SECTION 1206 PROPOSAL FINAL COORDINATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 000192 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/RSP, PM/PPA, AND EAP/MTS USPACOM ALSO FOR FPA HUSO AND J5 SECDEF/OSD/ISA/AP (TOOLAN/BAILEY) JOINT STAFF/J5 (WILKES/ROBINSON/CLEMMONS) E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/16/2017 TAGS: PREL PTER MARR MASS MOPS MCAP RP SUBJECT: SECTION 1206 PROPOSAL FINAL COORDINATION REF: A. STATE 3112 ¶B. 06 STATE 134152 ¶C. 06 MANILA 4396 ¶D. 06 MANILA 4151 Classified By: (U) Deputy Chief of Mission Paul W. Jones for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Working closely with U.S. Pacific Command representatives and counterparts from regional Missions, Post developed an integrated series of proposals for Section 1206 funding that would bolster maritime security in the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas, the critical area through which Jemaah Islamiyah and other terrorists infiltrate and exfiltrate the Philippines. ¶2. (C) We are extremely pleased that two of our proposals -- to equip and train a Maritime Security Force and to supply HF radios to the Coast Watch South system -- have been approved. Post supports funding for these programs in FY 2007. We hope our other proposals (ref C) will be considered later in the fiscal year should further funds be identified. ¶3. (C) We have discussed the Security Force and HF radio proposals informally with our Philippine government counterparts, given the uncertain nature of funding. These informal working level contacts have indicated strong and enthusiastic interest on the part of the Philippine Navy. We will engage in more formal talks regarding implementation once funding has been confirmed. Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm KENNEY