Friday, October 30, 2009

Empowering LGUs in Disaster Response Management

Friday, 30 October 2009
BY: LTCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

With the onslaught of Typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” that saw the pressing need for immediate action by the Local Government Units (LGU) to respond to distress calls, the Philippine Navy has undertaken measures to empower LGUs in disaster response management.

Two teams from the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NAVFORNOL) based in La Union recently conducted a training demonstration on proper boat handling inLingayen, Pangasinan and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte. The move aims enhance the capability of LGUs to respond to emergency situations during calamities. The Navy teams taught participants the basics of rescue operations and employing rescue equipment.

Though Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRT) are integrated into naval units all over the country and deployed as the need arises, the Navy advocates self-reliance among LGUs for the conduct of search and rescue missions during natural calamities and disasters.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Harsh Weather Forces Chinese Vessel to Seek Shelter in Quezon

Monday, 26 October 2009

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Responding to an emergency call of a reported Chinese fishing vessel at vicinity Panukulan, Quezon, Commodore Joel Babas, Commander of Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) directed Navy vessel Diesel Fast Craft 321 (DF 321) from Puerto Real Pier with representatives from Task Force Likas Yaman to interdict the suspected vessel. At around 5:30 AM yesterday, 25 October 2009, the inter-agency group accosted the Chinese fishing vessel Bao-feing of Panamanian registry loaded with round logs. After a thorough investigation by TF Likas Yaman Puerto Real representatives headed by Atty. Dennis Guererro disclosed that apprehended vessel with 24 crew has complete documents. It is enroute to China from Solomon Islands when it encountered harsh weather forcing it to seek shelter in Quezon.

The Navy’s immediate response manifests its unrelenting and unequivocal stand in safeguarding and preserving our forest and marine resources from any and all unlawful exploitations from within and without.

Two weeks ago, the Philippine Navy confiscated 1,680 board feet of illegal logs worth over P70,000.00 in separate occasions in Cagayan and Palawan. The Navy along with representatives from the Coast Guard, LGU-Cagayancillo, and Tubattaha Management Office apprehended five individuals who were caught transporting 10 sharks, considered as endangered species in Palawan.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Navy Confiscates Illegal Logs in Cagayan and Palawan, Apprehend Poachers

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Friday, 23 October 2009

The Philippine Navy confiscated illegal logs and apprehended poachers in Cagayan and Palawan in three separate ocassions last week.

Members of the Naval Special Operations Unit-2 intercepted a motor banca carrying 46 pieces of lumber (red lawaan) in the vicinity of San Vicente Island, Sta Ana, Cagayan, Friday evening, 16 October 2009. The undocumented forest products measuring 680 board feet have an estimated market value of P20,000.00. Aso discovered aboard the motor banca was a chainsaw unit worth P30,000.00. The Navy team was conducting seaborne patrol in the area when it spotted the watercraft.

Meanwhile, Navy personnel conducting maritime patrol in Canabongan Island, Balabac, Palawan also intercepted a watercraft transporting around 100 pieces of illegally cut lumber, locally known as Ipil, Thursday afternoon, 15 October 2009. The forest products measuring 1,000 board feet and bound for Malaysia have an estimated market value of P52,184.40

In another operation in Palawan, personnel from the Tubbataha Reef Detachment (composed of personnel from the Navy, Coast Guard, LGU-Cagayancillo, and Tubattaha Management Office) apprehended five individuals who were caught transporting 10 sharks, considered as endangered species, aboard a watercraft Thursday morning, 15 October 2009. The authorities who chased F/BCA Alma Mae after it gnored warning shots discovered the creatures when it conducted board and search procedure. Also discovered were various fishing gears and paraphernalia.

Apprehending authorities were forced to throw away the dead sharks midway off Tubbataha and Puerto Princesa City while on its way to escort the five crew members of F/BCA Alma Mae to Puerto Princesa City for proper turn-over to local authorities.

The Navy remains committed to the protection and preservation of our marine resources especially in the vulnerable fringes of our territorial waters that are seldom patrolled. As in the many circumstances in the past, the Navy endeavors and perpetuates the protection of our economy and patrimony especially in the vast and porous borders of our maritime nation.

Marines to Render Hero’s Welcome to Officer Killed in Sulu Bomb Explosion

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Friday, 23 October 2009

The Marine officer who was hit by a landmine last Wednesday while leading his team during patrol in Patikul, Sulu will be accorded hero’s welcome today, 23 October 2009 at the Marine Headquarters in Taguig City.

