- To prepare and provide administrative control to AFP units and personnel performing peacekeeping operations and other related functions. 

2. How many contingents PKOC was able to send to different mission areas?

At present there are 604 AFP personnel deployed in three UN Mission areas as follows: UNDOF, UNMIL and MINUSTAH.

3. What is the method of training PKOC conduct for future Peacekeepers?

• PKO Training
• UN Core Pre-deployment training

4. What are the other programs of PKOC?

PSO Roadmap, Participate Multinational PKO exercises and Conference

5. Do we have a Roadmap for our Peacekeeping Operations? 

It has three main development goals, as follows: 

a. Enhance AFP capabilities for PSO mission deployment;
b. Expand commitment as UN Standby Arrangement System (UNSAS) member; and 

c. Institutionalize and sustain AFP’s capability to deploy a brigade-size contingent.

6. Which Mission Areas PKOC regularly send peacekeeping contingents? 

- UN MISSION IN LIBERIA (UNMIL)  -  230 AFP Personnel in every year

- UN MISSION IN HAITI (MINUSTAH) – 314 AFP Personnel in every year

- UN MISSION IN GOLAN HEIGHTS (UNDOF) – 664 AFP Personnel in every year

(Published by the Office of Public Affairs, DND)

Believe it or not, a Philippine band had taken part in a US presidential inaugural

The Philippine Army (PA) Band recently gave a tribute concert in honor of Walter H. Loving, founder of the prewar Philippine Constabulary (PC) Band, at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.

The concert was held in time for the launching of the book “In Performance: Walter H. Loving and the Philippine Constabulary Band,” written by Robert Yoder and published by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on Feb. 28.

Some 98 musicians of the prewar PC Band were gathered and reorganized in 1945 to constitute the Philippine Army Band by Lt. Antonino Buenaventura, who became its commanding officer until he retired in 1962. The reconstitution was done in response to the order given by Maj. Gen. Basilio Valdez,  the national-defense secretary.

Loving, an African-American, had established the PC Band on Oct. 15, 1902. Loving went beyond engaging the band in military ceremonies. He transformed it from the parade ground to the legitimate concert hall, playing symphonic pieces.

Loving, who was loved and respected by the Filipino musicians, led the band from playing the usual band pieces into sophisticated symphonic pieces. The band played the symphonic repertoire regularly in outdoor concerts (serenata), initially at Binondo Square, Plaza Calderon de la Barca, in front of Binondo Church, then later, the more popular promenade, Luneta.

Outside the Philippines, the PC Band played during the St. Louis Exposition in 1904; Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915; and Golden Gate Exposition in 1939.

Special place

It also played for the presidential inaugural of William H. Taft in 1909, accompanying him from the White House to the Capitol, where he took his oath of office.

The PC Band’s playing broke the long-held tradition of the US Marine Band’s playing and escorting the newly elected president to take his oath.

Taft, of course, had a special place in his heart for Filipinos since he was the first American governor general of the Philippines, during which time he played Big Brother to Filipinos and encouraged the band’s formation.

In the tribute concert, held at Security and Escort Batallion’s Bayanihan Hall, a bucolic makeshift performance venue adjacent to a pond, favorite pieces of Loving were played.

Lt. Ron Michael Soriao, commanding officer of the band; Maj. Jesus C. Diaz, former CO; MSgt. Crisanto Diaz; and Lt. Peterson de Vera took turns in conducting the band. Karel S. Dabu graciously hosted the program.

From the opening number, Daniel Fajardo’s “Col. Walter H. Loving March,” to John Philip Sousa’s “Hands across the Sea,” to the more sophisticated “Oberon” Overture by Webber, it was glorious listening to grand band symphonic sound.

Potenciano Gregorio’s “Sarung-Banggi,” purportedly a favorite of the prewar band, was also played with De Vera conducting.

A novelty piece, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” perked up the program as Soriao conducted the band with gusto.

Yoder receives a certificate of appreciation from Pedro C. Dulos as Eduardo Tubiera looks on.

Both Fajardo and Gregorio were members of the prewar PC Band.

