1

CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

A. Background of the Study

Article II Section 3 of the Philippine Constitution states that the

“Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and

the State” (Philippine Constitution 1987). As such, the AFP plays an

important role in maintaining peace and order situation and in

defending the nation not only from internal, but also from external

threats.

Currently, the AFP is confronting the Local Communist

Movement (LCM), the Southern Philippines Secessionist Group

(SPSG), the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other emerging threats like

terrorism. However, with the anticipated winding down of internal

security concerns caused by the crushing of the ASG, the

downgrading of the LCM into a law enforcement concern, the

resumption of the GRP-MILF peace talks, and the complete

implementation of the peace agreements between the government

and the MNLF by 2010, capability development for Territorial

Defense shall become the main priority over the course of the 2011-

2016 medium term period (DPG 2011-2016). Although, the AFP has

not fully met the deadline to finish the LCM problem, it has

significantly reduced its strength and the movement as a whole.

2

Given these parameters, the AFP is now set to focus on the

Territorial Defense of our country. However, the biggest question remains to

be “whether the different units of the AFP have the capability to undertake

such arduous task”. It is therefore the thrust of this paper to address such

issue, in particular the 300 AISG. But first, it would be best to look at the

definition of territorial defense, the historical background and the geopolitical

environment of the study.

1. What is Territorial Defense?

Two military scholars Adam Roberts and Horst Mendershausen

presented a good overview on the nature and characteristics of Territorial

Defense. In his book entitled Nations in Arms: the Theory and Practice of

Territorial Defense, Adam Roberts (1976) observed that territorial defense is

based “not on retaliation against foreign countries by total destruction, but

rather on making one’s own territory and people hard to conquer” (p.7). While

he noted the difficulty of defining the term, he believed that the clearest

definition of territorial defense is that it “is a system of defense in depth; it is

the governmentally-organized defense of a state’s own-territory, conducted on

its own territory” (p.34).

Roberts argued that the main concept of territorial defense is to

prepare the military and the civil population so that they can “wage a struggle

3

in depth using various means of combat, including if need be guerrilla

warfare”. Roberts highlighted the role of the military by saying:

Territorial defense…facilitates the control of military power by virtue of the following characteristics. First, it reduces the distinction between army and people, and the danger of a military coup d’etat. Secondly, it is a manifestly defensive system, plainly unsuited to attack and therefore not likely to be perceived as a threat by other states or to lead to arms races. Thirdly, it does not rely on strategic bombing in general or nuclear weapons in particular, and thus constitutes a possible alternative to the possible proliferation and ultimately probable use of such weapons. Fourthly, it enables states to rely on their own forces rather than get tangled up in alliances which can easily degenerate into forms of domination.

Roberts also believed that the air force plays an important role in

territorial defense. He posited that “it may be a logical conclusion that a

territorial defense system might need to be reinforced by an air force” (p.226).

Roberts pointed out to the significant role of air power in gathering military

intelligence, the role of air force in transporting supplies, and the role of the air

force in direct air strike. Roberts also said that the air force will help territorial

defense by “exposing any aggressor forces to observation and air attack”. He

added that “if it could deny control of the air to the enemy, it would allow

defending units greater freedom of mobilization, movement and concentration,

which could be particularly crucial in a country which offers little natural

cover”.

In the same manner, Horst Mendershausen (1980) in his book entitled

Reflections on Territorial Defense argued that the most important military

characteristics of a TD posture is that “it concentrates on the defense of one’s

4

territory against attacking foreign forces, and on the deterrence of attacks on

the territory” (p.3). He opined that it would also be correct to say that “a

country stressing territorial defense as a rule wishes to impress other states

with the fact that it offers no threat to their territorial integrity, although it does

of course threaten the forces of an invader” (p.4). Just like Roberts,

Mendershausen also believed that the key to success of the territorial defense

lies on the good relationship between the civil and military entities through a

strong civil defense program of the military. This relationship has been

adequately termed by Roberts as “the civilianization of the army and the

militarization of society” (Roberts, 1976, p. 15).

In the Philippine experience, Republic Act 7879 defined Territorial

Defense as “to secure the country from direct armed aggression or invasion”.

And since the military is mandated by the Philippine Constitution to uphold

national security, the task of Territorial Defense, therefore, lies on the different

branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This task took several

historical events which will be the main focus of the succeeding paragraphs.

2. Historical Background

The Philippines became part of the Spanish colonial government for

more than three centuries, under the American hegemony for more than three

decades, and under the Japanese military control for more than three years.

The Filipinos’ fight for independence and national security took several stages

from the Philippine Revolution of 1896, the Philippine-American War of 1899,

5

to World War II in 1941. Even if the Philippines was recognized as an

independent state after the Second World War, internal and external threats

to national security that impinge the national and territorial integrity was not

totally eliminated. The Philippines’ strategic location enabled the land to

become vulnerable to possible conflict among superpowers and neighboring

countries.

While the Philippines was still under the Spanish colonial government,

there were already incursions from the Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and

British. The Spanish government together with the Filipino natives was able to

quell such threats. When the Americans assumed power over the land, there

were also threats especially from the Japanese. The Americans together with

the Filipinos were able to withstand the threats. When the Philippines became

an independent state on July 4, 1946, the duty to defend the national territory

was turned over to the Philippine government. Thus, securing the land

became a sole responsibility of the Filipino people.

However, with the presence of economic and military interest of the US

in the country, agreements and treaties were signed for the continued alliance

of the two countries in relation to the defense of the country. But, when the

military bases agreement was terminated in 1991, the US lessens also its

support to the government particularly to the military. Thus, with the

ratification of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the RP-US relations have

improved and security of the country was one of the major concerns. Although

6

the US government is helping in the military training and procurement of some

military equipment, the bulk of the responsibility of defending and securing the

whole archipelago now rest not only on the military but also on the Filipino

people.

3. Geopolitical Environment

The Philippines is part of the Southeast Asian region composed of

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,

Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is an archipelago consisting of more

than 7,000 islands and is bounded by the South China Sea on the West, the

Pacific Ocean on the East, the Celebes Sea on the South. It has a land area

of 114,830 square statute miles and has an irregular coastline that extends to

about 10,850 statute miles (Agoncillo 1990).

The Philippine national territory as stated in Article 1 of the Constitution

comprises “all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other

territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting

of the terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including its territorial sea,

seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The

waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago,

regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of

the Philippines” (Philippine Constitution 1987). The strategic location of the

Philippines, with its proximity to three major economic water thoroughfares:

Pacific, Indian, and South China Sea had prompted the different superpowers

7

to take control of the land while its proximity to other Asian nations contributed

to numerous territorial conflicts.

Below is a list of interisland conflict within the Southeast Asian region

that had been existing since the colonial years.

Table 1. Territorial Disputes in Southeast Asia

Disputants Disputes Current Intensity

Vietnam-China

Vietnam-Cambodia

Vietnam-Philippines

Thailand-Cambodia

Thailand-Myanmar

Thailand-Laos

Thailand-Malaysia

Indonesia-Malaysia

Malaysia-China

Philippines-Malaysia

Philippines-China

Singapore-Malaysia

Marine (South China Sea)

Border and Marine (Gulf of Thailand)

Marine (Spratlys)

Border and Marine

Border

Border

Border

Border and Marine (Ligitan & Sipadan)

Marine (Spratlys)

Border (Sabah) and marine

Marine (Spratlys)

Marine (Spratlys)

Mediate

Mediate

Mediate

Mediate

Mediate

Low

Mediate

Mediate

Mediate

Mediate

High

Low

Source: Wang, 2003

The table above shows that most of the conflicts are caused by

territorial borders. As Jianwei Wang said, territorial disputes tend to be a

serious issue not only in Southeast Asia alone but the whole Asian region.

Furthermore, he said that some of the disputes are as old as human history

(Wang 2003). Although most of the disputes are currently mediated, the threat

remains to be present. And these threats created a need to strengthen its

defense in securing the borders as well as in deterring possible outside

incursions.

4. External Threats

8

Aside from the internal threats from the Local Communist

Movement (LCM), the Southern Philippine Secessionist Group (SPSG), and

the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Philippines is also confronted with external

threats as shown above.

The Spratlys is one of the major concerns of the government that

needs to be addressed. As DND Spokesperson Eduardo Batac related during

an interview with reporters, as quoted in the article of Katherine Evangelista in

the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated 12 August 2010, (Evangelista, Gov’t urged)

“If the country wants to be taken seriously in its claim on the Spratly Islands,

the government must beef up security forces in the area”. Batac added that “If

you don’t have an armed forces that can defend a position which our country

will take on, then it’s useless to laying claim for example to any interest in the

Spratlys. He then posed a challenged by saying “what happens if you do find

a big oil reserve in those areas? Can you just say na ‘amin yan’ [that’s ours]

and not back it up with an armed force?”. Batac was mindful of the presence

of existing agreements between countries claiming ownership over Spratlys,

believed to have a vast amount of oil reserves, but he believed that the role of

the military is crucial in claiming the area. However, he opined that aside from

augmenting security forces, amendments to existing laws must be made not

just in terms of diplomacy but also of strengthening the military’s position

taking into consideration the county’s interest and situation”.

9

Due to the overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea, we

can not discount the possibility of military confrontations with neighboring

countries around the area. This is also true with the overlapping claims over

the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The United Nations Convention on the

Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) gave the Philippines the right to explore and

exploit the marine resources within the EEZ. Thus, the AFP faced the

challenge of protecting the vast marine resources of the country. Statistics

shows that the total economic loss from illegal activities at sea has been

estimated at P40 billion annually, including 600,000 metric tons of fish worth

P15 billion, with the remainder made up of coral destruction, income foregone

for local fishermen, illegal trade and unrealized tourism earnings (AFP NMS

2002).