MAJ GEN JUANCHO A SABBAN AFP, Commandant, Philippine Marine Corps will lead officers and enlisted personnel in paying their last respects to a fallen comrade, 2LT DULAN F CORDERO PN(M). The late Marine officer will be awarded the Posthomous Wounded Medal.

A landmine hit 2LT CORDERO who was conducting patrol with his team from the Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 (MBLT-5) along the vicinities of Barangay Upper Tugas in Patikul, Sulu on Wednesday morning, 21 October 2009. The device was planted along the cut off water pipe that exploded when MBLT-5 passed near the vicinity to check the water pipe. Another Marine was also wounded during the incident.

2LT CORDERO graduated from the PMA in 2006 and was assigned to Sulu in March 2007 after completing his training at the Marine Base Ternate. The former corps commander of his ROTC unit in Tacloban City, 2LT CORDERO, 27 years old, excelled in judo during his cadet days and was a company commander in the academy.

“His leadership trait always stood out. Once he set a goal, he was determined to achieve it”, said 2LT Rafael Naranjo, a former company-mate at the PMA and also a Marine officer now assigned in Sulu. He adds that being competitive and a fighter was deeply ingrained in Cordero’s character.

According to a former roommate, Cordero who is the eldest in a brood of three, was aware of the dangers facing the job did but this did not discourage him from joining the Marines. “He wanted to be a warrior”, said Ens Nelson Alquiza who is now a Navy pilot.
Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez condoles with the family of 2LT CORDERO. Despite suffering casualties during the recent attacks in Sulu, the Navy leadership will not be detered from pursuing lasting peace and progress in Mindanao through its security efforts and various humanitarian projects undertaken by the soldiers. According to Vice Admiral Golez, putting an end to the Navy’s operations in the island-province would lend futile the sacrifice of the soldiers in the south especially those who have died in battle.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Launching of the AFP Photo Exhibit In Partnership with SM Mall of Asia for the benefit of the victims of Typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng”

BY: LCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Wednesday, 21 October 2009

The AFP, in cooperation with SM Supermalls, will launch a 4-day Photo Exhibit for the benefit of the victims of Typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng”. Launching Ceremony today, 21 October 2009, 6 PM, will be at the Ground Floor, South Wing, SM Mall of Asia. Vice Admiral Emilio C Marayag Jr, the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff is the Guest of Honor. Top brass of the Navy, Army, and Air Force will grace the occasion. Ms Annie S Garcia, President, SM Shopping Center Management Corporation will symbolically award Certificates of Recognition to AFP Units and Personnel for their heroic efforts in the conduct of Search, Rescue, Humanitarian, and Relief Operations to typhoon victims.

The photo exhibit which runs from 21-25 October 2009 will showcase through the images the extent of the destruction of the typhoons and the Filipinos indomitable spirit and soldiers’ selflessness in helping the victims. Photos were taken by soldiers during and after the rescue and relief missions. Proceeds of the donation in the exhibit will go to the victims of “Ondoy” and “Pepeng”. You are cordially invited.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Marines Foil Shipment of Explosive Materials to Lawless/Bandit Groups

BY LTCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Monday, 19 October 2009

Marines foiled a possible shipment of bomb-making components to lawless and bandit groups after it seized hundreds of sacks of ammonium nitrate during a raid in a Tawi-Tawi warehouse Friday morning, 11AM, 16 October 2009.

Members of the 22nd and 32nd Marine Company, MBLT-2 led by 2LT SARTO PN(M) confiscated around 233 sacks of ammonium nitrate during a raid in a warehouse in Brgy Lamion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. The components packed in 25 kilos per sack is used in the manufacture of improvised explosive device (IED) and commonly used for dynamite fishing. The items are approximately worth P517,000.00.

Initial investigation revealed that confiscated items were broughtto the Philippines from Malaysia and that the warehouse serves as a storage facility of ammonium nitrate that is distributed to various places in Tawi-Tawi. Investigation also revealed that said items were bound for an MNLF area in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, as well as to the ASG and other lawless groups planning to wreak havoc in Mindanao.

The owner of the warehouse, a certain Holkim Mating alias Radji, a resident of the barangay was arrested and detained by the combined team of Marines and PNP.

