Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Navy Chief affirms commitment to the defense of country

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

Wednesday, 23 September 2009

“Your Navy today remains committed to the defense of a united archipelagic Philippines and the security of our maritime economy.” This was the assurance given by Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy to students of Miriam College, Quezon City during a lecture on “Philippines: A Maritime Power” on 22 September 2009.

This commitment according to the Navy Chief is anchored on the Navy vision as enunciated in the PN Strategic Sail Plan: that “by 2020, the Navy shall be strong and credible that the Philippines as a maritime nation can be proud of.” “This Sail Plan,” Admiral Golez adds, “serves as a blueprint for evolving towards a more responsive maritime institution that can address the needs of the Navy’s various stakeholders.”

Admiral Golez expounded on the Navy’s three traditional roles: military, constabulary, and diplomatic. He also cited the Navy’s efforts in Mindanao. “At this time, as I speak before you, your Navy is out there principally in the Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi archipelago leading the way as the main security force in that part of the country. As envisioned, we aim to attain genuine peace in this area in Mindanao as a prelude to its progress and development,” he said.

Admiral Golez also cited tha Navy’s recent involvement in humanitarian mission where the Navy was the main effort during the search and rescue oeprations in the sinking of Super Ferry 9. He also cited Navy ship BRP Quezon, PS 70 which delievered diesel fuel for Napocor in the island province of Batanes, as well as transported basic commodities for residents in the area. “If the Navy can lead the way in these representative areas of our country, there is no reason why we will not be as relevant for the entire nation,” Vice Admiral Golez declared.

The lecture is part of the celebration of the College of International, Humanitarian and Development Studies (CIHDS) Week of Miriam College. Dr Leticia Ramos Shahani, Dean of CIHDS and one of the authors of the PN Strategic Sail Plan 2020 invited Admiral Golez to deliver a lecture before students of the College.

Part of the FOIC, PN’s lecture was the screening of the Navy instituitonal videos to introduce the Navy to the students. The PMC Quartet Band wowed the students with their song numbers. Joining the FOIC, PN are Maj Gen Juancho Sabban, Commandant, Philippine Marine Corps, Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez, Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue, Chief of Naval Staff, and officers and enlisted personnel from the Fleet-Marine units in the Manila-Cavite area.

FOIC, PN Expresses Condolences to the Marine KIA

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

Monday, 21 September 2009

Vadm Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer in Command expresses the condolences of the Philippine Navy to eight members (including an officer) of the Philippine Marine Corps who were killed in action in Sitio Talatac, Brgy Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu 1:50 pm today 21 September 2009. Nine of the Marines were wounded in a daring singular attack by around 100 terrorist Abu Sayyaf reportedly led by Dr. Abu against the passing 6-vehicle convoy.

The Marines from 4th Battalion were enroute back to headquarters after a successful operation that led to the successful retaking of Brgy. Buansa in Indanan yesterday when ambushed. The M-35 (6X6) truck the victims were boarding was hit by a Rocket Propelled Grenade bursting it into flame. The Marines instantaneously fired back inflicting casualties on their ambushers. Intel reports indicate that 3 were killed and around 5 wounded.

Security Forces from JTF Comet headed by MGen Ben D Dolorfino are bracing for retaliatory attacks like this one that followed shortly the flag-raising ceremony held 10:00 AM today in the once ASG-held camp. We will not allow terrorist groups and their Jemaah Islamiya cohorts to continue with their atrocities. These recent casualties from our ranks will not deter gov’t forces from seizing the momentum in these renewed surgical offensives these lawless groups who launch attacks even during Ramadan. (End)

Navy Ship Rescues 9 Passengers of Capsized Boat in Cotabato City

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

Wednesday, 23 September 2009

The Philippine Navy’s Diesel Fast Craft (DF 323) rescued nine passengers of a capsized ferry boat in Cotabato City yesterday, 22 September 2009.

In a report sent by Cdr Elpidio Francisco, Commander, Naval Task Group 73 (CNTG 73) to Navy Chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, DF 323 was on its way yesterday noon to Palembang, east of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat when it was stopped by a motor boat who informed the Navy of the incident. Upon getting clearance from CNTG 73, PO3 James Collado, DF 323 boat captain immediately rushed to the rescue scene and recovered the nine passengers of F/B Pamela 7 in the vicinity off Lubong Pt, between Cotabato City and Kalamansig around 11pm.

F/B Pamela 7 with 20 passengers on board was bound for Kalamansig from Cotabato City when it capsized around 2pm Monday, 21 September 2009 due to rough seas. The incident however was not reported. The 11 other passengers who had been rescued earlier by a motor boat were brought to Cotabato City. The passengers rescued by the Navy- 7 males, 1 female and a child were ferried to Kalamansig last night.

The Navy’s immediate response that saved lives anew manifests its multi-faceted role that includes non-combat missions such as search and rescue operations during times of emergencies and natural calamities.