Sinimulan na ang itinuturing na pinakamalaking Balikatan military exercises sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Amerika sa loob ng halos apat na dekada. Tatagal ito hanggang Mayo na lalahukan ng mahigit 16,000 sundalo.
Mayroon ding kinatawan mula sa 14 na bansa na magiging observer sa gagawing joint military exercises.
Ano nga ba ang pakinabang ng bansa rito at paghahanda nga ba ito laban sa banta sa West Philippine Sea? Sasagutin ‘yan ni Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla sa #TheMangahasInterviews.
Mayroon ding kinatawan mula sa 14 na bansa na magiging observer sa gagawing joint military exercises.
Ano nga ba ang pakinabang ng bansa rito at paghahanda nga ba ito laban sa banta sa West Philippine Sea? Sasagutin ‘yan ni Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla sa #TheMangahasInterviews.
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00:00The Balikatan Exercises has begun. How will this help? What are the Filipino soldiers learning?
00:13Let's talk about that with Colonel Francel Margaret Padilla, the spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
00:21Good day, Colonel Franz.
00:24Good day, Ma'am Malu. Good day to our viewers and listeners.
00:29Colonel Franz is a member of the PMA-Sanghaya Class of 2000 and became the finalist of the Cybersecurity Woman of the Year competition,
00:40which was sent by a delegation from 59 countries.
00:44She also became the commander of the 7th Signal Battalion of the Army.
00:50Colonel, let's go to the Balikatan. 39th Balikatan Military Exercises, 16,000 personnel involved, 14 countries.
01:00What is the message of this? Are we gearing up for war?
01:03Ma'am, no. Let's put that into context.
01:08This started in 1998 in our MDT, our Mutual Defense Treaty or in our Visiting Forces Agreement.
01:17Our Philippine-US Exercises Balikatan started.
01:21If you look at this, this is the 39th iteration, Balikatan 39-24.
01:28This is not linked to what is happening now, but it has been going on for 39 years.
01:37Of course, we have to take into consideration the new challenges that we're facing.
01:45So every year, we are changing how we execute it.
01:49Okay. Now, you are with 14 countries.
01:52I think this is your first time in Australia, France, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.
01:58Why does it feel like we have a lot of allies?
02:02Of course, this is the US and the Philippines.
02:07That is our core, our foundation.
02:09But we have other countries who are also keen to join in these exercises.
02:15So what we are looking at here, as President BBM said, we are linking or collaborating with like-minded nations.
02:28So we can see that it's a very good exercise of interoperability of different nations.
02:35Like-minded nations but one common enemy, or China, and the common issue is the West Philippine Sea.
02:44Even though sometimes it seems like China is not saying anything, it seems like that is what is being targeted. Is that right?
02:51The Balikatan Exercises, as they say, shoulder to shoulder, over and above being prepared for the eventuality of war.
03:01And here is our HADR, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, and other peacekeeping operations.
03:11So these are all together. This year, there are two facets.
03:16Before, we are dealing with kinetic exercises.
03:19So this is the physical domain, the ground, air, and sea operations.
03:25But this year, we moved forward into non-kinetic exercises.
03:30So this includes information, cyberspace operations.
03:36So with this, it's a very good forum for different nations to really link their connectivity.
03:45You said interoperability and training.
03:48The difference now, aside from the kinetic exercises, you said there is the use of equipment and weapons?
03:58All of these are included, Ma'am.
04:00There are three components of our iteration this year.
04:04So we have the command and control exercises.
04:07We have cyber there, and we also have information, photo exercises.
04:13How we document what is happening.
04:16We also have field training exercises, and as I said earlier, humanitarian civic assistance.
04:23When it comes to the field, how do you interact?
04:27Can you give us an example?
04:29How do the Filipinos interact with the people from different nations who are part of the military exercise?
04:37Is it an opportunity also to not just learn but also create friendships?
04:44Yes, Ma'am. That's part of it.
04:46The Philippines and the U.S. forces will conduct capabilities development training.
04:53This will enhance our tactics, techniques, and procedures across a very wide range of military operations.
