LTC ISRAEL N VIRGINES, CHS (RES)

Seminar Delta

ITI ON CAMAPAIGN ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK
(WESTERN MINDANAO COMMAND CAMPAIGN PLAN)

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT OUTCOME

DATA GATHERED

JP 5 DOCUMENT - ADAPTION OF
References ANALYSIS BETTER CAMPAIGN
- Briefing of WESMIN
COM - KIIs PLAN AND
- Briefing of 3rd Air - FGDs EXCLUSION OF MOST
Division, PAF JOC Framework
- Quantitative Analysis
- Briefing of NAVFOR Comparison of LIKELY INPERIOR ONE
WEM, PN of PPBER Report
Campaign Plan with JOC
Campaign Plan
Pakighuisa IMMERSION Framework
Fragmentary Order Findings
02-2016 Proposals
Accomplishment Report - COME UP TO MORE
- Experience
of WESMINCOM CY EFFECTIVE JOC
2015 and 1st Qtr 2016

Operation

FEEDBACK

On 06 Nov 2016 the Command and General Staff Course (CGSC) sent students of
Class 61 particularly Seminar Delta to Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) to
assess the Campaign Plan of the said Unified Command based in Camp Basilio Navarro,
Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.
To effectively accomplish the task given them to assessment the Joint Operation
Campaign Plan of Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM), Seminar Delta visited
and made courtesy call to the Commanders that composed the Unified Command
(WESMINCOM; 3rd Air Division, PAF; Naval Forces Western Mindanao, PN and the Army
Battalion based in Isabela City, Basilan Province).
LTC ISRAEL N VIRGINES, CHS (RES)
Seminar Delta

The student made a thorough consideration of the Commands campaign plan

starting from its mission, down to every detail of the tactical and operational steps laid
down to effectively achieved the following goal;
1. Defeat all threats to the state within their AOR namely; the Abu Sayyaf
Group (ASG), the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) and
similar terror groups.
2. Support the governments peace negotiation efforts with the Communist
Party of the Philippines (CPP)/New Peoples Army (NPA) /National
Democratic Front (NDF) ; Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); and Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF) including the Rogue Misuari Elements
(RME); and,
3. Significantly contribute to the anti-illegal drug, anti-criminality and anti-
corruption campaign of the government in order to create an environment
conducive for sustainable development and a just and lasting peace.
Another area assessed is the Commanders Intent composed of four (4) phase
operation in which joint forces are integrated into operations to accomplish the mission set
as mentioned above.
Other than compliance to the students requirement to complete the CGSC61
course, the Joint Operation Campaign Plan assessment purpose likewise includes
validating the current theory of operational design as integral part of operational art within
the AFPCGSC Curriculum and to provide an appropriate environment of learning within
the operational aspects of AFP operations at the Unified Command level. To achieve this
purpose Seminar Delta conducted assessment to determine the following;
1. current status of campaign plan at WESMINCOM focused on the
essential tasks that drive mission, objectives, and the forces (resources)
involved;
2. appreciate the deliberate use of learned concepts in the linkage of the
national military strategy (end, ways, means) with campaign concepts
(method, purpose, end state) considering higher security policies /
guidance; and apply learned key concepts re-assessment as part of
campaign planning (OPART application) using service-level Universal
Task List and operating concepts.
The student utilized the PESTEM model as their variables.
Political:
The Student assumed the Local political leaders in Sulu and Basilan are generally
critical of the ASG; however, some political personalities in these provinces have been
reported to be providing support to the group in terms of logistics requirements, albeit
covertly. The student also learned that the Datu system which still exist in some parts of
the AOR likewise affects their political landscape.
For their deduction, the students deduce that the denomination of systemic, traditional,
dynasty-oriented and local patronage politics produce inefficient system of governance
LTC ISRAEL N VIRGINES, CHS (RES)
Seminar Delta

and political instability therefore, such practice is to be REMOVED trough effective IO and
CMO.
Economic
The main source of livelihood in the AOR is Agriculture and Aquaculture. The AOR
likewise is blessed with abundance of natural resources, however, only very few groups
control the economic activity in the regions making the area as one of the poorest region
in the Philippines.
For deduction, the student deduced that the development of basic infrastructures
and effective participation of various inter-agency stakeholders is needed to propel the
market forces that run the economy and must be SUPORTED.
Socio-cultural
The AOR consists of various ethnic groups such as Yakan, Maranao, Tausug,
Maguindanaoan with the Muslim as the predominate religion. Provinces with MILF
presence, particularly Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Maguindanao, were at the
top bottom of Human Development Index 2009 and propensity to Pintakasi with
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and LLEs against government forces during
military offensive due to close family ties, kinship, and inter marriages.
For our deduction, multiple ethnicity and cultural diversity affect the socio-cultural
character of the society and is susceptible to develop conflicts and the continuance of the
culture of rido. These likewise is best to be PREVENTED
Techno-scientific
There is a series of multi-channel, high capacity digital microwave radio network
interconnecting major AFP camps and bases, nationwide. The communication system in
the joint force operation area is sufficient for interoperability. Primary communication used
in the operation is VHF radio VSAT. Commercial communication service are also available
in the Area of Operation (AO) (Globe, Sun Cell and Smart Telecommunications Networks.
Hydro Power Plant, Power Generator sets, Solar home power, NGCP Tower, TRANSCO
Tower are available in the province.
The student deduce that technological infrastructure gives advantage to not only to
the community but likewise to various threat groups existing in the AOR. Vital installations
are easy argets to threat groups for extortion and other purposes, therefore SECURITY
must be PROVIDED to deny or defeat the intent of the lawless elements.
Environment
The AOR is bounded by Palawan and Southern Visayas in the North, Agusan and
Davao Provinces in the East, Northern Province of Indonesia in the South, and Eastern
Sabah in the West. Internally, it is a home of various local threat groups such as: ASG in
ZAMBASULTA provinces, BIFF in Maguindanao, LCM, MILF and RME scattered on
different regions, and the RSF based in Tawi-Tawi. Mapun and Taganak, all of Tawi-Tawi
LTC ISRAEL N VIRGINES, CHS (RES)
Seminar Delta