The raid on the warehouse of Holkim Mating was prompted by the confiscation of nine sacks of ammonium nitrate earlier in the day. The team of 2LT SARTO, acting on intelligence information conducted board and search procedure aboard M/L Piaksah moored at Chinese Pier in Bongao and discovered the contraband items. After questioning, the crew pointed to the warehouse of Holkim Mating as their source. Hence, the raid. Total amount of confiscation is P537,000.00

The owner, a certain Tanduya Jurjani of Sipangkot, Sitangkai town revealed that she bought the items from an unidentified warehouse in Brgy Lamion, Bongao.

Navy All Set for “Ramil”

BY: LT COL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Monday, 19 October 2009

The Philippine Navy has placed all its Disaster Response and Rescue (DRR) units in Northern and Southern Luzon areas on red alert status since 230PM last Saturday, 17 October 2009 in preparation for Typhoon “Ramil”.

Units from the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NAVFORNOL) under COMMO JOSE LUIS ALANO, Naval Education and Training Command in (NETC) in Zambales under REAR ADMIRAL VICENTE AGDAMAG, and NAVAL FORCES SOUTHERN LUZON (NAVFORSOL) under COMMO JOEL BABAS have prepositioned their respective Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRT) in key areas where “Ramil” is expected to hit Thursday, 22 October 2009.

Naval reservists will augment regular Navy personnel from the Fleet-Marine DRR Teams in Luzon. The assets set to be deployed for the conduct of search and rescue operations are an Islander plane, 18 rubber boats, 13 M35 trucks, 2 amphibious trucks, and 2 amphibian crafts. The Navy has also added 7 Dehavilland boats and 2 choppers in its inventory of DRR equipment.

A Dehavilland boat is more reliable than a rubber boat since it has an aluminum hull and can carry more individuals than an ordinary rubber boat. Unlike a rubber boat, a Dehavilland boat is not susceptible to punctures during the conduct of operations.

The Navy’s bid for the procurement of a multi-role vessel (MRV) to boost its disaster response and relief operations has found urgency with the recent onslaught of disastrous storms. One of the projects under the Navy modernization program, the addition of MRV in its inventory will not only enhance the Navy’s conduct of maritime and naval operations but also its humanitarian efforts especially during the time of natural calamities and disasters.

The MRV can load more personnel and equipment that can be deployed to areas during emergencies. This asset can also serve as a “government floating center” where representatives from various government agencies can deliver the much needed services to far-flung areas around the country.

It can be recalled that before “Pepeng” hit the country, Naval units in Metro Manila, Cavite, Northern Luzon, and Southern Luzon areas have prepositioned their respective DRRTs in key areas to respond to distress calls by the citizens and assist LGUs in their rescue and relief efforts.

Vice Amiral Ferdinand S Golez has instructed Navy DRRTs to intensify their preparations before undertaking their respective missions to help more individuals in need and prevent accidents in the conduct of their operations.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

MARINE SILENT DRILLERS, DRUM AND BUGLE TEAM HIGHLIGHTS DARAGANG MAGAYON FESTIVAL IN ALBAY

By: LIEUTENANT DARWIN F NIEVA PN
Director, NFSL Public Affairs Office

Thursday, 1 October 2009

LEGAZPI CITY, October 1, 2009 – Philippine Marine Silent Drillers and Drum and Bugle Team performed today at the launching of Ibalong Festival and Legazpi Port Fiesta, here at Legazpi City. The contingent came all the way from navy headquarters in Manila on order of Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez AFP, Flag Officer-In-Command of the Philippine Navy to support the annual festivities of the city.

Sarah Moran, a student of Bicol University College of Arts and Letter told the writer how appreciative the people are to the exquisite performance of the marines. “People were astonished by the coordinated and snappy executions of your team,” she said. Ms. Ryadz Barcia, a national correspondent of a certain media outfit, said that the performance was splendid and worth the wait and rain.

Today, Magayon Festival has evolved to become a celebration of the rich culture and warm hospitality of the Albayanos as well as a showcase of the best that Albay can offer – fascinating destinations capped by the captivating Mayon Volcano, delightful cuisine, unique Bicolano products, and many more (Legazpi City Official Website).

