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UK defense deal may boost Philippine military modernization program

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

A DEFENSE agreement between the Philippines and United Kingdom (UK) could help fast-track Manila’s military modernization program through the latter’s state-of-the-art weapon systems, political analysts said at the weekend.

“London can help bridge the third leg of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ military modernization by introducing its nuclear-powered submarines and sophisticated hardware and software,” Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“The UK is one of the prime movers in the Indo-Pacific region and given its global reputation and World War victories, the Philippines could gain a lot from the bilateral defense and security of the two democratic countries,” he added.

On. Jan 11, Philippine Ambassador to the UK Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and UK Minister of State for Defense Timothy Minto signed a deal for defense and security cooperation.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said the framework outlines training and capacity-building, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as research and technology.

Don McLain Gill, who teaches foreign relations at De La Salle University, said the defense pact is crucial because about 12% of the UK’s annual seaborne trade passes through the South China Sea, which is being claimed by China almost in its entirety.

“It is imperative to work with like-minded resident partners toward the security and stability of the maritime territory,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“This is a good opportunity for the Philippines to broaden its defense network and potentially work toward a more comprehensive agreement on capacity-building,” he added.
Britain in December condemned what it called “unsafe and escalatory tactics deployed by Chinese vessels” against the Philippines in the South China Sea.

During a visit to Manila on Jan. 11, German Foreign Minister Annalena Charlotte A. Baerbock said Germany would work with the Philippines in boosting maritime cooperation in the South China Sea and ensure international law is being followed amid tensions with China.

Germany is willing to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Philippines in resolving maritime tensions, she said.

Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi said Indonesia is ready to cooperate with the Philippines to finalize a code of conduct for the South China Sea.

Tensions between the Philippines and China have worsened amid Chinese efforts to block Philippine resupply missions at Second Thomas Shoal.

The tensions threaten regional peace, ASEAN Foreign ministers said in December, as they sought freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

Last week, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. said the Philippines is seeking to sign an agreement with Japan that would allow the deployment of military forces in each other’s territories.
“The signed agreement to craft a framework for defense and security cooperation is a strong building block to forge missing links in the collective deterrence that Manila and its strategic partners are pushing,” Mr. Cabalza said. — J.V.D. Ordoñez

House to prioritize defense bill as Congress reopens

PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE HOUSE of Representatives would prioritize a bill that seeks to develop the Philippines’ defense industry, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said on Sunday, as Congress resumes regular sessions this week.

“We are almost done with the priority bills agreed upon by Congress and the Executive branch,” he said in a statement. “We have approved on final reading all but four of the 57 measures on the LEDAC (Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council) list.”

Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment on the Senate’s legislative plans. Congress will resume regular sessions on Monday after a month-long holiday break.

House Bill 9713, which seeks to create a “self-reliant defense posture program” and promote the Philippines’ defense industry, was approved on second reading on Dec. 12. The Senate passed on final reading its counterpart bill in December.

Mr. Romualdez said the measure seeks to lessen Philippine dependence on foreign allies and suppliers for its defense needs.

“Our country, as a matter of national survival, cannot totally rely on the supplied armaments of other countries,” Iloilo Rep. Raul C. Tupas, who heads the House defense committee, said in December. “We need to develop our manufacturing capabilities and utilize to the fullest our natural resources to meet the country’s defense needs.” 

The House has yet to approve three other measures under the LEDAC, including changes to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, which is being fine-tuned by a technical working group. The other two are bills on budget modernization and a proposed National Defense Act that will strengthen the Defense department.

The chamber will also approve on third and final reading House Bill 9571 or the proposed Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act.

Mr. Romualdez also said lawmakers would also tackle at a bicameral conference committee changes to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act and a proposed Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act.

“We will await Senate action on proposed laws that we have approved on third and final reading, and we will be ready to sit with senators in bicameral conferences to come up with the final versions,” he added. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Group hits gov’t ahead of UN monitor’s visit

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

THE PHILIPPINES has yet to act on the recommendations made by the United Nations (UN) to address human rights issues in the country, a watchdog said on Sunday ahead of the scheduled visit of UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinion Irene Z. Khan.