serves as the western-most island of the region. Violations of environmental laws continue
despite the strict enforcement by the authorities.
For deduction the student deduced that the vast Joint Operation Area (JOA) of
WESMINCOM requires multiple flat forms and massive resources to monitor and secure
the area therefore must be SUPPORTED.
Military
Friendly Forces
For friendly forces following are identified:
WESMINCOM: JTF CENTRAL; JTF ZAMPELAN; JTF BASILAN; JTF SULU; JTF TAWI
TAWI; JTF ZAMBOANGA; NFWEM; 3AD, PAF; PNP; PCG; AFP Reservists; Other LEAs
and US PACOM Liaison
The student deduced that different Task units are organized to address security and
HADR operations and JTF organizations has the capability to employ joint operations
however, there is limited capability to cover the AOR. Therefore must be SUPPORTED.
Enemy Forces:
For threat forces operting in the AOR the following are identified;
ASG; BIFF; (Rouge Misuari Elements) RME; Foreign and Local Terrorists Groups;
LCM; MILF and MNLF
For the students deduction, ASG will strengthen alliance with other threat groups to
intensify terroristic actions. WMRPC will take advantage of the peace talks to recover its
organization and BIFF is strengthening alliance with other LTGs and FTs. The MNLF
mainstream in reorganization to strengthen its leadership and to continue the conduct of
training and recruitment to build up their forces to project image of strength while in
negotiating table and pushing for full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on
the Bangsamoro (CAB) therefore must be PREVENTED.
For the critical assumptions, we assume that CNN, MILF and MNLF will continue to
pursue peace process with the government. The ASG and other terrorist groups will
continue to conduct bombing activities in urban centers of the AOR and major cities of the
country. On our part, logistics and support requirements for the major service components
will be forwarded to designated logistical bases. Our alliance with China will not affect
border relations with Malaysia and Indonesia and tension in SCS/WPS will not escalate in
the region.
For the concept of operations, the ASG and other terrorist groups will be defeated
through aggressive Information Operation (IO) operations that will isolate them from
support and mass base followed by FMO (combat) to clear affected areas and CMO to
support and hold gains. The peace process with CNN, MILF and MNLF will be pursued
through CMO and IO to successfully implement the peace agreement and anti-illegal drug,
anti-corruption and anti-criminality will be aggressively pursued through inter-agency
operations to restore effective justice system and good governance.
LTC ISRAEL N VIRGINES, CHS (RES)
Seminar Delta

Through the process of the groups assessment, the students identified gaps/issues
and challenges. Among them are;
1. The burden of influencing and motivating the local chief executives
to support civil-military projects still lies with the AFP;

2. Absence of lead government units (LGUs) and other agencies to

address issues related to their respective functions and areas of
concern in order to complement the AFP efforts;

3. Territorial Defense Operation (TDO) mission is less prioritized in

air and naval operations;

4. unidentified/unauthorized establishment of MILF ATS;

5. slow implementation of PAMANA and other livelihood projects

especially on MNLF-influenced communities and

6. Lack of PNP presence and active involvement of the LGU in

community policing and anti-secessionist efforts among others.
Aside from the above mentioned gaps, the students also identified unresolved
issues and challenges such;
1. As issue on the alliance of the Philippines with China;

2. Effect on the pending withdrawal of US forces in the Philippines;

3. Effect on the campaign plan if the peace talks with CNN and MILF/MNLF
fail and border problems with Indonesia and Malaysia.
CONCLUSION:
The group concludes that the one on one concept of the Western Mindanao Command is
a good course of action as far as addressing the different threat groups in the AOR is
concerned. However, the UC has no line of operation concerning territorial defense
operation because the Command is focused on ISO due to the presence of various threat
groups in the AOR.
With this, it is recommended that territorial defense operation be incorporated in the
Commands concept of operations to address both internal and external threats. Further,
Operational design should also be included in the formulation of their concept of
operations and the incorporation of tasks to accomplish intensified stakeholder
engagement in ISO and TDO.