59 Cadets from PMA Join the Philippine Navy

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

Wednesday, 03 March 2010

Among the 226 graduates of “Masidlak” (Mandirigmang Sibol ng Dakilang Lahing Kayumangi) Class of 2010 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), fifty-nine strong members are added to the roster of the Philippine Navy officers. They were commissioned in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and will bear the rank as Ensigns after their graduation from the Philippine Military Academy Monday, 01 March 2010. The group is composed of 50 males and nine females.

Jhonson Riveza Gonzales, 22, of Zone 1 Del Rosario, Pamplona, Camarines Sur who placed 4th in the PMA Graduation Merit Roll will be the Class Marcher of the Navy Group. He received the Philippine Navy Saber from Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez AFP, the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy for being the top graduate of the cadets joining the Navy. Ensign Gonzales also received the Professional Courses Plaque, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award for being number 1 in the Navy Service Core Courses, and the JUSMAG (Joint United States Military Advisory Group) Award for being the top Graduate of the Philippine Navy. He was also a recipient of the Distinguished Cadet Award or commonly known in the Academy as “Starman” for making it to the Dean’s List for two semesters and Commandant’s List for three semesters during the school year 2009-2010.

The other 49 male cadets joining the Navy are: Mark Aca, Rodanim Acleta, Alfie Agarao, Roli Angelo Amihan, Michael Andres, John Carlos Bandiola, Clyde Jade Banggollay, Neil Laurence Bolivar, Chibar Bullos, Joseph Michael Caoile, Mildner Cawi, Sammy Froilan Costina, Glenn de Luna, Gino Dominic Diño, John Frederick Gaunia, Julius Giron, Jhonson Gonzales, Nino Hilvano, Floriano Laberinto Jr, Vincent Larida, Kurl Winston Layugan, Hazam Licyayo, Bryan Magura, Christian Malabanan, Harold Malazzab, Jesus Daniel Martinez, Jonathan Migabon, Benedict Milo, Protacio Mofan Jr, Nujim Mosquiza, Aries Olarve, Andre Neil Osoya, Clifford Pacatang, Kelvin John Paganaje, Roy Albert Paller, Geraldson Pascual, Dexter Pasiliao, Randy Peria, Paolo Pormento, Ramon Rabino Jr, Joey Roxas, Gerald John Sambaan, , Peter Mark Santos, Delmar Sarsagat, Lemuel Sarzua, Avelino Sibbaluca Jr, Christopher Tobias, Robart Anthony Toribio, Ricardo Paulo Villarba II and Francis Lou Wong.

The nine female cadets joining the Navy are: Karla Nicole Albano, Angelica Bello, Joy Bermundo, Jona Boglosa, Mariejun Camayang, Brigitte de Vera, Catherine Estrada, Gessyka Maria Fronda, and Eden Rose Santiago.

Among the 59 members, seven of them signified their intention of joining the Philippine Marine Corps, two of which are females. Before taking their first assignment in the field or aboardship, the new graduates will take up basic officer courses. For those who will join the Philippine Fleet, they will have the Naval Officer Basic Course (NOBC) in Naval Education and Training Command in San Antonio, Zambales for 8 months while those who will be joining the Philippine Marine Corps will have the Marine Officers Basic Course (MOBC) in Marine Base Ternate.

Philippine Navy Ties Up with Shipping Company for Cheap Boat Rides Home

Cheaper Boat Rides Home. The Philippine Navy and Aboitiz Transport System and Corporation (ATSC) contract by way of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Tuesday, 02 March 2010 at the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Blvd, Manila. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez (3rd from L), Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy signs the Agreement in behalf of the Philippine Navy while Ms Evelyn L Engel (2nd from L), EVP & CEO of Super Ferry signs in behalf of ATSC. The MOA grants discounted rates to Navy personnel and their dependents on all Super Ferry trips. The special discount rate extends to non-uniformed personnel, civilian employees, and retired Navy personnel. Captain Robert A Empedrad (4th from L), Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Personnel and Mr Andrew Deyto, VP for Sales and Marketing witness the signing.



Ties that Bind. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez and Ms Evelyn Engel formalize the Navy- Aboitiz Company partnership with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement at the Navy Headquarters. Ms Engel said the move will bolster the cooperation between the Navy and Aboitiz who closely worked together when Superferry 9 sank in the waters of Zamboanga del Norte on 09 September 2009 where the Navy’s quick response saved 442 passengers. Vice Admiral Golez lauded the initiative that will make bonding among Navy personnel and their families easier than before. The partnership will also pave the way for a strengthened anti-terror effort by the Navy aboard SF vessels.



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

Tuesday, 02 March 2010

Families of Philippine Navy Sailors and Marines will soon be reunited easily and more frequently beginning today, 02 March 2010. This follows from the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy and Ms Evelyn Engel, Executive Vice President and CEO of Aboitiz Transport System and Corporation (ATSC). Through the said agreement, ATSC agrees to extend a special discount rate to non-uniformed personnel, civilian employees, and retired members of the Navy and all their qualified dependents. The ATSC has provided prevailing rates to all routes that it has identified. The MOA is valid for a period of one year.

In her speech during the ceremony, Ms Engel said the move will bolster the cooperation between the Navy and Aboitiz Company who have closely worked together when Superferry 9 sank in the waters of Zamboanga del Norte on 09 September 2009. Ms Engel recognized the Navy’s quick response that saved 442 passengers of the SF 9. It can be recalled that the vessels dispatched by the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command were the first government assets to arrive in the area to conduct search and rescue operations.

For his part, Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy cited that with the mutual agreement, bonding among families of Navy personnel is now affordable at a very reasonable price.

Through its corporate offices and branches nationwide, ATSC shall extend guaranteed Lowest Tripid Fare on all Superferry trips, provided that the Navy and its members shall meet and comply with all the requirements and follow the procedure set forth. Aside from the military ID, ATSC may also request for additional IDs.

This initiative is among the many projects of the Command that seeks to provide for the basic needs of the Sailors and Marines.

Navy Sends Off Sailors and Marines for Balikatan 2010

All Set for Balikatan 2010. The Philippine Marines’ Light Amphibious Riverine Craft (LARC) and V300 tanks will see action in amphibious landing exercises in the beaches of Ternate, Cavite. The Philippine Marine Corps will join their American counterparts in a series of activities aimed at enhancing their capability in combating terrorism. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez in his speech during the send-off ceremony at the Navy Headquarters cited the Fleet-Marine Team’s insights and capabilities in jungle warfare as a great contribution of the Philippine Navy during the Balikatan Exercises in the past.



All Set for Balikatan 2010. The Navy’s Bolkow Helicopter (PNH 411) hovers while a Destroyer Escort Vessel BRP Rajah Humabon (PF 11) maneuvers during the send-off ceremony on 02 March 2010. Around 950 Sailors and Marines, and six other floating and air assets participate in the Balikatan 2010 which formally commences in 09 March. Five other vessels and an Islander aircraft will be involved in a series of anti-terror drills in the areas of Northern Luzon, San Antonio, Zambales, Subic, and Cavite. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy enjoined the Sailors and Marines during the send-off ceremony to showcase “what the Philippine Navy Fleet-Marine Team is really made of”, especially in contributing to their American counterparts our competency in fighting the enemy while winning the hearts and minds of the people.



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

Tuesday, 02 March 2010

The Philippine Navy sends off this morning, 02 March 2010 its personnel and assets participating in the Balikatan 2010 which formally starts in 09 March. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy led the simple rites at the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Blvd, Manila for some 933 Sailors and Marines participating in the annual exercises with the US.

Two Navy vessels- BRP Rajah Humabon (PF 11) and BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS 36) now docked at the Commo Yutadco Pier, Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Cavite City, one Bolkow chopper and the Marines’ Light Amphibious Riverine Craft (LARC) and a B300 tank were prepositioned at the Navy Headquarters for the ceremonial send-off. Other participating vessels during the Balikatan are BRP Dagupan City (LC 551), and BRP Leopoldo Regis (PG 847), DF 336, and DF 351. The Navy’s aircraft, PNH 411 and PNI 312 will also see action in the areas of Northern Luzon, San Antonio, Zambales, and Subic together with elements from the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG). Meanwhile, members of the Philippine Marine Corps will hold the amphibious landing exercises in the beaches of Ternate, Cavite with their US counterparts.

In his speech during the ceremony, Vice Admiral Golez enjoined the participants to showcase in the Balikatan “what the Philippine Navy Fleet-Marine Team is really made of.”

“I know for a fact that the Navy’s insights on counterinsurgency, civil-military affairs and jungle warfare, among many other inherent capabilities of our Fleet-Marine team, will be greatly useful in the said exercises. With all these, what our Fleet-Marine team will therefore contribute to our American counterparts in the exercise are the integration of efforts to fight the enemy, how to win the hearts and minds of the populace; and, of course, jungle survival, which AFP men and women are generally known for,” Admiral Golez said.

Admiral Golez also expressed optimism that cooperation between US and Philippine forces through the Balikatan would continue to bind the two governments’ resolve in defeating the scourge of terrorism and also between the peoples of the two countries in seeking a common vision of peace, freedom, and prosperity.

Balikatan 2010 is comprised of various events such as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercises (EODEX)/Diving Exercise (DIVEX), and Combined Afloat Staff Planning. During the phase of the exercise different evolutions aboard ship will be conducted that include the Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), seamanship, and boat raid. These series of activities is a test of the operational skills of the Sailors and Marines, especially in applying the concept of Fleet-Marine operations.

Prior the formal opening ceremony in 09 March, Balikatan already kicked off in the areas of Northern Luzon where a series of community relations projects have been conducted by participating personnel from the AFP and the US Armed Forces.

Marine Killed in Action in Latest Sulu Encounter A Veteran of Fierce Encounters in the South

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

Tuesday, 23 February 2010

The Marine killed in action during Sunday’s clash in Maimbung, Sulu with the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group had survived fierce encounters in the South in the recent past. Staff Sergeant Eliseo D Salo was known to have risked his own life to rush to wounded comrades in the heat of battle and even save innocent civilians caught in the firefight.

Corporal Cyrus A Talite who served under Salo’s team for five years described his team leader as someone who bravely faced the danger to save others. He recounts an encounter with the MILF sometime in 2000 in Matanog, Maguindanao when Salo crawled under a rain of fire to extract a wounded comrade who finally succumbed to a gunshot wound. Talite also recalls the June 2009 ambush by the Abu Sayyaf to members of MBLT 6 and PNP in Indanan when Salo rushed to wounded comrades.

In 2005 while carrying out Oplan Ultimatum in Indanan, Sulu, Salo rescued two children caught in the firefight in the hills of Bud Daho. A bullet only razed Salo’s shirt but he was unharmed. It was also in the same year, in Luuk, Sulu when Salo singlehandedly disarmed an ASG member of his M14 rifle and bolo during an operation. Salo’s team arrested two other ASG that time and turned them over to the local police in Jolo, Sulu.

Salo, a member of the Marine’s elite unite, the Force Reconnaissance Company (FRC), has figured in the successful operation in September 2006 that killed ASG leader Khadaffy Janjalani in Patikul, Sulu. In 2000, he was awarded the Gold Cross Medal in recognition of his gallantry in action while serving as a member of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 (MBLT 4) during the offensive and clearing operation of the MILF’s training center in Maguindanao.

For his part, 1LT CHARLIE CAÑA, who was Salo’s Commanding Officer in the FRC for two years, described his subordinate as “the most trusted”. “He knows how to encourage his teammates to carry out their tasks no matter how risky. He’s whole-hearted, matapang (brave), one of the best”, CaÑa, adds.

Salo, 32, of Misamis Oriental joined the Marines as a trainee in December 1997. He was immediately deployed to Patikul, Sulu upon graduation in May 1998 as a member of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 (MBLT 4). As befits soldiers who died in battle, the Philippine Marine Corps will render honors to SSgt Salo who will be awarded the Posthomous Wounded Medal.

Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez condoles with the family of Ssgt Salo. He vows the Navy will sustain its Fleet-Marine operations to rid the island-province of bandit and terror groups who continue to sow fear among the local populace. Vice Admiral Golez adds that the Navy remains committed to bringing peace and development in the South with a two-pronged approach—combat operations and humanitarian missions.

25 Captains, 10 Colonels Promoted in the Navy

Lieutenant Colonel Edgard A Arevalo PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

22 February 2010

Twenty-five Captains and 10 Colonels were added to the roster of senior officers of the Philippine Navy. Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue, Chief of Naval Staff, presided the donning of their rank insignias during the Monday morning colors today, 22 February 2010 at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila.

The 35 Fleet- Marine Officers who were promoted to the ranks of Navy Captains and Marine Colonels are: Commanders Rommel Jude G Ong, Rey T dela Cruz, Erick A Kagaoan, Loumer P Bernabe, Rosauro M Sarmiento, Noel M de Vera, Rommel Jayson L Galang, Adeluis S Bordado, Joseph Melvin A Guevarra, Alberto A Cruz, Ramil Roberto B Enriquez, Opiniano M Jayme Jr, Restituto Q Bilbao Jr, Rigoberto O Banta, Francisco O Gabudao, Socimo F de Guzman Jr, Reginald B Rapanan, Alberto B Carlos, Nichols A Driz, Elpidio F Francisco, Cesar M Martinez, Rufino G Arias Jr, Ruel S Saonoy, Renato B Yongque, Carlito L Barizo, Lieutenant Colonels Elmer R Estilles, Martin G Villasan, Nathaniel Y Casem, Eugene Erwin R Martinez, Fernando R Gomez, Ferdinand M Fraginal, Raul Jesus L Caldez, Ariel R Caculitan, Jeson P Cabatbat and Jose P Cabanban. The ad-interim of their appointment was approved by Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo effective as of 06 February 2010.

Also present during the ceremony were Rear Admiral Geronimo Defensor, Commander, Philippine Fleet; Commodore Robert C Noblefranca, Commander Naval Construction Brigade; Commodore Zyril D Carlos, Commander, Patrol Force; Colonel Bernardo C Ferrer, