NAVAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND

NAVAL OFFICERS SCHOOLS CENTER

Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui
San Antonio, Zambales

PROPOSED TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK (TCN) TO CONNECT

THE PHILIPPINE MARINE CORPS HEADQUARTERS TO 3RD MARINE
BRIGADE

A Concept Paper presented to the

Faculty of the Naval Officers Schools Center
in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the

NAVAL COMMAND AND STAFF COURSE CLASS 90

Presented by:

CPT ALFREDO G BALLERA JR O-137962 PN(M)

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that the enclosed paper is entirely my own except for some
excerpts, concepts and ideas that are properly acknowledged.

______________________
(Signature)

30 December 2020
 ABSTRACT

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) is an elite fighting unit which was

activated on 07 November 1950 by General Orders number 316, Armed Forces of

the Philippines dated 02 November 1950. One of brigades under the PMC is the

3rd Marine Brigade (3MBDE). 3MBDE was activated on 01 February 1982 pursuant

to General Orders No. 90. In 2012, the 3MBDE was redeployed from Sulu to

Palawan in order to provide command and control to marine units deployed in the

province.

Real time reporting of operating elements in the area of operations (AO) of

3rd Marine Brigade to higher headquarters is a major problem due to lack of

reliable communication systems directly connecting 3rd Marine Brigade to the

Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters. In addition, secured transmission of data

from Palawan to PMC Headquarters is very strenuous due to factors in interrupted

mobile data signal. Hence, there is really a need to proposed a tactical

communications network that will directly connect the PMC Headquarters to 3rd

Marine Brigade.

This proposed network will provide the Philippine Marine Corps leadership

enough knowledge to improve its communication link with that of the 3rd Marine

Brigade and the Province of Palawan. This will also guide the Philippine Marine

Corps in the enhancement of development plans to strengthen tactical

communication network in its areas of operations. This initiative will also further

develop and prepare the PMC in linking with other Brigades, especially those in

Mindanao area.

i
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT i

I. INTRODUCTION 1

II. BODY 4

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 4

RISK ANALYSIS 5

COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS 6

PROBLEM ANALYSIS 7

CONCEPT FORMULATION 7

CONCEPT IMPLEMENTATION 8

III. SUMMARY 9

IV. CONCLUSION 10

V. RECOMMENDATION 10

VI. ANNEXES 12

VII. BIBLIOGRAPHY 24

VIII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 25

Annexes:

A. Excerpts from After Operations Report re – MBLT3 OPORD NR 02-2020

“PENDULUM RELOADED 2020”

B. Excerpts from After Operations Report Re-OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY

HOPPING”
C. Point to Point Analysis of Existing Retrans System of 3MBDE Using Systems

Planning Engineering and Evaluation Device (SPEED)

D. Signal Coverage Analysis of Existing Retrans System of 3MBDE

E. Proposed Backhaul Network Connecting the Philippine Marine Corps

Headquarters to 3rd Marine Brigade

F. Proposed Sites for Node Locations

G. Coverage Analysis of Proposed Sites

H. Expected Signal Receive per Node

 PROPOSED TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK (TCN) TO CONNECT

THE PHILIPPINE MARINE CORPS HEADQUARTERS TO 3RD MARINE

BRIGADE

I. INTRODUCTION

Communication is very important in any field of work. Failure to communicate

means that consequences may happen. In the field of operations, there is a need for

the commanders and units to communicate with each other has existed since antiquity.

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) is an elite fighting unit which was activated

on 07 November 1950 by General Orders number 316, Armed Forces of the

Philippines dated 02 November 1950. One of brigades under the PMC is the 3rd Marine

Brigade (3MBDE). 3MBDE was activated on 01 February 1982 pursuant to General

Orders No. 90. In 2012, the 3MBDE was redeployed from Sulu to Palawan in order to

provide command and control to marine units deployed in the province.

In all levels of operations, tactical radios are the primary means of secured

communication channel with retrans systems as supporting equipment which extend

the range of signal coverage in an area of operations (AO).

At present, the 3rd Marine Brigade is using three retrans system in its AO.