The AFP is also watchful of the possible destabilization around the

region such as the Korean Peninsula conflict and the Cross-Straits conflict

between China and Taiwan, and the ongoing political and economic turmoil in

Indonesia. Other concerns that threaten external security are the proliferation

of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the region, the emergence of

organized crime groups, and international terrorism.

In these kinds of threats, the role of intelligence units becomes crucial

in gathering vital information. The ability to gather information about possible

actions of outside elements and the capability to detect possible incursions

lies in the hands of the intelligence units. In the Philippine Air Force, the main

10

unit responsible for this undertaking is the 300th Air Intelligence and Security

Group (AISG).

One of the important functions of the 300th AISG is the regular conduct

of Air Reconnaissance over the highly contested areas in the Spratlys. Using

the lone TC690A Aero Commander aircraft which is unfortunately still in

Taiwan since 30 June 2009 undergoing Inspection Repair As Necessary

(IRAN), the unit is mandated to perform aerial reconnaissance in the Spratlys

at least twice a year. This is an important undertaking since it provides the

military and political leaders regular updates on the different activities in the

area particularly the physical developments of structures by the different

claimant countries. Through the fully interpreted aerial photographs taken by

the unit, it can be seen that the physical structures of our neighboring

countries are regularly been improved particularly in terms of security

postures.

On the other hand, the 300th AISG supports the different tactical units

in the field in the ISO campaign through the conduct of Aerial reconnaissance

missions. The photographs taken over the enemy lairs help the unit

commanders in their decision making thus minimizing casualties and

increasing the success of operations. Indeed, the information gathered and

acquired from surveillance and reconnaissance, converted into intelligence by

exploitation and analysis, had been used and been very helpful not only by

the PAF and the AFP in general, but by other government and non-

11

governmental agencies to formulate strategy, policy, and plans; to develop

and conduct campaigns; to guide acquisition of future capabilities; and to

protect, prevent, and prevail against threats and aggression aimed at the

Philippines and its interests (U.S. Air Force Doctrine Document 2-9 17July

2007).

This contribution of the 300th AISG in safeguarding the security of our

country is so important that without the timely and accurate intelligence, top

military officers and civilian leaders will not be given first hand information for

effective decision making. On the tactical level, no successful operations in

land and in sea could be accomplished without intelligence.

B. Statement of the Problem

Currently, the AFP is on the stage of reducing the CTM into an

inconsequential level in order to concentrate on Territorial Defense. In fact,

there are areas which were already turned over to the Philippine National

Police (PNP) to jumpstart the process of slowly empowering the PNP in the

ISO campaign. Hence, with its role in the Territorial Defense of our country

particularly in the highly contested areas in the Spratlys, the AFP with its three

(3) major services has to prepare for this undertaking.

As the unit in the PAF responsible for the conduct of Air

Reconnaissance patrols all over the country, the 300th AISG can contribute

much in this endeavor of the AFP in safeguarding the Philippine territory and

12

upholding territorial integrity. It is in this light that this study attempts to answer

the main question: How responsive is the 300th ASG in performing its role

once the AFP focuses on Territorial Defense? Moreover, this paper will

endeavor to answer the following questions:

1. How responsive is the present capability of the 300th AISG to the

ISO campaign of the AFP?

2. How capable is the 300th AISG in accomplishing its task in

relation to Territorial Defense?

3. How can the 300th AISG attain the desired Territorial Defense

capability?

C. Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the capability of the 300th

ASG in undertaking its role in relation to the AFP’s program of shifting from

Internal Security Operations to Territorial Defense. Specifically, the present

study has the following objectives:

1. To assess the present capability of the 300th AISG in the ISO

campaign of the AFP;

2. To determine the present capability of 300th AISG in preparation

for the AFP’s shift to TD; and

3. To determine what could be done for the 300th AISG attain the

desired territorial defense capability.

D. Significance of the Study

13

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is tasked to secure the national

territory which comprises the “terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including

its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other

submarine areas” (Philippine Constitution, 1987). The Philippine Air Force

(PAF) in particular is mandated to protect the aerial domains of our skies from

all forms of threats both internal and external. The Philippines being an

archipelagic country is difficult to monitor because of its porous and

unprotected borders.

On the other hand, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA)

commanded the AFP to bring the Communist Terrorist Movement into an

inconsequential level before the end of her term in 2010. This was highlighted

with the guidance from the DND for the AFP to develop its capability for

Territorial Defense from 2011-2016 with the assumption that all these threats

are now considered as law enforcement concerns. Given the timetable when

the shift will be fully implemented, there is really a need to prepare for the

AFP to focus on the Territorial Defense of our country. However, the capability

to conduct effective internal security operations shall continue to be one of the

AFP’s top priorities for the medium term period even though the main thrust

has shifted to Territorial Defense. The improved capability to conduct effective

internal security operations, supported by the development of comprehensive,

vigorous yet adaptable capabilities to meet all potential threats, is the basic

building block for developing Territorial Defense capabilities (2011-2016

Defense Planning Guidance).

