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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 20112016 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.

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 ones 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 states 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 in depth using various means of combat, including if need be guerrilla warfare. Roberts highlighted the role of the military by saying:

Territorial defensefacilitates 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 detat. 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 ones 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, 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 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 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

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Vietnam-China Vietnam-Cambodia Vietnam-Philippines Thailand-Cambodia Thailand-Myanmar Thailand-Laos Thailand-Malaysia Indonesia-Malaysia Malaysia-China Philippines-Malaysia Philippines-China Singapore-Malaysia
Source: Wang, 2003

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

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 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, Govt 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 dont have an armed forces that can defend a position which our country will take on, then its 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 [thats 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 militarys position taking into consideration the countys interest and situation.

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 unit responsible for this undertaking is the 300 th Air Intelligence and Security Group (AISG).

One of the important functions of the 300 th 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

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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 nongovernmental 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 300 th 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.

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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 300 th AISG can contribute much in this endeavor of the AFP in safeguarding the Philippine territory and 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 300 th 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. capability? How can the 300th AISG attain the desired Territorial Defense

C.

Objectives of the Study

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The main objective of this study is to examine the capability of the 300 th ASG in undertaking its role in relation to the AFPs 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 300 th AISG in the ISO

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

for the AFPs shift to TD; and 3. To determine what could be done for the 300 th AISG attain the

desired territorial defense capability.

D.

Significance of the Study 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

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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 AFPs 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).

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

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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 units 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.

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

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300th AISG as a subordinate unit of the Philippine Air Force. In particular, it will analyze the present capabilities of the 300 th 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 ample materials related to the topic limited this paper to review mostly unpublished but credible literatures, particularly Commandants 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

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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, concerning evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of available information 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,) 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

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waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and secure its sovereignty against external threats such as invasion.(Talja, 2010, p.26)

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

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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 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 Taljas PAF (March 2010). Taljas Commandants paper entitled The RP Territorial Defense Strategy: A Philippine Air Force Perspective , in particular, examines the Philippine Air Forces 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

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

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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, Andradas 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 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.

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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 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 PAFs 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 governments 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.

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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 Chinas first island chain of defense, an area delineating Chinas area of greatest maritime interest and encompassing its expansive territorial claims in the South China 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

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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 AFPCUPs

increasing proposed spending is not automatic but premised on the assumption of a much improved Philippine economy. 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 states 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

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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. 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 ones 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.

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However, Mendershausen did not disregard the problems encountered by the territorial defense posture. He observed that the TD forces in various 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 NonNATO Europe, (Mendershausen 1973) Mandershausen while focusing on the issue on territorial defense focused his study on Germanys 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

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frustrate mobile enemy forces they should be equipped with communication and fighting equipment that enables them to counter the attack of heavily 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.

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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.

With the international publications, while some discussed the Territorial Defense in relation to other countries, they provided crucial information that

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can be used as models in understanding the countrys 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, 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.

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Purpose of the Study

Assessment Process

Significance of the Study to Stakeholders

Planning and Preparation Data Collection

To improve the Capability of the Unit

Assessment/Analysis

Conclusion

To Recommend Solutions to the Problem

Recommendati on

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 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

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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 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

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findings to help the 300th AISG attain its desired capability formed part of the recommendations at the conclusion of this paper.

INPUT
Doctrines Organization Training Materiel Leadership Personnel Facilities

PROCESS
-Review, Evaluation, Analysis and Interpretatio n 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

Modernization Plan Short/Long Term Plan Policies/Directiv es/

FEEDBACK

Figure 2. Research Framework

CHAPTER 3 Methods of Research and Procedures A. Research Methodology Since this paper will assess the capability of the 300 th 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

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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 300 th 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. 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.

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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 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 300 th AISG.

B.

Locale of the Study

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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 300 th 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 policymaking 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.

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

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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 inside the Philippine Air Force and the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo were the first destinations. This led to the different areas where previous Commandants papers, articles, and books were taken. For supporting documents like memorandum, directives, and other policies related

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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.