Specifically, one retrans system is located in Mt. Salakot, Brgy. Napsan at the western

part of Puerto Princesa City. In the south of Palawan, only one retrans system is in

place on Brgy. Punang, Sofronio Española. The remaining retrans system is located

in Brgy. Abaroan, Municipality of Roxas, in Northern Palawan. Some of the sites are

located in remote areas that require sustainment such as power and shelter to allow

continuous use of facilities. Though these retrans systems have always been reliable

in effectively securing the communication in 3MBDE, the coverage of these systems

1
is very limited considering the geographical features of the Province of Palawan,

3MBDE’s area of operations.

3rd Marine Brigade’s area of operations is the whole province of Palawan.

Palawan’s main island is a long and narrow mass of land with mountain ranges

stretching both in south and north. It has a total area of 12,188.6 km 2, length of 425

km and width of 40 km. With that area, Palawan is the fifth largest island in the

Philippines, and the latter’s biggest province. Aside from the main island, there are

roughly 1,780 more small islands and islets comprising the province. Only 12 out of

23 municipalities are in mainland Palawan, which include the Kalayaan Group of

Islands. Palawan boasts tourism and agriculture as its primary industry, and progress

is evident in all of its municipalities. However, communications is still an issue in the

province. There are remaining dead spot areas and many barangays are not yet

covered by cellular phone signals. Because of this, even operating units under 3MBDE

experiences poor communication lines in normal conditions, much more during covert

operations that usually takes place along mountainous areas.

The tactical communications network of 3rd Marine Brigade is not enough to

cover all operating troops in the latter’s area of operations. This is evidently raised by

operating units in their after operations report. According to one report, “there is

difficulty in establishing direct communication with the operating elements even with

cellular and satellite phones due to mountainous terrain. Moreover, communication

equipment are getting less reliable due to regular wear and tear.” (See Annex A After

Operations Report re – MBLT3 OPORD NR 02-2020 “PENDULUM RELOADED

2020”). Another report from operating unit stated that one of their problems

encountered during operations is communications. “Communication remains to be the

greatest concern of this unit. The vast and mountainous area of Southern Palawan

2
specifically the Matalingahan Ranges hampered the communication of the operating

troops thus, affecting the good command and control” (Annex B After Operations

Report Re-OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY HOPPING”).

Only three retrans systems are currently in placed in 3MBDE’s area of

operations: Punang Retrans, Salakot Retrans and Abaroan Retrans. However, even

these three retrans system have no connectivity with each other according to the point

to point analysis of Systems Planning Engineering and Evaluation Device (SPEED) of

the Communication Electronics and Information Technology Company (Annex C).

These existing retrans system has unacceptable link status with each other because

of its long distance between their stations. Moreover, it only covers partial areas in

3MBDE’s area of operations as evidently shown in the signal coverage analysis

(Annex D).

Adding to the difficulty is the distance of the Province of Palawan from the

Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters in Taguig City. Real time reporting of operating

elements in the area of operations (AO) of 3rd Marine Brigade to higher headquarters

is a major issue due to lack of reliable communication systems directly connecting 3 rd

Marine Brigade to the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters. In addition, secured

transmission of data from Palawan to PMC Headquarters is very strenuous due to

factors in interrupted mobile data signal.

Due to the abovementioned problems, the possible solution is to create a

tactical communication network to connect the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters

to 3rd Marine Brigade. This will provide the Philippine Marine Corps a robust, secure

tactical communication network directly link to Palawan that can be used for tactical

operations, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

operations. Consequently, this tactical communication network will enhance and

3
widen the communication network coverage of 3rd Marine Brigade in its area of

operations.

This position paper will describe a proposed network topology that will connect

the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters to 3rd Marine Brigade in Palawan. This

topology will allow real time exchange of voice, video, data, command and control,

sensor and situational report data from PMC to 3MBDE, its lower echelons and vice

versa, thereby providing a highly advantageous feature to the PMC, both in peace and

wartime scenarios.

This concept paper is highly significant because it will provide the Philippine
Marine Corps leadership enough knowledge to improve its communication link with
that of the 3rd Marine Brigade and the Province of Palawan. This will also guide the
Philippine Marine Corps in the enhancement of development plans to strengthen
tactical communication network in its areas of operations.