14

Therefore, this study is significant because it will determine whether the

300th AISG with its present capability would be able to perform its role once

the AFP shifts its focus from the traditional Internal Security Operations

campaign to Territorial Defense operations. Specifically, this study is

significant to the following stakeholders:

The Department of National Defense- this will provide the planners

and policy makers at the defense department the idea of developing policies

and concepts about Territorial Defense of our country.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines- this will provide the AFP

leadership the urgency to develop its capability in order to accomplish its

mandate of securing the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the

national territory.

The Philippine Air Force- this paper will enlighten the PAF leadership

of the present state of the 300th AISG that will help policy makers in the

promulgation of new directives and new rules in relation to Territorial Defense.

The 300th AISG, PAF- this will provide the members of the unit an idea

about the sensitivity and importance of the unit’s role in the overall territorial

defense effort of the AFP as well as the present problems and issues that

need to be addressed in relation to its territorial defense mandate.

15

The AFP training institutions- this paper can be an important source

of information and reference to future studies about the subject.

The Filipino People- the true beneficiaries of this study will be the

Filipino people whom the AFP is mandated to serve and protect since the new

role of the AFP in relation to Territorial Defense is to work closer to the

people.

E. Scope and Limitations

Whereas the whole AFP is mandated to prepare for the shift of its role

from ISO to Territorial Defense, this paper will focus only on the role of the

300th AISG as a subordinate unit of the Philippine Air Force. In particular, it

will analyze the present capabilities of the 300th AISG in determining its

readiness to perform a more challenging role in the preservation of national

and territorial integrity.

Since the unit being studied is an intelligence unit, there was an

imminent problem in procuring some of the documents because there are

written and valuable sources that are highly restricted and confidential.

However, all available means were exhausted to get valuable information so

as not to jeopardize the quality and outcome of the research. Likewise, this

paper relied on the available materials found in the different units, offices and

libraries within the different units of the AFP. Furthermore, the absence of

16

ample materials related to the topic limited this paper to review mostly

unpublished but credible literatures, particularly Commandant’s papers from

the Command and General Staff College and MNSA although it utilized also

some important books related to Territorial Defense and Security.

F. Definition of Terms

The terms below are important in understanding the role of the 300 th

AISG in relation to territorial defense operations. Thus, in order to give

direction in perusing this paper, a standard definition is given based on the

AFP manuals, documents, research papers and related topics.

Air Intelligence- Knowledge resulting from the collection, evaluation,

analysis integration, and interpretation of all available information which

concerns one or more aspects of foreign nations or areas of operations and

which is immediately or potentially significant to the Air Force.

Air Reconnaissance - reconnaissance undertaken with an airplane or

other aircraft to secure about the enemy, or about the terrain or weather, by

visual observation, aerial photography, or electronics methods. (Manalo,2009,

p.16).

Intelligence - is the product resulting from the collection, processing,

integration, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of available information

concerning foreign nations, hostile or potentially hostile forces or elements

to include insurgent forces, or areas of actual or potential operations.(JIC

Manual 2008, p.1-1,)

17

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) - integrated

capabilities to collect, process, exploit and disseminate accurate and timely

information that provides battle space awareness necessary to successfully

plan and conduct operations (Manalo, p.17)

Reconnaissance - is a mission undertaken to obtain, by visual

observation or other detection methods, information about the activities

and resources of an enemy or potential enemy, or to secure data concerning

the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular

area” (USAF DD 2-9).

Surveillance - is the systematic observation of aerospace, surface or

subsurface areas, places, persons, or things, by visual, aural, electronic,

photographic or other means.” (USAF DD 2-9)

Territorial Defense- actions taken by the government of the Republic

of the Philippines to maintain the integrity of its national territory, including its

waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and secure its sovereignty

against external threats such as invasion.(Talja, 2010, p.26)

18

CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literatures

With the policy statement from former President Gloria Macapagal

Arroyo stating that the AFP should end the CTM in 2010 thereby shifting from

internal security operation to territorial defense, the different branches of the

Armed Forces are now moving towards that direction. Thus, some studies had

focused their attention on the capability of the AFP to undertake such

scrupulous and arduous task.

A. Local Literatures and Studies

The mandatory task of the AFP in upholding territorial integrity and in

defending national security is stated in the highest law of the land, the

Philippine Constitution. Hence, the 1987 Constitution is a valuable document

that should be considered in relation to territorial defense. Article II Sec 3

states that the Armed Forces is the protector of the people and of the State

and its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the

national territory which is defined in Article 1.

Another major document that is essential in this study is the 2002

National Military Strategy manual which contains the strategic environment,

national military objectives, elements of strategy and strategic concepts, and

19

the forces required. It is stated in the manual that “the AFP must be able to

identify challenges that call for action amidst opportunities and constraints that

limit the range of freedom of responses” (p.3). This document lays the ground

for the operational strategy of the different branches of the AFP within and

outside the country. It not only serve as a manual for military strategy, but it

gives the military a background of the occurrences in their surroundings

making them understand better their role as defender of the people and of the

national territory.