The Navy is ready to embark on any endeavors to give much needed relief and reprieve them from life’s daily grind.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

9 NAVY DRRTS AIDED AS PEPENG HIT NORTHERN LUZON

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Wednesday, 14 October 2009

After grueling two weeks of rescue and relief operation, Navy Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRT) were ordered to go back to their respective headquarters in San Fernando, La Union, Cavite and Metro Manila. The teams composed of officers, enlisted personnel, Navy reservists, amphibious crafts, rubber boats, 6x6 trucks and various other rescue and relief equipment has so far conducted a sizable number of rescue and relief missions notwithstanding equipment limitations and sapped energy due to prolong exposure to elements during these humanitarian operations.

A total of nine Disaster Response and Rescue Teams were able to rescue 873 individuals from their flooded homes to evacuation centers in San Carlos City, Dagupan City, Rosales, Calasiao and Sta Barbara, all in Pangasinan. Nine hundred thirty (930) stranded passengers were also brought to safety. The teams also recovered three elderly casualties in Rosales, Pangasinan. Two thousand six hundred twenty-two (2,622) families benefited from the relief goods distributed by the DRRTs in coordination with the LGUs of Pangasinan and Laoag not to include the 1,102 lbs of relief goods air dropped by the Navy’s Helicopter and Islander.

The Philippine Navy employed all the floating, air and land assets to alleviate the devastation caused by Typhoon “Pepeng” to our countrymen in the North. Naval Forces Northern Luzon through its Commander, Commodore Jose Luis Alano coordinated with other Fleet-Marine units to augment their teams already dispatched. DRRTs from Manila-Cavite area immediately responded to the call for augmentation.

The Philippine Navy though with scarce resources, will remain committed to be at the forefront of humanitarian endeavors in support to national government for the welfare of our fellow Filipinos.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Marines Apprehend Suspected ASG Leader with P3.3M Bounty in Tawi-Tawi

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Tuesday, 13 October 2009

Members of Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 (MBLT2) arrested a top leader of the bandit AbuSayyaf Group in Tawi-Tawi Saturday evening, 10 October 2009.

Abdulkahil Mallah, suspected to be Ibni Acosta who is a sub-leader of the ASG-Urban Terrorist Group was about to board a vessel at Bongao Pier when he was accosted by the Marines led by 2LT EMERY L TORRE PN(M). Mallah was bound for Zamboanga City to seek medical treatment for a gunshot wound near his neck.

On 09 October, Mallah and his three companions were reportedly shot by an unkonwn assailant for an undetermined reason at Sitio Kasulutan, Tubig Tanah. The assailant then fled to Kalye Bisaya, Brgy Kasanyangan. Initial investigation led to the capture of Mallah.

Mallah has a standing warrant of arrest for 21 counts of kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention. He has a P3.3M reward for his capture. He did not resist arrest. Mallah, guarded by the marines is back at the hospital undergoing medical treatment for his wound.

Marines Clash with Armed Men in Sulu and Basilan

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Thursday, 08 October 2009

Marines clashed with unidentified armed men in Sulu and Basilan last Monday, 05 October 2009 and killed in action one Marine and wounded another.

Around 30 men under Khabir Malik attacked two detachments of MBLT11 in Brgy Bitan-ag, Panamao, Sulu at 11AM. The 40-minute firefight inflicted an undetermined number of casualties among the enemy. No casualties were reported among the Marines.

At 2:15 PM, 48 members of 26MC, MBLT6 who were conducting combat clearing operations along Sitio Talatac, Brgy Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu engaged a group of 150 armed men in a two-hour battle. Another Marine was also wounded.

Killed in action was Private First Class Valeriano Bacud Pagulayan, a native of Penablanca, Cagayan province. Pagulayan, 27 years old entered the Marines in February 2008 as a trainee and graduated six months later. He was deployed to Sulu and became part of the Jolo Internal Defense Force.

According to Staff Sergeant Richard Lapingkao, Pagulayan’s platoon sergeant, the young Marine had dreamed of becoming a soldier since he was young because a number of his relatives belonged to the Marines. His father is a farmer and he has five other siblings. Lapingkao said Pagulayan deeply attached his life to the service and added he was proud of his comrade who died in the call of duty. Pagulayan had been in previous encounters in the past but the encounter last Monday in Brgy Bato-Bato was Pagulayan’s first major one. He succumbed to his wounds while his comrades were asministering first aid.

Meanwhile, two more Marine detachments in Brgy Bohelebong, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan were also attacked simultaneously Monday afternoon. The Marine successfully repelled both attacks that lasted for 30 minutes without sustaining casualties.

Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez condoles with the family of Pfc Pagulayan. He adds that the deaths of Marines in battle will not go in vain as the Navy will pursue its fight against lawless elements in the south. “The Navy will not be cowed but will be more vigilant by these attacks that are meant to harrass our operating units. We will remain focused in our commitment to bring about lasting peace in the island province through peace and development efforts. In the end we are confident that the people will discern who are their true protectors.”

Monday, October 5, 2009

Navy’s Relief Efforts for “Ondoy” Victims in Cainta, Rizal in Full Swing

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Monday, 05 October 2009

The relief efforts of the Philippine Navy to victims of typhoon “Ondoy” in Cainta, Rizal went in full swing since Saturday, 03 October 2009 after typhoon “Pepeng” did not make a landfall in Metro Manila and neighboring areas as expected.

In coordination with the local government of Cainta and private organizations, the Navy distributed throusands of packs of relief goods to residents who patiently waited infront of the Cainta Municipal Hall and also to areas that are still flooded, while clearing operations went underway for debris that littered the streets.

Even before the Navy established its Advanced Command Post at the Municipal Hall 9:30 PM of 02 October 2009, residents had gathered infront of the Hall waiting for their packs of goodies. Before daybreak, the crowd has swelled. Not even the rain which began to pour in the afternoon forced them to seek shelter as they snaked through lines and began to swarm around a team of Navy officers and personnel distributing relief goods. Another team from the Navy controlled the crowd onty too eager to get their share of goods and go home.

For three hours, the eager residents, even pregnant women and grade school kids endured the rains brought by “Pepeng,” together with the Navy teams who were also soaking wet under the rain, distributing a truckload of goods from ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya.

Meanwhile, the Marines’ Light Amphibious Riverine Craft (LARC) vehicle parked infront of the Hall, painted with the sharp teeth of a hungry predator with traces of blood oozing from the teeth drew a number of people. Kids assited by members of the Marines climbed atop the vehicle to get a feel of it. The LARC vehicle was later dispatched to flooded areas in Cainta to deliver relief goods.

As of press time, Navy teams of over 50 officers and enlisted personnel delivered over 7,000 packs of relief goods to typhoon victims in Cainta, Rizal. Navy teams also conducted clean-up operations and a feeding program with government and private agencies.

Relief operations in Cainta, Rizal are still ongoing. Aside from the Navy’s search and rescue efforts during typhoons, the Navy is also prepared to undertake relief and rehabilitation efforts to victims of natural calamities. These deeds according to Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez is a testament of the Navy’s commitment to uplift the lives of the Filipinos especially those who are in need.

Navy Rescues 55 as “Pepeng” Batters Ilocos Norte

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Monday, 05 October 2009

Two Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRT) saved 55 individuals tthat included 2 families from Ilocos Norte as “Pepeng” battered the province.

The teams from NAVFORNOL Command based in Poro Point, La Union composed of two officers and 31 enlisted personnel were pre-deployed to conduct search and rescue operations where they are needed. Team 1 led by Ens Alejandro Janayan rescued 48 individuals in Pagudpud town yesterday, 04 October 2009. The team also assisted the town mayor in distributing 600 packs of relief goods to the residents and conducted clearing operations. Janayan’s team also successfully evacuated to safer grounds 20 persons who were stranded along the national road in barangays Balaoi, Pancian, and Pasaleng, Pagudpud town and treated a civilian who sustained wounds. Minor landslides have been reported but the roads remained passable.

Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez has reminded Commo Jose Luis Alano, NAVFORNOL Commander to issue a directive to all rescue teams to take extra preacautions after a landslide was reported in Brgy Tarrag, yesterday afternoon, 04 October, that almost hit Janayan’s team conducting clearing operations near the area. Heavy rains and strong winds forced Janayan’s team to suspend its operations.

Meanwhile, Team 2 headed by Ens Dominador Merida rescued two familes of seven that included a 7-month old baby in Brgy Nalasin, Paoay town. Last night, the team received instructions to proceed to Bacarra town to rescue 24 familes trapped in floodwaters.

It can be recalled that Naval units in Metro Manila, Cavite, Northern Luzon, and Southern Luzon areas have prepositioned their respective DRRTs as early as Friday in anticipation of typhoon “Pepeng.” Rescue operations by DRRT in Northern Luzon areas aided by naval reservists are in full swing as “Pepeng” battered Northern Luzon provinces. Other DRR teams are on standby to respond to distress calls by citizens and assist LGUs in their rescue and relief efforts to the locals.