“The Philippine government has disregarded, shrugged off, and rejected past recommendations done by UN special rapporteurs who have visited the country,” said Cristina Palabay, secretary general of human rights network Karapatan, which was among the dozens of domestic groups that submitted reports to Ms. Khan to show the alleged “bleak and sorry state of press freedom and the right to express in the Philippines.”

On Saturday, a press task force under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s office said Ms. Khan’s visit is a “welcome opportunity to showcase the nation’s commitment to openness, transparency, and its vibrant media community highlighted by everyone’s right to freely express their opinion.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) is set to host a welcome dinner for her that will be attended by heads and representatives of various government agencies and the media.

“The welcome dinner would serve as a platform for open dialogue and exchange of ideas, reinforcing the Philippines’ dedication to maintaining a dynamic and open environment for media and expression,” it said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said earlier that the purpose of Ms. Khan’s visit in Manila from Jan. 23 to Feb. 3 is to observe the right to freedom of expression in the country and that the Philippine government is displaying its “sincere cooperation” with such international partners as she represents.

But Karapatan is unimpressed with the government’s claim, citing extrajudicial killings that allegedly continue under the government’s anti-narcotics campaign and counterinsurgency program.

“Stop the fakery and cut the show,” Ms. Palabay said. “Integrity in cooperation with international human rights mechanisms means heeding recommendations of these international experts and bodies, consistent with a State’s obligations under human rights treaties, conventions and declarations.”

Her group underscored how the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which many claim to be designed to harass critics, is now “in full swing.”

Ian Fry, UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human rights in the Context of Climate Change, called for the abolition of an anti-communist task force and the rescinding of the anti-terrorism law after speaking to environmental defenders and communities during his Philippine visit in November last year.

The welcome dinner for Ms. Khan will be joined by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the Office of the National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año.

She is expected to meet with various stakeholders, including human rights and media organizations as well as experts and academics.

Among the agencies she’ll meet are the Justice and Local Government departments, Philippine Human Rights Committee, Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Supreme Court, House of Representatives and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

“In response to Ms. Khan’s specific requests, numerous meetings have been arranged with key institutions, demonstrating the PTFoMS’s commitment to ensuring that her visit aligns with her mandate and objectives.”  — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

DoE, ERC told: Audit power firms

A PHILIPPINE senator urged the Department of Energy (DoE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Sunday to audit power generation companies that are unable to provide stable electricity.

“Generation companies that consistently fail to provide their committed power supply should be held accountable,” Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said in a statement. “They should not be allowed to get off the hook easily.”

This comes after a recent power interruption in the Negros and Panay islands sub-grid due to an unplanned outage of the Panay Energy Development Corp. Unit 3 on Jan. 17.

The Western Visayas region also experienced blackouts due to unplanned outages earlier this month.

Mr. Gatchalian had called for harsher penalties against power generation firms that are found to be liable of mismanaging power-related issues that result in economic losses.

Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo P. Treñas earlier told a Senate hearing looking into the Jan. 2 power interruptions that the city had lost about P500 a day or about P2 billion in the four days without power.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has said it had followed ERC protocols when it respondend to the multiple plant shutdowns in Panay, adding it did not observe abnormalities in the power system.

Senators had urged the NGCP and the DoE to be more transparent and to accept accountability of the blackouts. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

FPIP launches community program

ECONOMIC zone operator First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) has launched its “FPIP Kabuhayan” as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program to conduct communal development projects in Batangas.

“We believe that, as a unified CSR program, FPIP Kabuhayan will serve as a more efficient tool in delivering projects that foster a positive and lasting impact on our target communities that have consistently supported us over the past 26 years of our operations,” FPIP External Affairs Vice President Ramon A. Carandang said.

“This bold step also exemplifies our recognition that corporate responsibility extends beyond business operations,” he added.

Under the program, the company will provide scholarships to qualified students, assistance to residents in job fairs, relief assistance during disasters and emergencies, and support community healthcare and wellness activities, among others. 

The program seeks to serve the cities of Sto. Tomas and Tanauan in Batangas to “underscore its gratitude to the cities generously hosting the company’s operations.”

“As FPIP Kabuhayan takes center stage, FPIP looks forward to amplifying and deepening its partnerships with local communities, NGOs (non-governmental organization), and government entities to create meaningful and lasting change. The company remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a brighter, more sustainable future for its host communities,” Mr. Carandang said.

FPIP was established by First Philippine Holdings with Japanese global trading giant Sumitomo Corp. in 1996. It is among the industrial parks in the country which houses a variety of companies such as Brother, Canon, Collins Aerospace, Dyson, Honda, and Thermos. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Davao metro dev’t body advances

DAVAO CITY — The creation of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) is gaining ground as its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) is now up for publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.

Citing information from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA 11), Presidential Assistant to Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno told Businessworld over the weekend that the Metropolitan Davao Development Council (MDDC) convened in October has already approved and adopted the IRR.

The MDDA, the special body created through Republic Act 11708, shall coordinate and promote socio-economic growth and sustainable development of Metropolitan Davao and shall be attached to the Office of the President for policy and program coordination.

It shall have jurisdiction over Davao City; the cities of Panabo, Tagum, and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) and the municipality of Carmen in Davao del Norte; Digos City, municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, and Sulop in Davao del Sur; Mati City in Davao Oriental; the municipality of Maco in Davao de Oro; and the municipalities of Malita and Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental.

The scope of the services of MDDA includes development planning for medium and long-term plans, transport management, solid waste disposal and management, flood control and sewerage management, urban renewal, health and sanitation, and public safety.

It can be recalled that on Nov. 10, 2023, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) chief representative Sakamoto Takema and NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan signed a Record of Discussions (R/D) in Davao City in the presence of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, along with various local chief executives and representatives from local government units (LGUs) and Regional Development Council (RDC) members of Metro Davao to officially commence the project.

The JICA and NEDA are eyeing to promote Metropolitan Davao’s comprehensive and sustainable development through a master plan that balances urban development, environment conservation, living standards, and economic growth.

The master plan, which covers the period 2025 to 2045, will allow Metro Davao to identify development priorities such as agri-ecotourism, urban greening, public-private partnership, and infrastructure development, among others.

When implemented, the master plan is expected to benefit around five million people in Metropolitan Davao and indirectly benefit the rest of Mindanao. — Maya M. Padillo

Gov’t invests in climate school

BAGUIO CITY — Mountain Province is set to establish a climate field school in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Cordillera.

Financed through the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) Board, the project boasts a budget of P271.15 million.

Representatives from PDRRMO and DA have closely coordinated to finalize technical details. Neil Cullalad, assistant head of Mountain Province PDRRMO, stressed the school’s dual role as an educational facility for students and a production center for farmers. It also aims to incorporate sustainable functions based on technical recommendations from the DA.

The PSF, established under Republic Act No. 10174, allocates funds for climate adaptation programs in local government units (LGUs) and accredited organizations.

Nationally, the PSF Board has approved P539 million for new climate adaptation projects and the climate field school for farmers in Mountain Province is the biggest initiative.

Other approved projects nationwide include the Installation of drainage and early warning systems and the development of the agroforestry industry in Maramag, Bukidnon; an irrigation project in Cabagan, Isabela; a Mangrove rehabilitation project in Catanauan, Quezon; and the installation of embankment infrastructure and reforestation for enhanced flood control of Lo-om River in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Gains mark BARMM’s 5th year

A PARADE rolls out in Cotabato City in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Sunday. — PHILIPPINE STAR/JOHN FELIX M. UNSON

COTABATO CITY — Regional agencies celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with officials citing the gains from its security and economic initiatives.

Records from various sources indicate that BARMM attracted P8.1 billion in investments over the past 18 months, demonstrating positive economic momentum. Local traders contributed up to P5.7 billion from Q3 2019 to 2022, signaling confidence in the region’s potential.

Established in February 2019 through a plebiscite, BARMM replaced the 27-year-old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following 22 years of peace talks between Malacañang and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Ahod B. Ebrahim, leader of MILF, now serves as the chief minister of the region.

BARMM’s labor minister, Muslimin G. Sema, emphasized the collaboration between former rebel groups, MNLF and MILF, in managing peace and development programs. – John Felix M. Unson

“Virtually, the BARMM is still an infant but already has something to show for, particularly in terms of the expansion of services to the Moro people, the non-Moro Christians, and the indigenous people in its core territory,” he said.

Members of the 80-seat BARMM parliament, including Deputy Speaker Nabil A. Tan, lawyers Paisalin P. Tago and Suharto M. Ambolodto, and physician-ophthalmologist Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr., highlighted legislative efforts to enhance commerce and trade in the six Bangsamoro provinces.

“Personally, I believe that the national officials of member-states of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) that brokered Malacañang’s separate peace compacts with the MNLF and the MILF are glad seeing how the BARMM government is trying its best to make its six provinces become progressive,” Mr. Tago, also the regional transportation and communications minister, said.

The OIC, which consists of over 50 Muslim states, brokered peace compacts between Malacañang and the MNLF, as well as the MILF.

Major Gen. Alex S. Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, highlighted the success in maintaining law and order in BARMM and Region 12 provinces. The support of MILF and MNLF officials, now involved in the BARMM parliament or ministries, played a crucial role in achieving these accomplishments.

“That, per se, is one of the dividends of the national government’s peace process with both groups and the existence now of this five-year BARMM regional government,” Mr. Rillera said.

In the past three years, units of the 6th Infantry Division secured the surrender of over 700 members of outlawed groups with the assistance of MILF and MNLF leaders, promoting their reintegration into mainstream society. — John Felix M. Unson

Only something ‘miraculous’ can stop Djokovic in Melbourne — Laver

REUTERS

Swiatek at a loss to understand Australian Open exit

MELBOURNE — Novak Djokovic has already been pushed to four sets in two of his early matches at Melbourne Park but Australian great Rod Laver says engravers should get to work putting the world number one’s name on the Grand Slam trophy for an 11th time.

Mr. Djokovic is eyeing a record-extending Melbourne Park title that will also take him past Margaret Court’s haul of 24 majors but the Serb has not had it all his own way and was pushed hard by teenager Dino Prizmic and local hope Alexei Popyrin.

Mr. Laver, the only player to win the calendar Grand Slam twice, is still convinced Mr. Djokovic will glide past challengers after the 36-year-old downed Tomas Martin Etcheverry to set up a fourth round meeting with Adrian Mannarino.

“It’s almost like he’s priming himself to get through to the final,” 11-times Grand Slam winner Mr. Laver said on Saturday after arriving in Melbourne from California.

“He’ll lose a set somewhere in these five-setters and I’m thinking, ‘Is he having us on?’ because he could win this in two and two and two (6-2 6-2 6-2).”

Mr. Djokovic claimed last year’s title despite playing with a small tear in his hamstring and 85-year-old Mr. Laver, who has the center court at the Australian Open named in his honor, said it would take something extraordinary to dethrone him.

“He’s such a great athlete to begin with, but his mind also is tennis and so he sees it almost unfold in front of him, just what he should be doing,” said Mr. Laver.

“That’s how he’s being a great champion.

“He serves well, his groundstrokes are unbeatable, so I have to believe, unless someone miraculously plays their best tennis to knock him off they can start putting part of his initials on the trophy now.”

SWIATEK
The Australian Open had its biggest shock to date when teenager Linda Noskova knocked world number one Iga Swiatek out of the competition in the third round on Saturday, and the Polish top seed was at a loss to explain how she felt.

Ms. Swiatek began strongly, winning the opening set 6-3, but after losing the second by the same score, the decider saw Czech 19-year-old Noskova break serve twice to win 6-4.

When asked to articulate her feelings so people could understand how she felt, Ms. Swiatek hit back with a question of her own. “Why do you need to understand?” Ms. Swiatek asked.

“Sometimes I don’t even understand, so I don’t know if you will. I mean, I really wasn’t expecting a lot. I just tried to do the best kind of work possible.

“I felt today that, OK, I wasn’t playing my best game, and I had many things that didn’t work in previous rounds.”

Ms. Swiatek needed a tiebreak to win the first set in her opening match with Sofia Kenin, and on Thursday came back from two breaks down in the deciding set to overcome Danielle Collins, but insisted she wasn’t feeling the effects of those battles.

“No, physically I felt, honestly, I didn’t feel anything. So, pretty good,” Ms. Swiatek said.

“Mentally as well, I felt like actually I came back in my match against Danielle, and I could kind of start over and not expect a lot, just try to play my game.”

In the end, Ms. Noskova won three consecutive games in the final set to make it 5-3 and take control, and Ms. Swiatek regretted not seizing her own chances earlier in the match. “I think she just went all in without any pressure. She probably knew that she has nothing to lose, you know?

“Maybe I should have done that when I had break points in previous games, but I wanted to kind of be the solid version of myself.”

The Pole went out in the fourth round at last year’s tournament, but Ms. Swiatek is feeling more positive this time around about the season to come.

“Last year I felt much more off balance. I felt like the whole season may be tough just because of the start,” Ms. Swiatek said.

“Last year I felt like I was just overwhelmed with beginning the year as world number one. It kind of took me off my balance.

“This year I feel like I just want to get back to work. I know I’m going to have plenty of chances during the season to show my game.” — Reuters

Strong Group Athletics scores its second straight in Dubai tourney

FACEBOOK.COM/DUBAISPORTSTV

STRONG Group Athletics walloped Syria’s Al Wahda, 89-67, for its second straight win in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship over the weekend at the Al Nasr Club.

The Philippine representative, on the heels of an 82-66 drubbing of host United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team, picked up from where it left off to stay unbeaten in the 12-team tourney.

At 2-0, Strong Group gained a piece of Group B leadership with Libya’s Al Ahly Tri Sports Club, which trumped Lebanese clubs Beirut, 81-75, and Homenetmen, 93-71.

Kevin Quiambao led the way for Strong Group with 24 points on a 6-of-6 clip from downtown on top of five rebounds, two assists and a block in only 24 minutes of action.

Francis Escandor also waxed hot with five treys for 18 points with Jordan Heading adding 12 as Strong Group leaned on the hot-shooting of its local unit this time around.

Andray Blatche, following a scoreless debut, bounced back with 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals as Dwight Howard collared 10 rebounds and four blocks plus five points.

It was a well-scattered attack for Strong Group that also drew efforts from other imports McKenzie Moore (8) and Andre Roberson (5), who headlined their 16-point debut win against UAE.

Unlike the first match, the wards of head coach Charles Tiu found their groove early with a 34-18 gap that they stretched to as many as 27 points on their way to yet another blowout win.

Strong Group, owned by Frank and Jacob Lao, wants no let-up when it faces Homenetmen next on Monday morning for a 3-0 bid.

Al Wahda (0-1), led by Myron Jordan (19), Jomaru Hohadbrown (17) and Abdulwahab Alhamwi (10), has Beirut next in its schedule with hopes of barging into the win column. — John Bryan Ulanday

The scores:

Strong Group 89 — Quiambao 24, Escandor 18, Heading 12, Blatche 12, Moore 8, Howard 5, Roberson 5, Baltazar 3, Ynot 2, Cagulangan 0, Sanchez 0, Liwag 0.

Al Wahda 67 — Jordan 19, Hohadbrown 17, Alhamwi 10, Dejohn Banks 8, Arbasha 5, Jlelati 4, Otabachi 2, Kassabali 2, Aljabi 0, Ghaith 0, Al Osh 0, Canbolat 0.

Quarterscores: 23-14, 43-30, 64-48, 89-67.

Fil-Am spiker Van Sickle joins Petro Gazz

AN ANGEL sent from heaven.

That was how Petro Gazz described the arrival of Fil-Am spiker Brooke Van Sickle as it shoots to return to championship competitive form in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference unfurling Feb. 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“An angel sent from heaven has arrived to refuel our journey. We’re thrilled to have you here, Brooke Van Sickle,” it said through its social media accounts Saturday night.

The 24-year-old outside hitter should come in bringing her talent and experience after suiting up with the US NCAA’s Oregon University and Hawaii University where she was the Most Valuable Player, Best Outside Hitter and Best Scorer in the 2021-22 Big West Conference.

Ms. Van Sickle also played pro ball in Cyprus for AEL Limassol.

She was one of the three marquee sign ups for the Angels, who earlier tabbed Myla Pablo from defunct F2 Logistics and Mich Morente from PLDT after losing Grethcel Soltones to Akari.

The troika joined an already talented group that included Djanel Cheng, Jonah Sabete, Aiza Maizo Pontillas, Remy Palma and Nicole Tiamzon as the club seeks to bounce back from a disappointing sixth-place finish last conference.

Interestingly, Ms. Van Sickle was the second Fil-foreign player who was recruited in the league after Fil-Canadian Savannah Davison was acquired by PLDT late last year.

Like Ms. Davison, Ms. Van Sickle should also make a big impression on her debut season. — Joey Villar

SF 49ers storm past GB Packers, reach third straight NFC title game

CHRISTIAN McCaffrey rushed for two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with 1:07 left, and the San Francisco (SF) 49ers held on to beat the Green Bay (GB) Packers 24-21 in the The National Football Conference (NFC) divisional round playoff matchup on Saturday night in Santa Clara, Calif.

Brock Purdy completed 23 of 39 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown for the 49ers, who advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the third season in a row. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw picked off two passes, including one in the final minute to seal the win.

San Francisco will host the winner of Sunday’s showdown between the host Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the opportunity to advance to the Super Bowl. Jordan Love completed 21 of 34 passes for 194 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for Green Bay. Aaron Jones had 18 carries for 108 yards. The high-stakes contest featured three lead changes in the third quarter.

The Packers grabbed a 13-7 lead on a 19-yard pass from Mr. Love to Bo Melton with 9:27 to go in the quarter.

Less than two minutes later, the 49ers answered to grab a 14-13 lead. Mr. McCaffrey took a handoff, evaded a would-be tackler and sprinted up the middle of the field for a 39-yard touchdown.

The back-and-forth battle continued as the Packers scored on the next possession. Eric Wilson recovered a fumble on a 73-yard kickoff return by Keisan Nixon, setting the Packers up at the Niners 20.

Four plays later, Mr. Love found Tucker Kraft open near the front right pylon for a 2-yard touchdown. Mr. Love then connected with Jones for a two-point conversion for a 21-14 Packers lead with 5:23 left in the third.

The 49ers pulled within 21-17 on a 52-yard field goal by Jake Moody with 14:56 remaining in the game.

The Packers tried to grab a seven-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, but Anders Carlson missed a 41-yard field-goal attempt with 6:18 to go.

Green Bay had the only score of the first quarter with a 29-yard field goal by Mr. Carlson. The 49ers grabbed a 7-3 lead with 8:42 remaining in the second when Purdy connected with George Kittle for a 32-yard touchdown. Mr. Carlson hit again from 29 yards to pull Green Bay within 7-6 before halftime.

San Francisco star wideout Deebo Samuel exited in the first half because of a shoulder injury and was later ruled out. Mr. Samuel, who finished with two catches for 24 yards, was evaluated after a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first half.

Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more on Saturday as the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens pulled away from the visiting Houston Texans in the second half for a 34-10 victory in an AFC divisional playoff game.

The Ravens will host either the Bills or Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Buffalo and Kansas City are set to play Sunday in the other AFC semifinal. — Reuters

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