AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH AFP CHIEF OF STAFF

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 004002 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR PM, S/CT, INR/EAP, INR/B, AND EAP/MTS USPACOM ALSO FOR FPA HUSO SECDEF/OSD/ISA/AP (LAWLESS/TOOLAN/BAILEY) JOINT STAFF/J5 (WILKES/ROBINSON/CLEMMONS) E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/21/2016 TAGS: MOPS MCAP PREL PTER PINS PINR RP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH AFP CHIEF OF STAFF ESPERON REF: A. MANILA 03095 ¶B. MANILA 03935 Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: General Esperon, the newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, acknowledged to the Ambassador in a September 18 meeting the damage being done to the reputation of the Philippines by extra-judicial killings, and conceded the possibility that overzealous soldiers might be involved in some of the attacks. Esperon is pleased with anti-terrorism operations on Jolo and praised the assistance the U.S. military has provided Philippine troops. Esperon also believes the time is right for a peace deal with the MILF, saying that people are tired of the fighting. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) On September 18, Ambassador Kenney had a private breakfast with General Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr., newly appointed AFP Chief of Staff. Their discussion ranged over a number of topics related to the AFP, and included frank comments by Esperon concerning: extra-judicial killings (EJKs); the ongoing military operation on the island of Jolo; and prospects for a peace deal with the MILF. -------------- Extra-Judicial Killings -------------- ¶3. (C) Esperon himself raised the issue of EJKs. He had already testified before the Melo Commission - the presidential commission charged with investigating EJKs. He understood the USG's concern about the killings, indicating that it is a "tough issue" and that he is aware that the Philippine's reputation was being harmed. Esperon acknowledged the possibility of military involvement in EJKs. Now-retired Major General Palparan's aggressive leadership style and public bravado might have been misconstrued by some overzealous subordinates as license to attack militants. Esperon does not believe General Palparan personally directed the killings. -------------- Ongoing Counter-Terrorism Operation in Jolo -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Esperon said the Philippine military is doing an outstanding job in the ongoing operation on the island of Jolo to capture or kill Abu Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Islamiyah leaders. The population of Jolo is not interested in harboring terrorists, the terrorists are on the run, and the AFP is "on their trail." Esperon called the operation "an infantryman's war," but also said it is a "mixed operation" in which the Philippine Navy plays an essential role. Esperon reiterated that the fight would continue through Ramadan, saying that it would be "ridiculous to take a vacation from the fight against terrorism." ¶5. (C) Esperon is very pleased with USG assistance in the Jolo operation, saying he "could not ask for more." He stated that U.S. intelligence has been reaching the theatre of operations in "real time" and has been very beneficial. ¶6. (SBU) Esperon spoke very favorably of the battlefield utility of UAVs, based on what he observed in Jolo, noting that the Philippines "needs some." While interested in expanding the his helicopter fleet, Esperon said he had no use for Cobra helicopters (an item being pushed by National Security Advisor Gonzales),commenting: "they don't help my mobility." -------------- Peace Deal with the MILF -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Esperon is optimistic about a peace deal with the MILF. Whereas a couple years ago people were not ready, today the "mental terrain seems right." The population is sick of the conflict and of the atrocities on both sides. People want "education and development and are willing to put aside animosities." Esperon told the Ambassador that he himself had devoted much of his professional life to fighting insurgents and lost his best friend in the fighting. Speaking of a peace deal, Esperon said, "it's bigger than me" and "we must get over any personal resentments." -------------- Military Sacrifices Should Be Recognized -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Esperon agreed with the assessment of Presidential Executive Secretary and former Defense Secretary Ermita, who said that the military's sacrifices in the war on terrorism were insufficiently recognized. (Note: The Philippines has lost 16 soldiers and 60 wounded on Jolo since August 1.) Esperon agreed, noting that "soldiers are losing their lives, and the Philippines should know." He said his speech of September 11 (Ref B) was part of an effort to raise the profile of the AFP in the eyes of the public. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶9. (C) General Esperon is a thoughtful and well-spoken interlocutor. He is focused on his mission and practical needs of his troops on the ground. End comment. KENNEY