The Navy’s DRR teams which are integrated into naval commands all over the country are always put on alert status during the typhoon season. According to Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez AFP, the alert status keeps the Navy DRRO teams ready for dispatch to respond to any emergency situation at any given time, or upon signal from the national government, or any LGU.

Navy Rescues Four Passengers from a Capsized Boat in Real, Quezon

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Sunday, 04 October 2009

Navy personnel aboard DF321 and M/B Mayon rescued four individuals from a banca that capsized 350 nautical miles off Puerto Real, Quezon, Thursday morning, 01 October 2009.

Reports reaching this Headquarters said that M/B RPN was bound for Puerto Real to buy provisions when they encountered strong winds and heavy rains that caused their banca to capsize. Navy personnel on board DF321 and M/B Mayon who saw the four floating in the open sea immediately rushed to the scene. The two Navy vessels were docked at the pier that time. Navy personnel threw life jackets and life rings to the distressed individuals and rescued the four with the assistance of a fisherman, Crisanto L Dumasian of F/B Golden Sea.

Rescued were Roberto P Gucilatar, the chief engineer and his three crew members: Jordan J Ramos, Cesar P Gucilatar, and Jessie D Juz. Their motor banca is owned by Quezon Governor Raffy P Nantes. None of the passengers were reportedly harmed by the incident. The four were turned over to local officials of Real, Quezon.

Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) which covers the area of Real has prepositioned Disaster Rescue and Response Teams (DRRT) in certain areas in time for typhoon “Pepeng.” With the shifting of the typhoon’s direction, NAVFORSOL’s DRRT remain on the alert for possible deployment and to respond anytime to any distress calls by the citizens. This clearly shows the Navy’s commitment in helping the national government uplift the welfare of the Filipinos.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Armed Men Blow Up Bridge in Sulu

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Saturday, 03 October 2009

A group of armed men believed to be followers of Tahil Sali, Ahadun Andak, and Abraham Joel blew up the Salaam Bridge in Indanan, Sulu late Thursday noon, 01 October 2009. An improvised explosive device (IED) triggered the explosion. No one was reported hurt in the incident.

The bridge is near the site of the 21 September 2009 attack where eight marines including an officer were killed in action. Suspected members of the MNLF and ASG have previously bombed the bridge. This recent attack rendered tbe bridge totally damaged and unpassable to vehicles that transport people as well as agricultural and domestic products to and from the capital town of jolo.

Investigation conducted by MBLT6 revealed that two hours before the explosion, the lawless group of Sali, Andak, and Joel with more or less 200 armed men were sighted at Sitio Taisan. The group of Joel with his followers then proceeded to the vicinity of Sitio Talatac, Brgy Bato-Bato and set an IED that later exploded at the Salaam Bridge.

Investigation also revealed that on the eve of 30 September, the group of Sali went to the MNLF camp in Brgy Langpas and reportedly borrowed a B40 RPG and 100 MNLF followers of Commander Gafur Hussein to augment the MNLF forces in Camp Marang.

The blowing up of the Salaam Bridge comes after the explosion that damaged the Dayuan Bridge in Indanan town at 10 PM, 29 September 2009. Dayuan Bridge about 4 kms from Jolo connects the capital town to Indanan town proper, Maimbung, and Parang. It remains passsable. No one was hurt during the explosion. Members of the bandit ASG are believed to be behind the explosion.
This abominable act of terrorism is an attack against the peace-loving citizens of Sulu who stand to suffer by the assault to their quest for peace existence.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Navy Deploys Rescue Teams as “Pepeng” Hits the Country

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Saturday, 03 October 2009

Navy Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRTs), anticipating worst case situation with “Pepeng” making a landfall in Northern Luzon, have been prepositioned in different areas needing immediate response in northern and southern Luzon including Metro Manila.

As of yesterday, 02 October 2009, Naval Forces Northern Luzon Commander Commo Jose Luis Alano has dispatched one DRRT prepositioned in Cagayan; two in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; one in Pangasinan; and two in Zambales. In Metro Manila, twelve DRRTs composed of 21 officers and 180 enlisted personnel established an Advanced Command Post in Minicipal Hall, Cainta, Rizal together with rescue teams from the Air Force and Army.