II. BODY

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

This concept paper will determine various environmental factors and their
potential impact, which can affect the organization's performance. This analysis will
identify the three (3) potential impacts of creating the tactical communication network
to the Philippine Marine Corps, 3rd Marine Brigade, and Marine Battalions assigned in
Palawan.

A. POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The creation of tactical communication network will improve the decision-

making of the leadership of PMC and 3rd Marine Brigade based on data gathered

through real time reporting of ongoing operations. The higher headquarters will

have a clearer picture and situational awareness of what is happening on the ground

4
during actual operations. This is advantageous because the commanders can

determine their decisions on the operations based on what is really happening.

Complex information contained in data aid leaders, especially commanders and their

staffs, in asking questions, developing solutions, and making decisions. Sound and

effective decisions, supported by reliable data, usually determines military operational

success.

The creation of tactical communication network will provide secured,

effective and efficient means of transmission of data from Palawan to PMC

Headquarters. Secured and reliable communication in a military organization is a

mandatory thing, especially in operations. With an effective communication,

operations, even the covert ones, can be planned and implemented successfully.

Secured communication can counter military threats and overcome any advantages

that adversaries may seek.

The creation of tactical communication network will increase

transparency and trust between the leadership of PMC and 3rd Marine Brigade.

This will enable the commander to check the status of the performance of any

operations at any given moment and get the most up-to-date results possible. It will

create a shared, collaborative work relationship between different military level

echelons, thus, increasing the chance of success of operations.

RISK ANALYSIS

QUALITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX

IMPACT
PROBABILITY Very High
Very Low (1) Low (2) Medium (3) High (4)
(5)
Very High (5) 5 10 15 20 25
High (4) 4 8 12 16 20
Medium (3) 3 6 9 12 15
Low (2) 2 4 6 8 10
Very Low (1) 1 2 3 4 5

5
 QUALITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT
RISK SCORE
RISKS PROBABILITY IMPACT (Probability x
Impact)
Escalation in the costs of
setting up the tactical
3 4 12
communication network (cost
risk)
Delay in setting up the tactical
communication network 3 3 9
(schedule risk)
Risks caused by force
3 3 9
majeure or acts of God

The risks identified will have a medium impact in the setting up of the tactical
communication network to connect the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters and 3rd
Marine brigade.

COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

PARTICULARS COST
Point-to-point Single Link (Band 3+ / Band 4) $118,610.00
19 Point-to-point Dual Link / Repeater Band 3+ / Band 4) $2,387,230.00
15 Solar Power System $627,750.00
15 Tower, 30m (including installation) $1,012,500.00
TOTAL $4,146,090.00
Source: ULTRA TCS

The concept might be of higher coast, considering that this will directly connect
the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters to 3rd Marine Brigade in Palawan. It will
require the installation of 15 towers with solar systems attached to it, in key sites from
Palawan to Manila. Furthermore, the point-to-point (PTP) single link and dual links will
greatly cause a huge sum of money. But the benefits are incomparable to that of the
cost.

BENEFITS
Provision of robust and secured communication link from Philippine Marine Corps
Headquarter to 3rd Marine Brigade in Palawan

6
 Provision of fixed and mobile communications across multiple echelons from
Philippine Marine Corps to Marine Battalion units in Palawan
Enhances the communications capabilities of Philippine Marine Corps by providing
higher levels of data throughput at extended ranges, including critical areas
Secure and resilient communications network in the Western frontier of Philippines

PROBLEM ANALYSIS

Real time reporting of operating elements in the area of operations (AO) of 3rd

Marine Brigade to higher headquarters is a major problem due to lack of reliable

communication systems directly connecting 3rd Marine Brigade to the Philippine

Marine Corps Headquarters. In addition, secured transmission of data from Palawan

to PMC Headquarters is very strenuous due to factors in interrupted mobile data

signal.

One factor might be the distance of Palawan to mainland Luzon. Palawan,

though classified as a 1st class province, still need a lot of improvement in terms of

communications. There are still areas without mobile signal, adding to the remote

islands located in this province.