Loving composition

When the band conducted by Diaz played “Beloved Philippines,” with a male quartet singing the text written by Loving himself, one felt a lump in the throat.

Incarcerated with his wife Edith at University of Santo Tomas, Loving composed the song and wrote the text. Seeing the country he loved so much being desecrated by the Japanese, he expressed the lofty sentiment of patriotism in the song that he scored in a hymn-like fashion, so noble and touching with the refrain: “We’ll fight for you; we’ll die for you, Beloved Philippines.”

Hearing the PA Band after a long, long while, one renewed familiarity with its unmistakable sound that became the toast of band enthusiasts and musicians in the past.

I was associated with it in the early ’70s, doubling as choral conductor for the band members and writer under then CO José Francisco G. Dunca Jr.

Dunca graced the program with his presence together with another former band CO, Gen. Eliseo Javier.

It is nostalgic to recall that, on Oct. 15, 1974, the PA Band gave its 72nd anniversary concert at the CCP with Colonel Dunca conducting. Under his incumbency, he put up the Col. Walter H. Loving Society, which included some 45 original PC Band members.

Mother of PC Band

More important, the concert was graced with the presence of Edith Loving. Dubbed Mother of the PC Band, she was happy to renew company with the prewar band members.

ROBERT Yoder with officers and members of PA Band and guests

The PA Band still weaves seasoned and well-honed sound. It still capably displays the hallmark of excellence honed by a long tradition of sensitive playing, which continues to allure.

It is unfortunate one rarely hears it perform nowadays, as it used to in the past in concert halls, such as Meralco Theater or the CCP, and outdoor venues.

Yoder presented a copy of the original manuscript of his book to the command. It was received by Col. Pedro C. Dulos, deputy commander of the headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG), witnessed by Lt. Col. Eduardo Tubiera, executive officer of the Security and Escort Batallion, and Col. Noel Buan, chief of staff, HHSG.

Yoder’s book is based on the thesis he wrote for his MA degree, which he earned in North Carolina Central University. A highlight of the book is the extra musical career of Loving treated in a chapter, that of being a military agent in 1916-19, which he pursued for the “welfare of his country.”

Magic wand

In his brief remarks, Yoder commended the band for their magical rendition, and the innate musical talent of the Filipinos.

He recalled several anecdotes of the band, including the incident when it played Rossini’s “William Tell” Overture in total darkness at the St. Louis Exposition. Instinctively, Loving tied a white handkerchief at the tip of his baton and waved it like a magic wand for an hour, accurately cueing the musicians who played from memory.

When the lights went on, Loving and his “little brown men” instantly became world celebrities. A plaque of appreciation was later given to Yoder.

In his response, Dulos said Loving’s task of establishing the band was a milestone in the history of band music in the country. He expressed admiration for the band’s sterling performance, and led the audience in giving it a hearty applause.

The glorious tradition set out by the PC Band continues to live on, and is carried on by the Philippine Army Band. A lasting legacy, the PA Band deserves to be heard more often.

By Antonio C. Hila

2:15 am | Monday, March 11th, 2013

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Counter-insurgency 'Bayanihan' general is next AFP chief - source

By: Jaime Sinapit, InterAksyon.com
January 15, 2013 11:15 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Army's commanding general, also the brains behind the counter-insurgency program called Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) or "Bayanihan," has been chosen by President Benigno Aquino III to be the next AFP Chief of Staff, according to highly placed sources.

Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1981, will replace outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa.

A source said Aquino signed the appointment of Bautista Monday afternoon. Malacanang is expected to announce the news within the day.

Dellosa will pass on the torch to Bautista on January 17, four days before his mandatory retirement age of 56.

Bautista bested other strong candidates such as Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz and AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes.

Bautista assumed his post as the 54th Army chief on November 11, 2011. Before this, he served as commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, which operated in the whole of Western Visayas and the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor of Central Visayas.

Before becoming 3rd ID Commander, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations or J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), assisting the Chief of Staff in formulating plans and policies on all matters on operations and organization. As J3, he led the formulation of the new Internal Peace and Security Plan, "Bayanihan", which involved innovative approaches and paradigm shifts. It is now the blueprint of the AFP in "winning the peace".