Monitoring and hearing PAG-ASA forecast on typhoon “Pepeng” that it will not hit Metro Manila, the Navy’s rescue teams in Metro Manila immediately shifted to relief operations for the victims of typhoon “Ondoy.”

As of press time, Captain Miguel Jose Rodriguez, Commander, Fleet-Marine Ready Force, and over-all in-charge of the Navy’s rescue teams led some 20 personnel of the Navy, together with Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan and Vice Mayor Arturo Sicat in distributing 4,500 packs of relief goods. The goods benefited flood-stricken families in the Greenwoods, Pag-ibig, and Mercedes Villages, and Sitio Arinda, all of Brgy San Juan, Cainta. Relief operations are ongoing in the area with ABS-CBN’s “Sagip Kapamilya.”

Meanwhile, one DRRT was dispatched to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte after residents alarmed the authorities of a possible landslide in the area. At 7:30 PM yesterday, 02 October 2009, another DRRT proceeded to the Parongking River, Brgy, Taliban, Calasiao, Pangasinan after receiving reports that a 13-yr old boy is missing and might have drowned in the river. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Commo Alano has directed the deployment of DRRTs to the following areas: Laoag, Ilocos Norte; Naval Base Camilo Osias, san Vicente, Cagayan; Aparri, Cagayan; Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao, Cagayan; Cabanatuan Heroes College, Balanga, Bataan; Northern Philippines College for Maritime Science and Technology, San Fernando City, La Union; and Naval Detachment Bonuan. Around 1,000 naval reservists in said areas have been alerted to assist Navy personnel during the conduct of rescue operations.

Also on high alert status are the two DRRTs of Naval Forces Southern Luzon composed of the following: 2 medical teams, 4 NAVSOU and 3 Reservist DRRT with a total of 8 officers and 39 enlisted personnel. The teams have 3 M35 trucks (6x6), 6 rubber boats with OBM, and 2 rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB).

Around 9:30 PM yesterday, 02 October 2009, the Navy together with composite elements from the PNP and other AFP units evacuated a total of 86 individuals from the San Pedro Relocation Center National High School to the Landayan Evacuation Center, San Pedro, Laguna. The evacuees included a pregnant woman, 68 children, and 17 adults. Fifteen sacks of relief goods were distributed to the evacuees around 10:30 PM.

Navy rescue teams have doubled up their preparation for typhoon “Pepeng.” Gaining lessons from “Ondoy’s” onslaught in Metro Manila and some areas in Luzon last week, Navy Chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez has directed unit commanders to preposition their rescue teams to areas where “Pepeng” is expected to hit.

Enemy Casualty in Latest Sulu Assault Climbs to 14; Fresh Troops to Arrive in Sulu

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Friday, 02 October 2009

Confirmed enemy fatalities in the latest assault on a tank infantry convoy in Sulu yesterday, 01 October 2009 have climbed to 14 while another battalion of marines deploys in the island province to augment security forces.

Field reports reaching this Headquarters said that security forces have recovered two more bodies bringing the total to five from three in yesterday’s attack by armed men led by Khabir Malik on MBLT-11 post in Bitan-ag, Panamao town. Three bodies recovered by MBLT-11 were identified as: Al- Bashir Malik Jadjaie, reportedly a cousin and close-in aide of Ustadz Malik; Nidzmi Arkani Tahang; and Aswads Laguindin. Two more bodies, that of Darwin Hassan and Hamid Mudar Saipudin were later identified and reported by the PNP-Panamao.

Intelligence information recovered from residents in the area have reported that nine more attackers died when Marines from 311th Marine Company ferociously repulsed the aggressors in a foiled assault. Three of them were reported to be that of a certain Apek and a certain Apud (last names unknown), and one Murphy Siraje. Six more aggressors who died in the unsuccessful attack are undergoing identification.

MBLT-11 led by Lt Col Hernani Songano linked up with the EOD Team of the 2nd Marine Brigade in Brgy Seit, Panamao to detonate IEDs and clear the area from landmines when they were ambushed in Bitan-ag. The attack lasted for more than an hour.

Aside from the attack in Bitan-ag yesterday, unidentified armed men also harrassed the 26 MC detachment in Brgy Kagay, Indanan, Sulu. No casualties were reported during the incident.