However, in relation to territorial defense, the latest and most

comprehensive study being undertaken was that of LTC Elpidio Talja’s PAF

(March 2010). Talja’s Commandant’s paper entitled The RP Territorial

Defense Strategy: A Philippine Air Force Perspective, in particular, examines

the Philippine Air Force’s preparedness, capability, and responsiveness to

perform its duty of protecting and securing the territorial integrity and

upholding the sovereignty of the country. Talja noted in his paper that

although territorial defense has been part of the present military mission, even

the Department of National Defense does not have a clear definition of the

concept.

Thus, Talja gave his own definition of territorial defense as “actions

taken by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and its Armed

Forces to maintain the integrity of its national territory including its territorial

waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and secure its sovereignty

20

against its external threats such as invasion” (p.26). Talja believed that the

Philippine Air Force’s concept of territorial defense as merely external defense

implemented through the Philippine Air Defense System must be changed

“due to lack of platforms and equipment to implement it”.

In his final analysis, Talja argued that the PAF is not responsive to the

present and more so with the future security challenges that the country will

encounter. The reasons given for the limited capacity of the PAF to undertake

territorial defense were the deteriorating status of some aircrafts and the

conditions of detection equipment as well as the status of the assets and

resources. Talja, therefore, made the following recommendations: expedite

AFP Modernization Program which unfortunately has expired in June 2010,

enhance and upgrade the Philippine Air Defense System (PADS),

incorporation of territorial defense concept in policy framework, and convince

policy makers to allocate more budget to territorial defense.

Another research related to the paper of Talja was the work of Ms.

Angelica Andrada in 2009. While Talja focused on the general capability of

the PAF in relation to Territorial Defense, Andrada’s work is more specific.

Her paper entitled “An Assessment of the PAF Material Capability for

Territorial Defense” is aimed at identifying the current and required material

capability and the resulting gaps and shortfalls of the PAF for Territorial

Defense. Andrada concluded that the PAF has an extremely inadequate

21

material capability to conduct the mission area for Territorial Defense,

thus, she proposed the following recommendations:

That PAF should adopt capability based planning. This should require

the PAF to have an awareness and knowledge of what really is needed to

effectively defend a country, with or without the presence of a threat. This

requires the procurement and development of the following: Radars, Aircraft

and Command and Control.

In conclusion, Andrada said that “the ability of the PAF to defend our

Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty is severely compromised by their

inadequate materiel capability. She added that this concern should be

addressed and ameliorated in view of our highly uncertain and volatile

security environment. The relevance of adopting a strategic approach for PAF

capability development underscores their need for transformation from air

inferiority to air parity- full mission capable and effective in the conduct of

territorial Defense”.

The Philippines is an archipelagic country which means that it is

surrounded by bodies of water. This nature automatically results to having

bodies of waters as borders relative to its neighboring countries. Thus, the

research done by LTC Estanislao Manalo PAF (March 2009) which focused

on the participation of the Philippine Air Force in guarding these coastal

boundaries, is also an important contribution to the study of territorial defense.

Entitled Philippine Air Force Participation in Coast Watch System (CWS), it

22

assessed the air maritime operations capability of the Philippine Air Force

emphasizing on air surveillance and air interdiction/maritime strike capability

in support of the Coastal Watch South System.

In his final analysis, Manalo argued that the PAF’s current capability is

not responsive to support the CWS for its air maritime operations, specifically,

its air maritime surveillance. This is due to lack of aircraft and necessary

equipment for that specific purpose. However, the PAF can provide support

on a limited capacity in relation to air interdiction/maritime strike against a

hostile vessels as well as rescue operations. Manalo believed that there was

a need for increased government’s support in order for the PAF to help

support the needs of the CWS. Thus, Manalo recommended the following: to

expedite the Inspection and Repair as Necessary (IRAN) of the Aero

commander TC 690A; to let PAF capitalize on the air operation support; to let

PAF find ways on how to expedite procurement of new equipment; to let PAF

formulate Air Maritime Doctrines; and to send personnel abroad for training on

Coast Watchers Course.

Another interesting paper to look into is the “Empowering a New Era in

the United States-Philippines Security Alliance” written by Renato C. De

Castro and Walter Lohman on June 28, 2010 which states that ”the

Philippines occupies a key strategic location on the edge of China’s first island

chain of defense, an area delineating China’s area of greatest maritime

interest and encompassing its expansive territorial claims in the South China

23

Sea”. De Castro and Lohman said that the Chinese claims threaten freedom

of navigation through those seas, U.S Navy operations, and the Philippines,

which has conflicting territorial claims. They added that the Philippines is ill

equipped to assert a credible defense of its territorial claims or to contribute to

the security of international waterways.

Thus, they concluded that the U.S. should assist the Philippines in

developing its capacity for territorial defense while continuing its effort to fight

internal insurgencies. They added that the U.S. should intensify its diplomatic

and bilateral as well as military engagement with the Philippines to impress

upon its allies and the whole region that the U.S will remain a Pacific power

and that it will remain Philippines’ principal ally.