CONCEPT FORMULATION

The herein tactical communications network provides the following key

features: a) a robust and secured network which features an ECCM or Frequency

Hopping mode to prevent interception and jamming; b) must enable instantaneous

voice, video and data transmission between the PMC Headquarters to 3rd Marine

Brigade, 3rd Marine Brigade to Marine Battalion Headquarters assigned in Palawan,

and Marine Battalion Headquarters in Palawan to its respective company

detachments; c) the tactical communication network must be capable of PTP within

7
each echelon’s respective area of responsibility; and d) it must be interoperable with

existing FCS and Harris Combat Net Radios.

The system is consisting of a high-capacity Point to Point (PTP) network

interconnecting the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters to 3rd Marine Brigade and

its Marine Battalions. In addition, point to multipoint communications between

battalions and their respective companies will also be provided to allow for extension

of network. All networks will use a multi-mission, multiband and multichannel radio

system to provide robust high-capacity tactical links.

CONCEPT IMPLEMENTATION

The project will have two networks: 1) the PTP backhaul network linking the

Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City and 3 rd Marine

Brigade, Marine Base Rodolfo Punsalang in Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City; and 2)

an expeditionary tactical communication network for Palawan which is comprised of

3rd Marine Brigade, Marine Battalions assigned in the area and their companies.

The backhaul network proposes to use approximately twenty (20) nodes of PTP

radios in a dual-link repeater configuration to connect the PMC Headquarters to 3rd

Marine Brigade in Palawan. As the backhaul network provides the communication

infrastructure for the TCN, it is recommended that the individual nodes be installed on

permanent structures, such as new and existing towers or buildings. For backhaul

nodes that require new infrastructure, the supply and installation of fifteen (15) towers

is also proposed herein. This proposal therefore assumes fifteen (15) new towers to

be erected and five (5) existing towers would be used to install the radio and antennas.

The backhaul network will provide a secure, high bandwidth 200 Mbps network with

encryption and frequency hopping capabilities so as to ensure the voice, video and

8
 data trunk network is highly capable and robust The TCN backhaul network between

PMC Headquarters and 3rd Marine Brigade Headquarters (Annex E). Key areas were

also identified to be potential node locations (Annex F) with coverage analysis

(Annex G) and expected receive signal level per node / link (Annex H).

As previously stated, as the backhaul network provides the communication

infrastructure for the TCN, it is recommended that the individual nodes be installed on

permanent structures, such as buildings or existing or new towers. In order to minimize

cost, the use of a 30m guyed triangular tower is proposed, providing excellent strength

and performance. The guyed tower is offered with steel tube legs to satisfy a wide

variety of environmental conditions.

For cases where access to the power grid is not possible, a solar energy

generator system is hereby proposed. The system comprises of state-of-the art

components, providing a system that is robust, long life and efficient.

III. SUMMARY

The area of operations of 3rd Marine Brigade is very unique. Unlike its previous

area of operations, communication coverage in the elongated island of Palawan is

very difficult. It must also be noted that while we only talk about the main island, other

major islands in Palawan must also be connected to the mainland. Real time reporting

of operating elements in the area of operations (AO) of 3rd Marine Brigade to higher

headquarters is a major problem due to lack of reliable communication systems

directly connecting 3rd Marine Brigade to the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters.

In addition, secured transmission of data from Palawan to PMC Headquarters is very

strenuous due to factors in interrupted mobile data signal. Hence, there is really a need

9
 to proposed a tactical communications network that will directly connect the PMC

Headquarters to 3rd Marine Brigade.

IV. CONCLUSION

It is of utmost need that a tactical communication network directly connecting

the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters to 3rd Marine Brigade should be installed in
order to enhance the communications capabilities of the PMC. The author strongly
believes that through this network, it will provide the Philippine Marine Corps
leadership enough knowledge to improve its communication link with that of the 3rd
Marine Brigade and the Province of Palawan. This will also guide the Philippine Marine
Corps in the enhancement of development plans to strengthen tactical communication
network in its areas of operations. This initiative will also further develop and prepare
the PMC in linking with other Brigades, especially those in Mindanao area.

