Role of the Military in the Philippines

Bambalan, Dexter John Martinez, Yda Neome Yson, Henrick Oh, Hyun

Armed Forces of the Philippines

“Give me ten thousand Filipinos and I shall conquer the world”

-Gen. Douglas MacArthur

AFP History

 In accordance with the National Defense Act of 1935, the Armed forces of the Philippines was officially
established, headed by U.S. General Douglas MacArthur as Field Marshall of the Philippines.
 In 1938 the Constabulary division was separated from the army and recognized into a National Police Force.
 In 1947 the modern AFP first emerged with the upgrade of the PAAC to the Philippine Air Force.
 During the Korean War from 1951 to 1953, the Philippines sent various AFP battalions, known as the
Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) to fight as part of the US-led United Nation Command in
liberating South Korea from the invading North Korean troops.
 In 1993, the first women join the ranks of the armed forces with the raising of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps.
 In 1996, an AFP battalion was sent into South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
 Since 2001, the Armed forces of the Philippines has been active in supporting the War on Terror.
 In 2013, the AFP managed to stall the attacks of the Moro National Liberation Front in the Zamboanga City
crisis as they launch an attack to proclaim the independence of the Bangsamoro Republic.
 In 2016, the AFP clashed with the Maute Group on Butig on February and on November of 2016.
 In 2017, the AFP clash with ISIS militants in Marawi.

AFP Organization/Braches

 Philippine Army
 Philippine Air Force
 Philippine Navy
o Philippine Marine Corps

Commander in Chief – Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

Secretary of National Defense – Delfin Lorenzana

Chief of Staff – Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr.

PNP relationship with the AFP

The PNP and AFP complement each other on their pursuit to suppress insurgency, and other serious threats to
national security and in times of national emergency prescribed pursuant to Section 12 of Republic Act 8551

Consequently there are also governing relationships between them as follows:

1. The PNP enforces laws and ordinances and performs statutory functions while the AFP exercises primary
responsibility on matters involving suppression of insurgency and other serious threats to national security.
2. The PNP provides assistance to the AFP in insurgency – affected areas while the AFP is also responsible for
the integrated territorial defense system.
3. The PNP assists the AFP for the dispositive action on arrested, captured or surrendered insurgent within the
prescribed reglementary period.
4. The PNP provides assistance to the AFP in the arrest of suspected insurgents with standing warrants of
arrest, and
5. The PNP and the AFP maintain close intelligence coordination and exchanges and share each other’s
accomplishments of their respective mission and functions.

Special Forces of the Philippines

Scout Rangers (AFP)

The Scout Rangers, known officially as the First Scout Ranger Regiment, is a Philippine Army Special Operations
Command unit specializing in anti-guerrilla jungle warfare, raids, ambushes, close quarters combat, urban warfare
and sabotage. Based in US Army Ranger and Alamo Scout.

Special Action Forces (PNP)

The Special Action Force (SAF) is the National Mobile Unit of the Philippine National Police founded by Fidel V.
Ramos. The SAF, over the years, has received training from the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), Critical Incident
Response Group (CIRG), RAID and Yamam. The Anti-Terrorist Unit (ATU) of the PNP-SAF is responsible for
nationwide police counter-terrorism (CT) operations nationwide. Based on the Special Air Service (UK).

Rank Classification

PNP Ranks AFP Ranks

Police Commissioned Officers Commissioned Office
Director General General
Deputy Director General Lieutenant General
Director Major General
Chief Superintendent Brigadier General
Senior Superintendent Colonel
Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel
Chief Inspector Major
Senior Inspector Captain
Inspector 1st and 2nd Lieutenant
Police Non-Commissioned
Non-Commissioned Officers
Officers
Senior Police Officer IV Master Sergeant
Senior Police Officer III Technical Sergeant
Senior Police Officer II Staff Sergeant
Senior Police Officer I Sergeant
Police Officer III Corporal
Police Officer II Private First Class
Police Officer I Private
Philippine Defense Reform

During a May 2003 state visit to Washington D.C., Pres. Arroyo requested U.S. assistance in conducting a strategic
assessment of the Philippine defense system.

The result of the 2003 Joint Defense Assessment (JDA) were devastating revealing that the AFP was only partially
capable of performing its most critical missions which pointed overwhelming towards institutional and strategic
deficiencies as being the root cause of most of the shortcomings.