The AFP Multi-Year Capability Upgrade Program (AFPCUP) under the

Philippine Defense Reform Program which aimed to improve the capability of

the AFP within an 18-year period is also worth noting in relation to this study.

It stated that for the first six (6) years, the AFP shall spend P5 Billion each

year for a total of P30 B on enhancing the capabilities in the conduct of ISO.

For the second six (6) years, the AFP is earmarked with P10 B annually or

P60B for the transition phase from ISO to TD while the third six (6) years will

be provided with a P20B each year for a total of P120 B for the last six years

focusing on TD and peace keeping operations. However, the AFPCUP’s

increasing proposed spending is not automatic but premised on the

assumption of a much improved Philippine economy.

24

Among the studies being mentioned, the works of Talja, Manalo, and

Andrada have a direct link with and have contributed much in this paper

because they also discussed the capability of specific units in the military.

While they focused on a macroscopic level, this paper focused on a

microscopic level.

B. International Publications

In order to have a wider perspective on the nature and characteristics

of territorial defense, other sources focusing on the Territorial Defense in

other countries were also scrutinized.

In the book entitled Nations in Arms: the Theory and Practice of

Territorial Defense, Adam Roberts (1976) sees the difficulty of defining the

term, but he was able to give an extensive definition. He defined territorial

defense as “a system of defense in depth; it is the governmentally-organized

defense of a state’s own-territory, conducted on its own territory … it is a form

of defense strategy which has important organizational implications, being

liable to involve substantial reliance on a citizen army, including local units of

a militia type. (p.34). The book is very compelling because although he

focused on the European setting, he made mention of some countries in Asia

like China, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and even the Philippines. His book

has the most extensive discussion in relation to the nature, the problems and

limits as well as the theoretical and conceptual framework of territorial

defense.

25

In relation to the nature and character of Territorial Defense, the work

of Horst Mendershausen entitled Reflections on Territorial Defense

(Mendershausen 1980) is very useful in understanding the concept of

territorial defense and in expounding this study. Mendershausen focused his

analysis on territorial defense in some European Countries who have adopted

a territorial defense posture namely: Switzerland, Sweden, Norway,

Yugoslavia and Germany. He argued that the most important military

characteristics of a Territorial Defense posture is that it concentrates on the

defense of one’s territory against attacking foreign forces, and on the

deterrence of attacks on the territory.

Menderhausen further argued that the territorial defense forces

“although strategically passive, are by no means passive in a tactical sense”.

He also stressed that a country focusing on territorial defense “wishes to

impress” other states that it has territorial integrity, although it does

acknowledge a threat of an invader. What is interesting in the account of

Mendershausen is that he emphasized the role of the military vis a vis the

civilian. He said that emphasis on territorial defense goes hand in hand with a

strong military civil defense program. He added that devotion to territorial

defense envisions a “Nation in arms” because it emphasizes a close linkage

between the population and the military forces.

However, Mendershausen did not disregard the problems encountered

by the territorial defense posture. He observed that the TD forces in various

26

countries are underequipped with even the very common standard of

weapons. He therefore concludes that no matter what, political tendencies

and controversies still have a powerful influence on the size and

characteristics of all armies whatever their composition and mission may be.

In his earlier work entitled Territorial Defense in NATO and Non-

NATO Europe, (Mendershausen 1973) Mandershausen while focusing on the

issue on territorial defense focused his study on Germany’s shift to Territorial

Defense. He worked on the premise that in the defense planning of European

NATO countries, territorial defense forces play a minor role. He argued that

the territorial defense is a neglected military element. On the part of Germany,

he observed that one of the pressures that led to the shift to territorial defense

is political in nature. The government spending on defense budget was being

criticized and was considered as waste of public funds. He argued that “the

downward pressure on the total defense budget, the upward pressure of

personnel costs and equipment unit costs, and the resulting reduction of

procurement and other investment efforts” led to the restructuring of the

German military force. In addition, the German allies are not contributing to

the defense of their country.

Hence, in relation to the Territorial Defense force, Mendershausen

proposed that since their role is “to observe, delay, harass, ambush or

frustrate mobile enemy forces” they should be equipped with communication

and fighting equipment that enables them to counter the attack of heavily

27

equipped enemy forces. He then concludes that in order to overcome the

obstacles coming from different groups, he recommended the interaction of

the military and political forces in the country taking into consideration the

international dimension in planning and in making policies.

Likewise, the book Asian Security Order: Instrumental and

Normative Features (Alagappa 2003) edited by Muthiah Alagappa which is a

compilation of essays written by notable scholars in the field of regional

security is very valuable in understanding the importance of territorial defense.