V. RECOMMENDATION

Based on the foregoing discussions, it is recommended that the Philippine

Marine Corps should install a tactical communication network directly connecting the
PMC Headquarters to 3rd Marine Brigade in Palawan. Importantly, the Armed Forces
of the Philippines, Philippine Navy and Philippine Marine Corps leadership should fully
support the program in order to enhances the communications capabilities of
Philippine Marine Corps by providing higher levels of data throughput at extended
ranges, including critical areas. More importantly, it will provide a secure and resilient
communications network in the Western frontier of Philippines.

TIMELINE
1Q YR 1

2Q YR 1

3Q YR 1

4Q YR 1

1Q YR 2

2Q YR 2

3Q YR 2

4Q YR 2

1Q YR 3

2Q YR 3

3Q YR 3

4Q YR 3

Phases of
Implementation

Phase 1

10
 Installation of
Backhaul networks
(includes all paper
work, legal
concerns,
procurement, etc)

Phase 2

(Procurement &
Installation of
expeditionary
communication
network for 3MBDE
& Marine Battalion

Phase 3

(Test and Project

evaluation)

This proposed program will take approximately three years to be fully

implemented due to preparation of documents for the thorough procurement
processes, actual installation will also take time given the risks attached to the project.

11
 ANNEXES

A. Excerpts from After Operations Report re – MBLT3 OPORD NR 02-2020

“PENDULUM RELOADED 2020”

B. Excerpts from After Operations Report Re-OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY

HOPPING”

C. Point to Point Analysis of Existing Retrans System of 3MBDE Using Systems

Planning Engineering and Evaluation Device (SPEED)

D. Signal Coverage Analysis of Existing Retrans System of 3MBDE

E. Proposed Backhaul Network Connecting the Philippine Marine Corps

Headquarters to 3rd Marine Brigade

F. Proposed Sites for Node Locations

G. Coverage Analysis of Proposed Sites

H. Expected Signal Receive per Node

12
 SECRET

PHILIPPINE MARINE CORPS

HEADQUARTERS MARINE BATTALION LANDING TEAM-3
Barangay Minara, Roxas, Palawan CADJR:JST:JHSM:grl-
HMBLT3
Ser:
05 March 2020

From: Commanding Officer, Marine Battalion Landing Team-3

To: Commander, 3rd Marine Brigade
(Attn: G-3)

Subj: After Operations Report re - MBLT3 OPORD NR 02-2020 “PENDULUM

RELOADED 2020”

Refs:

1. MBLT3 OPORD NR 02-2020 “PENDULUM RELOADED 2020”

2. MBLT-3 Security Plan 2020 “Northern Palawan”
3. Map of Palawan WGS 84 Scale 1:50,000

Encls:

a. After Operations Report MBLT3 OPORD NR 02-2020 “PENDULUM

RELOADED 2020”
b. List of Municipality and Barangay cleared during FMO at Northern
Palawan (Annex A)
c. Map Coverage (Annex B)
d. Pictures (Annex C)
e. POL Justification Matrix (Annex D)

1. Anent above references, submitted herewith is the above subject comprised

by the conduct of Focus Military Operation (FMO) and limited Mass Base Operation
(MBO) from 10 February to 01 March 2020 in Northern Palawan.

2. For information and proper disposition.

CHARLIE A DOMINGO JR
LTCOL PN(M)

SECRET
 SECRET

COMMUNICATE

1. Difficulty in establishing direct communication with the operating

elements even with cellular and satellite phones due to mountainous terrain.
Moreover, communication equipment are getting less reliable due to regular wear
and tear.

2. Lack of new or refurbished Harris Hand Held Radios and battery packs
to sustain long periods of operation; and,

3. Inadequate chargers for tactical radios to support the requirements of

the four (4) operating Companies during the FMO.

SEE

The requirement for readily available ISR platforms, i.e. unmanned aerial
systems (UAS) drones, ISR aircraft, etc. at the JTG/Battalion and JTU/Company and
Platoon levels became apparent during the operation. This capability, other than
enhancing situational awareness in the battle space, could also mitigate concerns on
the lack of dependable communication equipment or C2 limitations due to terrain.

SUSTAIN

4. Troops hutment fund to support the renovation of dilapidated existing

facilities and on-going construction of additional facilities: four (4) Company
Command Posts (CP); eighteen (18) detachments; and in the Headquarters of this
unit in the new AOR at Northern Palawan. This concern was already brough up and
requirements as well as supporting documents were already forwarded to H3MBde
as early of 10 Sept 2019.

X. RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Consideration of the lessons learned, comments, observations, issues

and concerns for the improvement of both OPTEMPO and operational readiness of
JTG North/MBLT-3.

2. Replenishment of the used POL products during the conduct of MBLT-

3 OPORD NR 02-2020 “PENDULUM RELOADED 2020”.

3. Appropriate awards and recognition should be given to personnel

directly involved in the operations.

Prepared by:

JOHN HERBERT S MANANGHAYA

MAJ PN(M)
Operations Officer

SECRET
 CONFIDENTIAL

PHILIPPINE MARINE CORPS

HEADQUARTERS MARINE BATTALION LANDING TEAM-4
Brgy Abo-Abo, Sofronio Española, Palawan

HMBLT4/3 06 April 2020

From: Commanding Officer, Marine Battalion Landing Team-4

To: Commandant, Philippine Marine Corps
(Attn: AC of S for Operations, MC3)

Subj: After Operations Report Re- OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY HOPPING”

Refs: (a) JTFP OPORD 02-19 “PAMIMITAS” to JTFP IMPLAN 01-18 “ARROWHEAD”
(b) MBLT-4 CAMPLAN “BUNYOG NGA PWERSA”
(c) Map of Palawan, Scale 1:50,000

Encls: (1) Chronology of Events

(2) Personnel Involved
(3) PNP and Other LEA’s Involved
(4) Expenditure Report
(5) FRAGO 01 to OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY HOPPING”
(6) FRAGO 02 to OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY HOPPING”
(7) FRAGO 03 to OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY HOPPING”
(8) FRAGO 04 to OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY HOPPING”
(9) FRAGO 05 to OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY HOPPING”
(10) FRAGO 06 to OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY HOPPING”
(11) FRAGO 07 to OPORD 03-20 “BARANGAY HOPPING”
(12) Result of Operations (Pictures)

I. SITUATION:

The present situation in Southern Palawan remain generally peaceful, however the
presence of the CNT’s had been monitored in some areas. On or about 131930H Jan
2020, unidentified personnel bearing high powered firearms believed to be CNT members
were seen at mountainous quarry area at So Naltip, Brgy Labog, Sofronio Española,
Palawan. On or about 150400H Jan 2020, six (6) suspicious and unidentified personalities
believed to be CNT members carrying backpacks were seen roaming around at Sitio
Malanap Interior, Brgy Punang, Sofronio Española, Palawan. On or about 161700H Jan
2020, MOL Thirteen (13) unidentified personalities believed to be CNT members wearing
civilian clothes and carrying HFA’s were sighted passing along Tagusao River (local
name), Sitio Maribong heading towards Sitio Sincab both Brgy Pulot, Interior, Sofronio,
Española, Palawan.

Moreover, based on the Executive Order No. 70 issued by President Rodrigo Roa
Duterte last 04 December 2018 entitled “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation approach in
attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creating a National Task Force to End Local
Communist Armed Conflict, and directing the adoption of a National Peace Framework”,
JTG-South supports the DILG effort in the implementation of the LGU driven Retooled
Community Support Program (RCSP).

1
 CONFIDENTIAL

e. The Whole-of-Nation approach is indeed the best approach in attaining

inclusive and sustainable peace in the country.

VIII. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED:

a. Communication remains to be the greatest concern of this unit. The vast and
mountainous area of Southern Palawan specifically the Matalingahan Ranges hampered
the communication of the operating troops thus, affecting the good command and control.

b. Real-time intelligence is important to the successful conduct of operation and

its follow on operations. Since the CTGs are highly mobile and have the mastery of terrain,
these gave the enemy the advantage. Thus, the need for the use of technology is
necessary.

c. The MLGU and the community were supportive in the conduct of RCSP but
majority of the CCPT lack participation due to poor understanding and appreciation of EO
70 and RCSP.

d. Many of the MTF-ELCAC core team member and RCSP cluster members
are not aware of their task and responsibilities in the conduct of RCSP. Majority of them
still believe that the activity was military centric.

e. The conduct of the Program has a meager time which defies its purpose.

f. There is no common understanding for all members of RCSP, especially in

the head of offices, their members and the barangays about EO 70 and RCSP concept in
order for them to properly perform their duties and responsibilities mandated to them.