Meanwhile, the AFP beefs up its troops conducting security operations in the island province as a battalion of marines with their implements boards Philippine Navy Vessel BRP Dagupan City (LC551). MBLT7 under the command of Maj Arnel Tolato will serve both as a deterrent and as a maneuver force. MBLT-7 based in Basilan province is tasked to prevent lawless groups from perpetrating lawlessness in downtown Jolo and reinforce Marine units in case of attacks.

Humanitarian and development projects remain primordial in the agenda of the Philippine Navy. Combat operations and law enforcement action had to be resorted to however so as to protect innocent civilians from the lawless groups that prey on peace-loving Suluanos. “The faster we get rid of these threat groups, the faster we revert to humanitarian and development projects to benefit the people of Sulu,” says Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy.

Media Release and Statement from Navy Public Affairs Office 01Oct 09

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Thursday, 01 October 2009

Marines from 311th Company of MBLT 11 in Bitan-ag,Panamao, Sulu repulsed an attack by unidentified group of armed men.

In a field report by MGen Ben Dolorfino, CG, WestMinCom to VAdm Ferdinand Golez, Navy Flag Officer in Command, the incident that happened 1105AM of 01 October 2009 left 3 (body recovered) dead and scores others from the attackers wounded when the Marines ferociously engaged the enemy and fire support from government troops came.

The Navy leadership grieves the loss of an officer and the wounding of 9 other enlisted marines (names withheld). Recovered from the periphery are: A 90mm Recoiless Rifle (bazooka) with 4 live ammos and a spent shell; and two M16, AK-47, and one Garand rifle.

Fleet-Marine units in the area will remain vigilant and prepared to foil every assault in our units that defend the peace and security in that island province. There will be no let up in development endeavors in Sulu amidst the pursuit operations on-going against the perpetrators.(End).

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Navy Cleans Up Ondoy’s Mess in Sta Mesa






By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Thursday, 01 October 2009

The Philippine Navy mobilized its personnel for a massive clean-up drive in Old Sta Mesa, Manila yesterday morning, 30 September 2009. Armed with assorted cleaning gears, the Navy also brought two firetrucks, five M35 trucks, and an ambulance.

Team Navy composed of 35 officers, 463 enlisted personnel, with three medical officers assisted residents of Zone 59, 6th District, Old Sta Mesa in cleaning up the piles of garbage and debris in the aftermath of “Ondoy.” The Navy also assisted residents in the adjacent barangays of San Juan, Progreso, and Batis. Navy personnel hauled the volume of garbage from residential homes to nearby thoroughfares for easier loading into garbage trucks. The Navy also hosed down the streets after it was free from garbage. At the height of the typhoon, floodwaters reached as high as 4 meters deep.

At 1:45 pm, the medical team rushed a resident, Mr Rufino Jutohot to the nearest hospital after he collapsed while helping in the clean-up. Mr Jutohot was reportedly suffering from diabetes and high-blood pressure. The activity which was finished past 5pm significantly reduced the volume of trash and garbage in the streets and main thoroughfares.

REAR ADMIRAL DANILO M CORTEZ, Vice Commander, Philippine Navy and REAR ADMIRAL FELICIANO A ANGUE, Chief of Naval Staff personally supervised the activity as part of the Navy’s efforts to help alleviate the plight of “Ondoy” victims. The activity at Sta Mesa is the Navy’s contribution to the AFP’s massive clean-up drive where the Army was sent to clean up Marikina, Air Force to Pasig, and GHQ to Cainta.

Navy Alerts Anew its Disaster Relief Response Teams for "Pepeng"

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Thursday, 01 October 2009

As Typhoon "Pepeng" threatens to hit Northern Luzon, "We have placed all Philippine Navy units on 'Red Alert' and prepositioned in key areas", assures Commodore Jose Luis Alano, the Commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon.

A Disaster Relief Response Team (DRRT) was fielded in Cagayan Province, 2 Teams in La Union, a Team in Pangasinan, and 2 Teams (from Naval Education and Training Command) in Zambales. Each DRRT is manned by an Officer and 15 Enlisted Personnel. They are equipped with rubber boats, portable generators, life saving kits, and M35 trucks.

They have also put on alert status Naval Reservists residing in Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, and Nueva Ecija. They have undergone disaster response trainings which are the expertise presently needed.

Philippine Navy units are pre-organized and equipped as DRRTs and are suited for deployment at a moment’s notice. These DRRTs may be attached with local National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), the latter being primarily tasked to respond to emergencies. (End)