In particular, the paper of Jianwei Wang entitled “Territorial Disputes and

Asian Security: Sources, Management, and Prospects” delved some issues

related to the Philippines. In the paper, Wang argued that territorial disputes

have been a major source of interstate conflict all over the world. He observed

that even if the territory has little strategic or economic worth, its symbolic

value is sufficient reason to motivate states to go to war. He also observed

that most of the disputes are historical in nature. He argued that territorial

dispute is critical in determining the formation and evolution of international

order. He further argued that compared with other forms of disputes, territorial

quarrels are more likely to lead to military conflict and war. He said that in

Asia, almost every country in east, south, and southeast Asia has bilateral or

multilateral territorial quarrels with its neighbors. However he stated that

emphasis on conflict management is now given to conflict termination and

resolution.

28

Another important document that needs to be scrutinized is the paper

written by Renato de Castro entitled Philippine Defense Policy in the 21st

Century: Autonomous Defense or Back to the Alliance (de Castro, Fall

2005) published in Pacific Affairs. In the article, de Castro observed that

states have options in addressing their security needs: autonomous defense

capability and alliances. He argued that while states preferred the first one,

some will normally select the option that provides the greatest amount of

security benefits, with the least political and economic costs. In choosing the

first one, the autonomous defense capability, the state must increase the

capital structure of the military which is usually done through taxation,

borrowing and conscription.

Thus, most small and medium-sized states find it difficult to undertake

this course. Instead they follow the second option which is alliance formation.

In the Philippine experience, de Castro stated that the removal of the US

military bases in the country affected the posture that the Philippines took in

relation to national security. He also argued that the Philippine experience is

complicated because of the absence of political will on the part of the political

elite to allocate resources for the “maintenance of credible and independent

armed forces”. He therefore concluded that the Philippines has chosen the

alliance even if they attempted to adopt the first option of autonomous

defense posture because “it is the only available course of action”.

29

With the international publications, while some discussed the Territorial

Defense in relation to other countries, they provided crucial information that

can be used as models in understanding the country’s own Territorial Defense

posture. One major input that these publications present, particularly the first

two, is that the main component of the TD is the strong relationship between

the civilian and the military which I believed will give new light to this study.

F. Conceptual Framework

This study was envisioned to assess the capability of the 300 th AISG in

the context of territorial defense with the end in view of improving the overall

capability of the unit. The conceptual framework as espoused by John

Latham in 1997 was used as a model in this research. It is divided into

purpose of the study and the process on how to accomplish this task.

The purpose of this research is an important aspect of this undertaking

for it explores the possible solutions to the problem, the desired result of

improving the capability of the unit, and the benefits and significance of the

study to the different stakeholders in the improvement of the capability of the

300th AISG.

On the other hand, the process on how to undertake this study is

crucial for it presents the strategy involved in the attainment of results and

solutions. This involves proper planning and preparation, collection of data

and information, assessment and analysis of available data and information,

30

finding solutions that will lead to the conclusion of the study, and most

importantly the presentation of recommendations on how to improve the

capability of 300th AISG. See figure 1 below.

Purpose of the Study Assessment Process

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework

However, to better understand the approach in accomplishing this

paper, the analytical framework was laid out to illustrate the detailed

procedure in undertaking this research (see figure 2 on page 32). This study

followed the Input-Process-Output-Outcome research framework which is an

important tool in examining the present capability of the 300 th AISG in relation

Planning and Preparation

Data Collection

Assessment/Analysis

Conclusion

Recommendation

Significance of the Study to Stakeholders

To improve the Capability of the Unit

To Recommend Solutions to the Problem

31

to its role in the Territorial Defense of our country in order to identify the gaps

needed to adequately accomplish its mission.

In the input, documents relating to the Modernization Plan, Short and

Long Term Plans, Policies, Directives and Guidance were gathered; works

that relate to the experiences of other countries were read; Operational

Readiness rating (OR rate), Annual General Inspection (AGI) findings, Intel

Task Allocation, and Annual Accomplishment Reports of the unit also formed

part of the input. The data gathered, collected, and compiled from the different

sources were processed through analysis and interpretation of data. And to

assess the effectiveness of the unit, the following are the parameters to be

used: Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, and

Facilities (DOTMLPF).

Interviews on key informants were also part of the process. Interviews

were conducted among the selected stakeholders of the unit especially those

who are knowledgeable and directly involved in managing the unit to solicit

their opinions and ideas about the topic. Their inputs and insights were

valuable in understanding some aspects not thoroughly and clearly stated in

written documents.

After processing all the data and interviews were accomplished, an

output identifying the gaps in terms of its mission accomplishments,

personnel, logistics, training, and equipment were laid out. The feedback

32

system allowed the review of the whole process to improve the outcome of

the study.

Consequently, the desired outcome of this study is for the capability of

the 300th AISG to be attuned with its role in the Territorial Defense Operations

in order for the unit to be responsive in the performance of its mission. Any

findings to help the 300th AISG attain its desired capability formed part of the

recommendations at the conclusion of this paper.