IX. RECOMMENDATIONS:

a. Installation of Retrans System is a priority to address communication gap.

b. Use of real-time intelligence gathering and surveillance such as MITSS,

drones, and trackers to enhance the operations especially in the conduct of pursuit
operations. Availability of guide is also recommended. Employment of locals is useful as
they are well-versed of the restricted terrain.

c. CSP team and the LGU should work hand-in-hand in engaging the
community in order to properly address the issues of the populace. The barangay officials
as well should be active and able to create solution to these issues and should be
responsible in their duties and responsibilities.

d. Encourage the people, especially the Barangay officials and Tanods to

always inform the AFP/PNP if they noticed unfamiliar faces the people with suspicious
actions in their area. They should be informed of the possible threats and atrocities these
people may bring to their barangay so that they will cooperate with the government in
eliminating the armed group. Further, establish the Barangay ITDS as part of the
sustainment program.

e. To sustain the probable gains of the CSP team in the area and so that the
CTG units previously operating in said Barangays would not be able to consolidate and

3
 ANNEX C POINT TO POINT ANALYSIS OF EXISTING RETRANS SYSTEM OF 3MBDE USING SPEED

SALAKOT TO ABARUAN RETRANS HAS NO CONNECTIVITY

AND IT NEEDS TO HAVE A ONE (1) RETRANS STATION
ALONG BRGY TINITIAN PPC TO SERVE AS A BRIDGE TO
LINK SALAKOT TO ABARUAN RETRANS
SALAKOT TO PUNANG RETRANS SHOWS NO
CONNECTIVITY DUE TO ITS VERY LONG
DISTANCES AND IT NEEDS TO HAVE A RETRANS
SYSTEM ALONG MUNICIPALITY OF NARRA TO
SERVE AS A BRIDGE TO LINK RADIO SIGNAL AT
PUNANG RETRANS.
ANNEX D Signal Coverage Analysis of Existing Retrans System of 3MBDE

SIGNAL COVERAGE
LEGEND:
BLUE COLOR -----EXCELLENT SIGNAL
YELLOW------------WEAK SIGNAL

SIGNAL CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN

RETRANS SYSTEM:
RED COLOR-------NO CONNECTIVITY
GREEN COLOR ---GOOD CONNECTION
ANNEX E Proposed Backhaul Network

3MBDE
Puerto Princesa
 ANNEX F Proposed Sites for Node Locations

3MBDE (PPC)
ANNEX G Coverage

Analysis of Proposed

Sites
 ANNEX H Expected Signal Receive per Node

PMC HQ

3MBDE
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

PGP, (2015) Provincial Planning and Development Framework Plan of Palawan

Ultra TCS Orion Proposal, 2016

Gansler, J. S., Lucyshyn, W., & Rigilano, J. (2012). The Joint Tactical Radio
System: Lessons learned and the way forward. MARYLAND UNIV COLLEGE
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Feickert, A. (2005, November). The joint tactical radio system (JTRS) and the
army's future combat system (FCS): Issues for Congress. LIBRARY OF
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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The writer humbly acknowledges the contributions of the following individual

in the completion of this paper:

BGEN NESTOR C HERICO PN(M), COL BOB APOSTOL PN(M), COL

NOEL TIU PN(M), and MAJ GLENN LLORITO PN(M) for their untiring support,

recommendations and positive critics.

LTCOL RONALD URBANO PN(M), MAJ DENNIS TUBO PN(M) and MAJ

DARWIN ACOPIADO, CO 42nd CEISAFP, for discussing and sharing important

data for the topicMSgt Jonathan Delgado PN(M), Tsgt Jose Nunez PN(M)

MSGT JONATHAN DELGADO PN(M) and TSGT JOSE NUNEZ PN(M) for

providing data and sharing their expertise.

Officers, men and women of 3MBDE for their unwavering support and

patience.

To the directorate of NCSC, for the guidance and direction.

To my family, for the inspiration.

And to God Almighty, for the strength, wisdom and good health.

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