05:04As we said, kinetic and non-kinetic.
05:06In return, we are advancing combined military modernization and capability development.
05:13Over the years, we have been modernizing and buying new equipment.
05:17We also want to test if this is already working and if we can deploy it.
05:22The time of deployment and our capability to work together with other nations.
05:30So if we are allied forces, we should show how we will talk, how we will have formations and all those things.
05:38That's why we are working together and conducting these exercises.
05:44We will also have subject matter expert exchanges.
05:49So what we learn from them, they will also learn from us.
05:55Alright.
05:56Even if we deny it, it's like China said that this return is a bit provocative
06:02because it's like the allies are all the same, the group of allies is bigger.
06:09How do you explain this to China? Is this provocative? Is this a signal message?
06:16Actually, Ma'am, the return exercises is not directed to any particular country.
06:22So these exercises, as we have been doing this for so many years, is for our defense.
06:27Every country should have the right to fortify our defenses.
06:32On how we do it is up to us.
06:34It doesn't matter what others, we cannot speculate on what China would be thinking on what we're doing.
06:41But in our case, we have to fortify our defenses as well.
06:45Okay. You talked about modernization.
06:47It's like we're already in phase 3.
06:52So what are the equipments that the armed forces are prioritizing to scale up our capability?
07:03And is there an estimate of funding obligation?
07:08Here, Ma'am, on a ballpark figure and in general terms,
07:13our Commander-in-Chief approved what we call the re-horizon tree.
07:19The re-horizon tree will focus mainly on maritime defenses.
07:25With that overarching premise, we have more equipage that will enhance our maritime defenses.
07:34So our ships, sea and naval assets, and of course, air defense assets as well.
07:40So that's what we're looking at in the re-horizon tree.
07:43And we're looking at a ballpark figure of around P3 trillion for this, Ma'am.
07:48But of course, with our partnerships and collaborations,
07:51this can still grow with the grants that we are getting from our President to our like-minded nations.
07:59So this can still be enhanced over and above our modernization funds that we have.
08:06So that's what we're focused on in the coming years.
08:10All right. How many years is the spread of that P3 trillion estimate?
08:15Every modernization project, Ma'am, will range up to a five-year implementation phase.
08:21Okay. All right. Five years only.
08:23Does that mean 2024 to 2029 or 2030?
08:28Yes, Ma'am. As soon as the project is approved.
08:31Actually, Ma'am, the five years includes the planning stage.
08:34So as we submit our proposals, the ground commanders will tell the board that this is what we need.
08:42This is what we want to enhance and fortify.
08:45So that's where we will move forward from the start that we give our project proposal up to the actual implementation.
08:51Okay. Colonel Franz, in the command and control and cyberspace drills or training,
08:58what are the components and how can we be helped?
09:03In our cyber operations, Ma'am, we're looking at also collaborative efforts.
09:09So we have to look at cyber operations as all-encompassing, Ma'am.
09:13Cyber transcends to the physical domain.
09:16Whatever happens in the cyber domain, of course, it has an impact on the physical domain.
09:22That's what we've seen in the Russia-Ukraine war.
09:26It started with a cyber attack that defaced the sides of each other until it eventually escalated to the physical domain.
09:35So this is what we're looking at, Ma'am, how everything comes to fruition in the cyber domain.
09:41What are the different attacks that occur in the cyber domain?
09:46We had issues recently with recruiters.
09:49All the different scenarios that uses the cyberspace, that's how it also transcends to the physical space.
09:58So how we fortify our network systems and all those things.
10:02So over and above that, Ma'am, of course, we cannot detail to you the operational details of the exercise,
10:09but we are working on different scenarios on how everything comes to place even in the cyber domain.
10:17All right.
10:18The DICT told us in an interview that it's not just phasing or online attacks or hacking,
10:24but cyber security for public infra, utilities, and business and finance systems.
10:33Will that be a job for the armed forces?
10:37Because for now, it seems like the government agencies are doing their own thing.
10:43Yes, Ma'am.