Figure 2. Research Framework

INPUT

Doctrines Organization Training Materiel Leadership Personnel Facilities

Modernization Plan Short/Long Term Plan Policies/Directives/Guidance

PROCESS

-Review, Evaluation,

Analysis and Interpretation

of Data

-Interviews with key

informants

-Personal Observation of

the Author

OUTPUT

Identify Gaps in relation to its:

-Doctrines-Organization

-Training-Materiel

-Leadership-Personnel-Facilities

OUTCOME

Improved capability of the

300th AISG

FEEDBACK

33

CHAPTER 3

Methods of Research and Procedures

A. Research Methodology

Since this paper will assess the capability of the 300th AISG in its

readiness to assume its role to handle the Territorial Defense Operations, this

paper employed the qualitative method with emphasis on the analytical

technique. This method is important in determining the capability of the unit

through a scrupulous study of available official memos, directives, guidelines

and other pertinent documents related to the topic.

In the analytical technique, the researcher utilized an interdisciplinary

approach employing historical and anthropological method. The historical

method of gathering data and of verifying the authenticity and veracity of

some documents was highly valued in this research. The historical method

was used in relation to written as well as oral sources.

The researcher, being once a member of the 300th AISG, also utilized

the anthropological method of participant-observer. This enabled the

collection of data easier because of some familiarity with the people in charge

of the documents and pertinent data. It also made verification of some

documents easier because of the experiences of the researcher while with the

unit. Participant-observer also enabled the researcher know more than what is

written based on his experiences as a former member of the unit.

34

The traditional method of research using the library and other

institutions was also utilized. Different institutions and offices that are housing

pertinent documents related to the topic such as the OJ-2, OJ-3, OJ-5, OA-5,

OA-2, 300th AISG, PAF, CGSC library, and MNSA library were explored in

order to gather the most valuable information to come up with a realistic

outcome of the study.

To be able to present the current capability of the unit, specific data

such as personnel, logistics, training, equipment, air assets and other

essential documents of the unit in accordance with the performance of its

mission and functions were gathered. Also, policies, Philippine Defense

Reform Program, 2011-2016 Philippine Defense Guidance, Modernization

Plan, Short Term and Long Term Plans, other Territorial Defense models,

directives and written documents related to the projected capability of the unit

were thoroughly examined.

In order to look at the previous and current studies related to the topic,

previously written AFPCGSC and MNSA papers were perused and became

part of the literature. However, for some areas not clearly stated in the written

documents, interviews with different stakeholders especially those who are

knowledgeable and directly involved in performing the mission and functions

of the unit were undertaken. Interviews with different key personalities who

are part of the planning and execution of the shift from internal to external

defense were also carried out. It also tried to look at the views of the people

35

who are and will be affected by this shift. Most of the people who were

interviewed to add credibility to this paper came from GHQ and PAF planners,

Operations and intelligence officers, former and current Group Commander of

the unit concerned and other personnel of 300th AISG.

B. Locale of the Study

The study was concentrated in Metro Manila where the General

Headquarters and Headquarters Philippine Air Force are located. These two

(2) military institutions were good sources of pertinent documents and

resource persons which immensely contributed to the success of this study.

This is also the area where the Headquarters of 300th AISG is located.

C. Respondents

There was no survey conducted in this study. Instead, document

analysis, focused group discussion, and interviews on selected personalities

were undertaken. Most of the people who were interviewed to add credibility

to this paper are personalities who have participated in the actual policy-

making or have been part of planning and decision making. Some of the

people from the rank and file were also part of the interviewees since they

also have a role to play in the implementation of Territorial Defense. Focused

group discussion (FGD) was also conducted to solicit the views of officers and

enlisted personnel of the 300th AISG.

36

D. Instrument

Although the main source for this paper came from written documents,

papers and directives, interviews with selected personalities who are

knowledgeable about the topic were also undertaken. The interviews

conducted were very crucial in order to reinforce and to verify some of the

available documents that were gathered. The interview process is a structured

one in that there was a list of questions that guided the interviewer. However,

the discussions were not limited to the prepared set of questions but the

interviewer and the interviewee injected some pertinent topics that were

useful in understanding the subject, which have been missed out or

overlooked in the guide questions.

E. Data Gathering Procedure

For this paper, the data gathering was through personal coordination

with the concerned offices and units keeping written documents, papers,

directives, books, etc. that are related to territorial defense. A frequent visit to

these establishments and offices were conducted in line with the schedule of

the different offices and the researcher. All these documents were taken from

offices and training institutions within Headquarters Philippine Air Force

(HPAF) and General Headquarters (GHQ).

The initial procedure after identifying the topic was to look for possible

sources from the card catalogue and data bases of libraries. And the libraries

37

inside the Philippine Air Force and the General Headquarters in Camp

Aguinaldo were the first destinations. This led to the different areas where

previous Commandant’s papers, articles, and books were taken. For

supporting documents like memorandum, directives, and other policies related

to the topic, the different offices and units that are actually involved in the

territorial defense were the best destinations.

However, in order to identify the key personalities to be interviewed, a

series of knowing who are the possible heads and members of policy and

planning units were carried out. Interviews with the different personalities who

are knowledgeable about the topic were conducted. The information that were

derived from these resource persons were valuable in coming up with a good

analysis and final outcome of this paper.