AFP critical deficiencies in accordance to 2003 Joint Defense Assessment

 Systemic approach to policy planning

 Personnel management and leadership
 Defense expenditures and budgeting
 Acquisition
 Supply and maintenance
 Quality assurance for existing industrial base
 Infrastructure support

PDR Priority Programs

1. Multi-Year Defense Planning System (MYDPS)

2. Improve Intelligence, Operations, and Training Capacities
3. Improve Logistics Capacity
4. Professional Development Program
5. Improve Personnel Management System
6. Multi-year Capabilities Upgrade Program (CUP)
7. Optimization of Defense Budget and Improvement of Management Controls
8. Centrally Managed Defense Acquisition System Manned by a Professional Workforce
9. Development of Strategic Communication Capability
10. Information Management Development Program

Handling threats
On September 23, 2003, President Arroyo issued Executive Order 240, streamlining procedures for defense
contracts for the expeditious implementation of defense projects and the speedy response to security threats while
promoting transparency, impartiality, and accountability in government transactions.

In 2007, The Jamestown Foundation, a US-based think tank, reported that the AFP was one of the weakest military
forces in Southeast Asia, saying that as the country's primary security threats are land-based, the Army has received
priority funding, and that the operational effectiveness of the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Coast Guard
(PCG) has suffered accordingly, leaving the country's sea lanes largely unprotected.

Corruption within the higher ranks are believed to be one of the main reasons why modernization of the armed
forces has remained stagnant for decades.

The country is prone to transnational crime, maritime territorial disputes, environmental degradation and disasters.
Transnational crimes include international terrorism, drug trafficking, small arms trafficking. Environmental
degradation consists of marine resource exploitation and pollution. Disasters include typhoons and floods.

AFP Modernization Act

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act also known as Republic Act No. 7898 was first made
into law on February 23, 1995, under the leadership of President Fidel V. Ramos.

In December 11, 2012, the Republic Act no. 7898 was amended by Republic Act No. 10349 also known as the
revised AFP modernization act.

The amended law was made under the leadership of President Benigno Aquino III.

Weapons Suppliers
Domestic Suppliers

1. Government Arsenal
2. Steelcraft Industrial and Development
Corp.
3. Floro International Corporation
4. United Defense Manufacturing Corporation
5. Ferfrans
6. Armscor
7. Joavi Philippines Corp.

Foreign Suppliers

1. China
2. European Union
3. United States
4. Russia
5. Brazil
6. United kingdom
7. South Korea
8. Germany
9. United Arab Emirates
10. Singapore
11. Sweden
12. Spain
13. Canada
14. Japan
Marawi Siege 2017

23 May - Firefights between government forces and militants began at approximately 2:00 PM local in the afternoon
of 23 May 2017.

24 May - On 24 May, additional government forces arrived at the Laguindingan Airport as the military regained
control of the Amai Pakpak Hospital. The military had also recaptured the city hall and the Mindanao State
University.

12 June (Philippine Independence Day) - The Philippine Government raised the symbolic Philippine Flag in several
places in Marawi like the Marawi City Hall, Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol, Camp Ranao, Mindanao State
University, Amai Pakpak Hospital and several roads in the city. Philippine troops, Tanks, Rescue Van and trucks,
Police cars, Patrol Cars, Army Service units and Heavy Tanks also carried a Philippine Flag which symbolizes that the
roads they are roaming around are part of Philippine Territory to fight back to the Maute's black flag. However, the
battle still continues.

18 July - National news agencies told the public that Duterte is considering to extend the martial law until the end of
the year, which is 31 December. The president insists that Martial Law is needed for faster rehabilitation of Marawi
after the battle has ended.

16 October - Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were reportedly killed during the operation of rescuing the hostages
on 16 October, according to the statement released by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

17 October - Following the deaths of Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon, Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi. At
around 2PM, he addressed a crowd, saying: "I hereby declare Marawi City liberated from the terrorist influence that
marks the beginning of rehabilitation of Marawi."

23 October

On 23 October, the AFP cleared the final ISIL-held building in Marawi, fully recapturing the city.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the end of the battle and the end of combat operations
in the area.

Mamasapano Clash (SAF 44)

The Mamasapano clash was an incident that occurred during a police operation, codenamed Oplan Exodus, which
took place on Sunday, January 25, 2015, at Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, by Special Action Force (SAF)
of the Philippine National Police (PNP) (allegedly joined by United States Army Special Forces) against the
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The operation was
intended to capture or kill wanted Malaysian terrorist and bomb-maker Zulkifli Abdhir and other Malaysian
terrorists or high-ranking members of the BIFF.

A ranking military intelligence officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said that BIFF leader Ameril Umbra Kato
ordered the killing of the SAF members by his group and members of the MILF involved in the incident. The official
also quoted Kato as saying “Leave no one alive and take all their firearms, ammunition, and personal belongings.” A
colonel from the Philippine Army, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the information and said
that SAF personnel who were still alive but wounded were shot dead by some BIFF members.

According to a local farmer, a "blue-eyed" American soldier was among the casualties. However, the U.S. embassy
later denied any involvement in the clash. Moros have reported that “4 caucasian-looking (American) soldiers” were
killed in the Mamasapano clash along with the 44 Filipinos.

In February 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte declared January 25 of every year as the National Day of Remembrance
for the SAF 44. In January 25, 2019, marking the fourth year since the clash, the families of slain soldiers gathered at
the Supreme Court, seeking for justice.

There is some debate regarding on what to call the incident in Mamasapano a "misencounter" or a massacre. The
Senate labels the conflict as a massacre due to the manner the 44 SAF personnel were killed while the Commission
on Human Rights (CHR) insists that the incident was a misencounter and not a massacre.

"The Mamasapano incident was overkill. Labeling the tragedy as a misencounter would do injustice to the fallen 44
PNP-SAF heroes." the Senate report describes the Mamasapano incident.
Philippine Revolts

Definition of Terms

1. Coup D'état

- Coup d'état, also called Coup, the sudden, violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group. The chief
prerequisite for a coup is control of all or part of the armed forces, the police, and other military elements.

2. Mutiny

- Mutiny is a criminal conspiracy among a group of people to openly oppose, change, or overthrow a lawful
authority to which they are subject.

Philippine Coup Attempt, 1989

 Background

The most serious coup d'état against the government of Philippine President Corazon Aquino was staged beginning
December 1, 1989, by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines belonging to the Reform the Armed Forces
Movement (RAM) and soldiers loyal to former President Ferdinand Marcos. Metro Manila was shaken by this
Christmas coup, and they almost seized the presidential palace. It was completely defeated by the Philippine
government by December 9, 1989.

 What happened?

The coup was led by Colonel Gregorio Honasan, General Edgardo Abenina, and retired General Jose Ma. Zumel, and
staged by an alliance of the RAM, led by Honasan, and troops loyal to Marcos, led by Zumel.

At the onset of the coup, the rebels seized Villamor Airbase, Fort Bonifacio, Sangley Airbase, Mactan Airbase in
Cebu, and portions of Camp Aguinaldo.

The rebels set patrols around the runway of Ninoy Aquino International Airport effectively shutting it down. From
Sangley Airbase, the rebels launched planes and helicopters which bombarded and strafed Malacañan Palace, Camp
Crame and Camp Aguinaldo.

Three hours after the fall of Villamor Air Base, Aquino went on air to address her people, and said that "We shall
smash this naked attempt once more". At that point the government counterattack began.

 Possible reason why it occurred:

Revolutionary Government

Immediately after assuming the presidency, President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 3, which established a
revolutionary government. She abolished the 1973 Constitution that was in force during martial law, and instead
promulgated the provisional 1986 Freedom Constitution, pending the ratification of a new Constitution by the
people. This allowed Aquino to exercise both executive and legislative powers until the ratification of the new
Philippine Constitution and the establishment of a new Congress in 1987.

 Possible reason why it occurred:

Aquino's new government was met with criticism from Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Vice President
Salvador Laurel, as well as constitutionalist and retired Supreme Court Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma vehemently
opposing the move. "To declare her government “revolutionary” and abolish the Batasan Pambansa was to behave
no better than Dictator Marcos", Palma said. Homobono Adaza, who brokered the opposition coalition, "when the
United Democratic Opposition (UNIDO) decided to support Cory for President, the agreement with Cory was that
the type of government of Marcos would be continued, with Cory as ceremonial President, since everyone knew
that Cory had no knowledge of how to run the country, and Cory admitted this." Enrile and Laurel subsequently
resigned from Aquino's government.

Oakwood Mutiny, 2003

 Background

The Oakwood mutiny occurred in the Philippines on July 27, 2003. A group of 321 armed soldiers who called
themselves "Bagong Katipuneros“ led by Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala and Lt. Sg. Antonio Trillanes IV of the
Philippine Navy took over the Oakwood Premier Ayala serviced apartment tower in Makati to show the Filipino
people the alleged corruption of the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration.
  What happened?

Calling themselves the Magdalo group, the soldiers railed against alleged anomalies in the Armed Forces of the
Philippines Retirement and Separation Benefits System, the military procurement system (including the purchase of
substandard equipment for soldiers) and the construction and repair of various facilities at Marine Base, Cavite, as
well as the alleged transfer of arms and ammunition to unauthorized parties.

They also called for the resignation of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, then Defence Secretary Angelo
Reyes, then Philippine National Police Director Gen.  Hermogenes Ebdane, and Victor Corpus, then chief of the AFP
Intelligence Service.

Among those charged with coup de e ’tat was Magdalo spokesperson Navy Lt. Antonio Trillanes IV. A commission
chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Florentino Feliciano was later formed to investigate the mutiny.

In its report issued in October 2003, the Feliciano Commission said the mutiny was a “well-planned” power grab,
and not a spontaneous protest.

Quoting facts, it had gathered, the commission said the soldiers plotted to take over the government and establish a
15-member council, but that the plot was discovered, leading to an arrest order by then President Arroyo on the
evening of July 26.

But the commission conceded that some of the soldiers’ grievances were legitimate, and that they were rooted in
corruption in the military. The report also underscored the need for modernization in the military establishment.

Marine Standoff, 2006

 Background

The Philippines was under a state of emergency, announced by presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye on the

morning of February 24, 2006, by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1017. This occurred after the government claimed
that it foiled an alleged coup d'état attempt against the rule of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo earlier that same
day. State security services also claimed that it had arrested a general who was involved in the coup attempt.

 What happened?

The coup was first reported when 14 junior military officers were arrested for plotting a coup on Wednesday,
February 22. Around midnight of the 24th, many military vehicles were seen entering Fort Bonifacio at Taguig City.
Then, at 2:00 a.m., several more vehicles were seen entering Camp Aguinaldo at the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.
Brigadier General Danilo D. Lim of the Scout Rangers was put under the custody of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had declared a moratorium on all school activities from elementary to college
level, issued through the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education. Around 11:25 a.m.,
Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1017 on national television, which places the entire nation under a state of
emergency in an attempt to quell the rebellion — many fear this step might eventually lead to the introduction of
martial law. General Order No. 5 was issued by the President to implement Proclamation No. 1017. It orders the
Armed Forces of the Philippines to "maintain the peace and order of the country and to protect it from terrorism or
chaos."

Arroyo had justified the declaration of a state of emergency with her statement of "clear and present danger to our
Republic that we have discovered and thwarted." Critics claimed that this was an attempt by Arroyo to seize political
power due to her sagging influence and popularity, and some drew similarities to the actions of her predecessor,
Ferdinand Marcos, when he declared martial law in 1972.

On March 3, 2006 (one week after the proclamation), by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021, the President lifted
the state of emergency.

Manila Peninsula Siege, 2007

 Background

The Manila Peninsula siege occurred on November 29, 2007 at The Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati, Philippines.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Brigadier General Danilo Lim, and 25 other Magdalo officers walked out of their trial
and marched through the streets of Makati.

 What happened?

On the morning of November 29, 2007, a group of soldiers led by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV,
Captain Nicanor Faeldon and Capt. Gary Alejano, along with 30 others, walked out of their hearing for the 2003
Oakwood Mutiny at the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) and went to the hotel.

The group stayed at the hotel, where, through the media, they expressed their sentiments against the Arroyo
administration. Due to the incident, the Philippine National Police (PNP) put Metro Manila under a red alert status.
The guests in the hotel were also asked to vacate their rooms.

The group was given until 3 p.m. to surrender. By 4 p.m., some gunshots were heard inside the hotel as authorities
entered the hotel. Tear gas was also used against those inside the Peninsula Manila.

Military trucks and tanks also arrived at the hotel by 5 p.m., as police officers started arresting the mutineers. Some
members of the media were also arrested along with the soldiers.

The Military’s Role in Nation Building

Nation-building is constructing or structuring a national identity using the power of the state. The Philippine army is
constructed in a way that it protects the country from any acts of terrorism, which, ultimately, refers to the survival
of the state itself.

According to Dencio Acop in his research, “Assessing the Expanded Role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in
Nation-Building,” it seems apparent that the traditional nation-building role is still best for the AFP and the country,
although certain modifications may be in need of adoption. First, the AFP needs to focus more on its core
competency of war-fighting than its civil-related activities. Second, the AFP needs to be streamlined so that the
remaining mainstream force composes the combat arms. Third, government has to seriously enhance the AFP's
material and technical capabilities. And finally, the elimination of members whose values, character, and behavior
do not reflect the best ideals of soldiery. 

Militarization in the Countryside

'No such thing' as militarization in countryside, Duterte says

MANILA, Philippines -- There is no militarization happening in the countryside, President Rodrigo Duterte said
despite maintaining that there should be soldiers “in every inch” of the country. 

Some indigenous peoples groups have demanded the pull out of soldiers in areas they consider their ancestral
domain.

Advocates of indigenous peoples' rights claim that military presence in the countryside has been causing
displacement and anxiety among local communities.

Duterte, however, does not see anything wrong with deploying of soldiers in Lumad areas.

“There is no such thing as a militarization. Every inch of this property of the Republic must be occupied by the
soldiers of the government,” the president said in a press conference late Wednesday night in Davao City.

Human Rights - Militarization

Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines face a range of threats from what they frequently describe as 'development
aggression'. As they struggle to defend their land, much of it is in areas of forest or mountain that are rich in natural
resources and so conflicts often arise with companies, many of them based outside the Philippines, who want to
exploit those resources - mostly without the consent of the Indigenous Peoples.

The main problems that Indigenous Peoples face are from large-scale mining that digs up their land, in the
construction of large-scale dams that floods their land, in widespread logging that deforests their land, or in the
creation of nature reserves or agriculture that sees them ejected from or restricted in access to their own land.

All of these activities can lead to conflict which leads to militarization of their land, and in loss of livelihood or
encroachment of settlements which can lead urbanization.

Lumad Killings and Counterinsurgency

Under the Administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, they unveiled the OPLAN Bayanihan where it was
dubbed as an, “internal peace and security plan.” Patterned after the 2009 US Counterinsurgency Guide, Bayanihan
boasted of a “paradigm shift”. Its objective — “winning the peace” instead of just “defeating the enemy” — implied
that government would give primacy to socioeconomic development rather than military means to bring about
peace in areas of armed conflict.

To illustrate, according to human rights group, Karapatan, as of end year 2014, there were 229 EJKs, 225 attempted
EJKs and 26 enforced disappearances. For the first seven months of the current year, 58 have been killed.
What is noteworthy and at the same time alarming is that 73 of those killed under Aquino’s watch are from
indigenous peoples’ (IP) communities, with 57 of them Lumad from Mindanao. Simply put, one out of
four EJK victims is an IP, and one out of five is Lumad.

Why the IPs and the Lumad in particular? The real reasons are not lost on the loved ones of the most recent
Lumad EJK victims: “The people in power do not want the Lumad to prosper, to become educated so that they will
further their capacity to protect their ancestral land. They do not want this to happen, because if this happens, their
mining conglomerates will never be allowed,” says Michelle Campos, daughter of Dionel Campos.

“He was a leader in our community… Is it a crime to serve our fellow people and to fight for our ancestral land? Is
that really why they took his life so easily?” added Jocelyn Campos, wife of Dionel Campos.

Military Bases in the Philippines

On April 17, 2018, the first US-funded building of a military facility in the Philippines began with a groundbreaking
ceremony led by the host country’s Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the US Ambassador in Manila, Sung
Kim. This is being done under an agreement signed in 2014 known as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation
Agreement (EDCA). The first US-funded building is located at Basa Airforce Base in Pampanga.

The ultimate and real purpose of the new US bases within Philippine bases remains unclear. EDCA emphasizes that
the facilities are to enhance the ability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to defend the county from
external threats. They are to “promote between the Philippines and its defense treaty ally, the United States, the
following:

 Interoperability
 Capacity-building toward AFP modernization
 Strengthening AFP for external defense
 Maritime security
 Maritime domain awareness
 Humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR)

Benefits of Military Veterans

Republic Act No. 6948             April 9, 1990

AN ACT STANDARDIZING AND UPGRADING THE BENEFITS FOR MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled::

TITLE I

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to help foster the socioeconomic
security and general well-being of the country's veterans in recognition of their patriotic services in times of war
and peace for the cause of freedom and democracy; for the attainment of national unity, independence, and
socioeconomic advancement; and for the maintenance of peace and order, in keeping with the goals of the
Government and the aspirations of the people.

Important Definitions

(Veteran – any person who rendered military service in the land, sea or air forces of the Philippines during the
revolution against Spain, the Philippine-American War, World War II, including Filipino citizens who served in Allied
Forces in the Philippine territory and foreign nationals who served in Philippine forces, the Korean Campaign, the
Vietnam Campaign, the Anti-Dissidence Campaign, or other wars and military campaigns; or who rendered military
service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and has been honorably discharged or separated after at least six (6)
years total cumulative active service, or sooner separated due to death or disability arising from a wound or injury
received or sickness or disease incurred in line of duty while in the active service;

Military Personnel – officers, enlisted personnel, draftees and trainees in the active service of the Armed Forces of
the Philippines;

Officer – any person holding a commission in the regular or reserve components of the Armed Forces, or
probationary officer, or cadet of the Philippine Military Academy or of the flying or naval schools of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines;

Enlisted Person – any person enlisted in the Armed Forces;

Political Prisoner – a person who, for acts punishable for public rather than for private reasons which were directed
against the welfare, safety and security of the enemy occupation forces during World War II in connection with
underground activities or the resistance movement, was imprisoned, maltreated and killed, or died in prison due to
ailment or injury; and

Veteran’s Benefits

 Educational Benefits
 Disability Pension
 Pension for Veterans of the Revolution
 Old-Age Pension
 Death Pension
 Hospitalization, Medical Care and Treatment
 Burial Benefits

Center for Minority Veterans (CMV)

WWII Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) Fund

The President of the United States signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17,
2009, authorizing the release of a one-time, lump-sum payment to eligible World War II (WWII) Philippine
Veterans.  These payments are to be made through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from a $198 million
appropriation established for this purpose.  Applying for this benefit will not affect other existing Veterans benefits.

As of January 1, 2019, there were 2 (reopened) FVEC claims pending and that over 1, 2019, 42,755 applications
were processed:  9,313 approved for $15,000 based Veterans, 9,670 approved for $9,000, and 23,772 applications
disapproved.

To date, over $226 million has been awarded to eligible Filipino Veterans.

As of January 1, 2019, the Manila RO has received more than 4,570 NODs on FVEC denials.

Laws and Programs

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1638

ESTABLISHING A NEW SYSTEM OF RETIREMENT AND SEPARATION FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL OF THE ARMED
FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

 WHEREAS, there is an imperative need to improve and consolidate the various laws pertaining to the
retirement of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
 WHEREAS, Republic Act Numbered Three Hundred and Forty, as amended, causes the premature
compulsory retirement of those who are purposely educated and trained by the government to be
professional military personnel;
 WHEREAS, the early retirement of military personnel denies the Armed Forces of the Philippines of the full
economical utilization of the services of well-experienced, highly trained, and mature military executives;
 WHEREAS, the present retirement system does not afford to all officers equal opportunity for promotion to
higher rank and position;
 WHEREAS, it is for the good of the services to retain for optimum utilization of their services all military
personnel with proven leadership and professional competence;
 WHEREAS, world history attests to the fact that many political, social, economic and military leaders are
men mature in experience and age;
 NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me
vested by the Constitution, do hereby decree the following as part of the law of the land:

TITLE I

Short Title

Section 1. This Decree shall be known as the AFP Military Personnel Retirement and Separation Decree of 1979.

TITLE II

Applicability

Sec. 2. This Decree shall apply to all military personnel in the service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.