Bautista was also concurrent Acting Deputy Chief of Staff (TDCS) in the latter part of his stint as J3.

He was Commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, involved in Internal Security Operations in Central Luzon and responsible for the clearing of enemy guerrilla fronts in its Area of Responsibility.

Other field command duties he had were: Commander 24th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division; Commander of the 7th Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Regiment; and Platoon Leader in the 26th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. These assignments exposed him to various operational areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Internal auditor of AFP

As former Internal Auditor of the AFP, the choice of Bautista is seen to hew to the administration's reform agenda. He had helped the Chief of Staff in the efficient management of AFP resources. He also served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, J5, AFP. The Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans assists the Chief of Staff, AFP in preparing strategic plans, formulating policies and managing the international affairs of the AFP.

He also served as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of National Defense. In that position, he acted as the principal adviser of the Secretary of National Defense on military matters and served as his liaison to the Armed Forces.

He also held various important positions in the Army such as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3; Secretary, Army General Staff; Chief of Staff of the Special Operations Command; and Chief of Staff of the 7th Infantry Division. At the AFP General Headquarters he also served as Executive Officer of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, J5, and is concurrently RP Co-Secretary of the RP-US Mutual Defense Board and Secretary of the AFP Modernization Board Executive Committee.

He also served as the plans officer of the AFP Civil Relations Service and as Instructor at the Department of Social Sciences, Philippine Military Academy where he taught economics, military history and military strategy.

Credentials

Bautista graduated number 7 out of 161 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1981 and was a recipient of the Commanding General Philippine Army Award, JUSMAG Saber Award and Distinguished Cadet Award (Starman).

He finished at the top of his class in the following courses: Scout Ranger Course, Infantry Officer Advance Course, and the Army Command and General Staff Course. He is also a graduate of the Joint & Combined Warfighting Course at the Joint Forces Staff College, Virginia, USA; the Grade II Staff and Tactics Course in New Zealand; Symposium on East Asian Security (SEAS), Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; and Security Sector Development at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. He also has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

During his watch as Commanding General of Philippine Army, he advocated the implementation of IPSP “Bayanihan” through the conduct of various programs and activities to sustain PA units momentum in “Winning the Peace”.


 Parallel to this effort, he pursued the Army’s organizational transformation through the Army Transformation Roadmap to address the most crucial concerns in the Philippine Army, to enhance the soldier’s capability, morale and welfare in carrying out his mandated tasks and, most importantly to enhance operational capabilities of frontline units to fulfil AFP mission.

With the ATR and IPSP as guideposts, he made sure Army personnel and units will be provided with responsive training programs through the conduct of IPSP mission essential trainings (10 Mission Planning, 10 Stakeholders Engagement, and 10 Bayanihan Team Activities Trainings) in all infantry divisions. These training programs are reinforced by various activities aimed to enhance units’ appreciation on Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and Rule of Law.

To hone frontline units, he directed the conduct of seven unit trainings of five battalions under Battalion of Excellence Program. Also, there were 12 company sustainment trainings, 105 platoon sustainment trainings and 430 squad sustainment trainings conducted under his watch. Complementing these are training programs to improve leadership qualities of ground commanders composed of one Senior Leader’s Conference, 5 Battalion Commanders symposiums, 33 Platoon Leader’s Combat Proficiency Workshop, and five Senior NCO Leadership Symposiums.

In pursuit of the development of the Army's force structure, he initiated the crafting of the PA Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE). He activated 10 Forward Support Medical Companies in all infantry divisions and 76 medical platoons in all infantry battalions. He also directed the activation of 6th Special Forces Battalion and the Army Governance and Strategic Management Office that will carry out the transformation program of the Army. Through the Capability Upgrade Program, the Army received mission essential equipment that include 2,930 M4 Assault Rifles; 27,778 Kevlar Helmets; 4,379 Armored Vests; 137 1 ¼ ton trucks (KM450); 250 2 ½ ton trucks (KM250); 79 field ambulances; 2,775 Night Fighting System equipment; and four tractor dozers. Also acquired were 3,550 Individual First Aid Kits; 490 Combat Life Saving Kits, and 50 Mobile Medical Treatment Kits.