PHILIPPINES MOVING FORWARD WITH ARF EXERCISE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 000459 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MTS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/04/2018 TAGS: PGOV EAID PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP SUBJECT: PHILIPPINES MOVING FORWARD WITH ARF EXERCISE PREPARATION Classified By: Amb. Kristie A. Kenney, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The Philippines has made significant progress in preparations for the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Voluntary Demonstration of Response on Disaster Relief and are poised to host a successful event in early May. Fifteen ARF member countries attended the January initial planning conference in Manila, and eight nations have agreed to participate, with the European Union and others sending observers. Senior levels of the Philippine government, including the Secretary of National Defense, have been promoting the exercise and the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to press ASEAN and ARF partners to take part in this groundbreaking event. Preparations for the exercise will continue March 7-14 with multilateral site surveys and meetings in the Philippines. The Mission believes that the strong commitment to the exercise by the Philippines, coupled with consistent USG support, has set the stage for a well-coordinated event, and we will provide updates and further information as it develops. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) As the host of the first ASEAN Regional Forum Voluntary Demonstration of Response on Disaster Relief (ARF VDR),the Philippines is working closely with the USG, co-sponsor of the exercise, and multilateral participants to maximize the impact of the event as a clear illustration of international civilian-led, military-supported cooperation. The Final Planning Conference will be held in the Philippines March 7-14, after which the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council and Office of Civil Defense will conduct a media briefing to promote awareness of the event. ¶3. (SBU) The primary goal of this civilian-led and military-supported exercise, as conceived by U.S. and Philippine planners, is to demonstrate ARF nation capabilities in response to an affected nation's request for assistance following a major natural disaster, such as a typhoon or earthquake. The exercise will build regional assistance capacity within ASEAN by working with ARF partners to effect multinational relief operations as requested by governments in times of crises. ¶4. (SBU) During the initial planning conference held in Manila in January 2009, representatives from 15 ARF nations discussed the exercise and conducted initial site surveys in Central Luzon. Specific demonstrations of capability by participating nations will include land, air, and maritime search and rescue; medical assistance and evacuation; and reconstruction of infrastructure. In addition to improving operational capability of disaster relief teams, the local communities in the area of the exercise will benefit from much needed engineering assistance. Infrastructure projects will include repairing a school building, providing potable drinking water, and building a bridge in a flood prone area. To date, eight countries have committed to participate by contributing civilian experts, military personnel, or specific equipment or logistical capability : Australia, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, the United States, and the Philippines. ¶5. (C) The first-ever ARF multilateral exercise will also test the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council-United Nations Clusters Coordination mechanism in humanitarian assistance through a tabletop exercise. The European Union will contribute a technical support team and observers, and Sri Lanka will send disaster-relief planning personnel as observers. Other members of the 27-nation ARF are considering sending observers to the event, and Thailand officials recently confirmed their interest to the Philippine government, but have not decided whether to participate or observe. In an effort to further broaden participation, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs engaged and encouraged counterparts in China, Malaysia, and the Republic of Korea to participate in the exercise and is awaiting responses from their governments. ¶6. (SBU) Embassy Manila has been in close coordination with the various Philippine and USG agencies taking part in the exercise to ensure a robust public affairs plan is in place and that the event garners accurate media coverage. The opening demonstration, a maritime rescue simulation in Manila Bay, is expected to attract ambassadors and top-level attendance from participating countries as well as thousands of Manila residents. Post will continue to monitor preparations within the Philippine interagency as planning for the exercise progresses. MANILA 00000459 002 OF 002 KENNEY