INVITING ARF MEMBERS TO SEPT 16-18 ARF DISASTER

UNCLAS MANILA 001839 SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO KEVIN SHEIVES EAP/RSP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ARF EAID MARR PREL RP SUBJECT: INVITING ARF MEMBERS TO SEPT 16-18 ARF DISASTER RELIEF DIALOGUE REF: SECSTATE 86139: INVITING ARF MEMBERS TO SEPTEMBER 16-18 ARF DISASTER RELIEF DIALOGUE ¶1. On August 27, POLOFF met with Philippine government ASEAN Affairs officer Bryan Baguio. Baguio, who was already well aware of the event, was enthusiastic about the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Inter-Sessional Meeting planned for September 16-18 in Honolulu, saying that the Philippine government looks forward to participating fully. ¶2. In response to reftel, Post requests funding for three Philippine government officials identified to attend this conference. ¶3. The officials in order of priority are: Colonel Gregorio Catapang, Philippines Army, Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Strategic Assessment, Office of the Secretary of National Defense; Mr. Leo Herrera-Lim, Senior Special Assistant, Office of the Undersecretary of Policy, Department of Foreign Affairs; and Bryan Jess Baguio, Principal Assistant, Office of Political-Security, ASEAN Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs. All three officials were instrumental in ensuring the first-ever regional ARF VDR field exercise held earlier this year in the Philippines was an unqualified success. They will also continue their roles as senior advisors to the Philippine government in preparation for next year's ARF-VDR exercise. Requested funding for travel costs is an estimated USD 2,000 per airplane ticket and per diem. KENNEY