10:44When we're working with the AFP, this is a whole of nation approach.
10:49Our mission in the AFP is to protect the people and secure the state.
10:53And this also transcends to the cyber domain.
10:56So what are the strengths of each agency?
11:00We will collaborate towards this because we cannot work alone in the cyberspace as well.
11:05We need to help each other because we cannot say that this is the Philippine cyber domain.
11:12You cannot enter this.
11:13That's why we need a strong collaboration in terms of this.
11:18That's what we're focusing on in the cyberspace, the cyber domain.
11:22Colonel Franz, give us an idea.
11:25This is the 39th Balikatan.
11:27But in the 1 to 38, did you get any feedback from those who joined?
11:33What was the okay and not okay feedback?
11:37That's why we enhance each year on how we conduct this Balikatan.
11:45So we have been getting very good feedback.
11:47Why? Because there's a lot of intent to join us.
11:51So it means they saw the effectivity on how we collaborate and coordinate with like-minded nations.
11:57So that's why the others are wanting to join the bandwagon.
12:01So we also want that information sharing, intelligence sharing, and capabilities interoperability.
12:11It's different when you join and then you do not know how to really integrate your operations with the others, right ma'am?
12:18So the more that you're able to join these exercises in the event that it's needed,
12:23we already know where it is.
12:25We know how we will talk, how we will perform, who will use which.
12:31So all of that will come into place, fall into place when we do the right training for that.
12:36Alright. If I may ask, what is the unique, cutting-edge contribution of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Balikatan?
12:47Where do we have the highest input and performance?
12:53There you go, ma'am.
12:54In the Philippines, we are very good in different areas.
12:59So we have an internal conflict that we've been fighting for so long.
13:05Our terrain is different.
13:07The resilience of the Filipinos is different.
13:09We can do it in non-conventional terrains.
13:12The mountains, the rugged areas, and places like that.
13:17That's what other nations that are joining us have learned.
13:24In terms of this, how resilient the Filipinos are.
13:27We are resilient, ma'am, and we're also very, very good at improvising and innovating.
13:32We also have a lot of old equipment, but other nations are wondering because we can still make it work.
13:39So things like that, over and above modernizing, we can use a lot.
13:45We also have inventors in our ranks of the Armed Forces.
13:50Actually, ma'am, I have a list of explosive ordnance that people don't need to approach to detonate.
13:57Really?
13:59She invented equipment for that.
14:01So we have a lot of good Filipinos.
14:04Over and above, in the cyber domain, there is no country that is poor and rich in the cyber domain.
14:11This is a human skill.
14:14So we have shown to other countries that Filipinos can compete in the cyber domain.
14:23We have been joining competitions, and the AFP has been bagging some awards for being really very competitive in cyber exercises.
14:34So now, we are ably representing the Philippines here in the JISEC Summit here in Dubai.
14:40This is the largest cyber security event in the UAE and Africa.
14:46So the Philippines is here. We are here and we have a fight.
14:52So we wish our team good luck and we can raise the flag of the Philippines in different domains, even in cyberspace operations.
15:02Okay, that's great. Good luck to our team.
15:05But on the other hand, what is the most value-added or the biggest lesson and contribution of other countries to our Armed Forces?
15:14Where do you get your money from? Where do you get your contributions from?
15:19We can also see their willingness to cooperate and to help us.
15:26The US says that their commitment to help the Philippines is ironclad.
15:31So we're banking on this.
15:33But of course, we Filipinos are known to fight.
15:38Historically, our ancestors were our leaders at a very early age.
15:44They're generals, they're leading the pack.
15:46Even though we don't have that kind of modern equipment, our drive and patriotic spirit is there to really fight for our country.
15:54So at the end of the day, we Filipinos will hold each other's hand and really fight for each other.
16:01That's what other countries have seen in us.
16:05There's a topic recently where Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez is calling for the Armed Forces of the Philippines
16:13and the Philippine National Police to withdraw support from President BBM and to step down.
16:19Although of course, the Defense Secretary and the Chief of Staff have already responded.
16:23But what about the soldiers?
16:26As for the soldiers, our Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Browner has been going around all over the Philippines
16:34and looking at the conditions of our troops nationwide.
16:39In our interviews with the soldiers, they were reminded about being professional and non-partisan.
16:48From the top down, their guidance is the same.
16:52This is in the hearts of every soldier, that we remain professional and united.
16:59That's what we always push forward, our battle cry, one AFP, one Philippines.
17:06When our Armed Forces are united, our country is united.
17:10That's what the strong AFP and strong Philippines have said.
17:13We will continue to strengthen our Armed Forces like our Balikatan Exercises.
17:19Because when our Armed Forces are strong, our country is strong.
17:24Okay, Colonel Franz.
17:25It's been a long time since the coup d'etat took place, from 1986 onward.
17:31But are there any issues and trigger issues that you think some groups in the AFP can call for?
17:40Not immediately a coup d'etat, but a dissatisfaction that they feel.
17:47We have already seen the results of the last coup d'etat attempts.
17:55The soldiers have become professional.
17:58They have seen the effects of this on their careers and services.
18:04As long as they are there in the right way, the Armed Forces also have a way to listen to our soldiers.
18:13We have a grievance system.
18:15We have systems that are in place for us to listen to the concerns of our soldiers and address it at the proper forum.
18:25There is no need for another coup d'etat.
18:29All right.
18:30It is said that there are some retired officers, generals, some generals included,
18:36who look like a type of rabble rouser.
18:39Is that true?
18:40That they look like a type of rabble rouser here and there?
18:44We have a lot of respect for our senior officers.
18:49Up until now, we treat them as our own.
18:53We understand their weaknesses and we listen to them and also adjust accordingly on how we would be cooperating.
19:03Of course, they also have advices for us.
19:06Also, the AFP is a resilient organization and we take those advice to heart.
19:12Of course, move forward at the proper forum and in a professional manner.
19:18All right.
19:19I have a quick question.
19:20The Coast Guard is a civilian.
19:22It is not the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
19:24What role will it play in relation to the Armed Forces if the West Philippine Sea is the topic of discussion?
19:33We are supporting in terms of law enforcement.
19:39They are the law enforcement in our waters.
19:42They are the ones in the West Philippine Sea who patrol along with the BFAR to help our fishermen.
19:53The Armed Forces are also there.
19:55We patrol our waters.
19:58The Philippine Navy is always there.
20:00Their presence is there at any one time.
20:03In the event that the Coast Guard would be needing our assistance in terms of law enforcement,
20:09we are there to help them.
20:11All right.
20:12On a personal note, Colonel, it seems like the spokesperson is a woman.
20:17Now, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the service commands,
20:22why does it seem like the first direction to choose or nominate a spokesperson?
20:30I don't think it's really with the gender.
20:34I think they were also chosen because of the merits of the spokespersons that have been chosen.
20:41Maybe for any other reason of our higher authorities and belongs to us,
20:48there could be a sort of a different tone when it comes to women.
20:58We are also thankful that we were given the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
21:07We are happy that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is embracing inclusivity and diversity.
21:14Moving forward, we are also given the chance and opportunity to be heard.
21:22All right.
21:23It seems like the situation is a bit atypical.
21:26You're women, you're representing service commands that are largely dominated by men.
21:33What do your friends tell you?
21:36Don't you have a problem that the spokesperson is a woman?
21:44Of course, there will be dissenting opinions always.
21:48Even if you put a man there, there will also be dissenting opinions.
21:52It happens all across different sectors, ma'am.
21:56But what matters is how we become effective and how we become professional in performing our mandate and our jobs.
22:03So if we are effectively giving out there the news and what's really happening in the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
22:11then the other disagreements will just be background noise and we remain professional.
22:19Thank you very much, Colonel Francelle Margareth Padilla, the spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
22:26Good luck to our team in Dubai.
22:28I hope you win a medal or award.
22:35Thank you very much from Dubai, Colonel Francelle Margareth Padilla.
22:42Thank you very much, Ma'am Malu.
22:44Thank you.
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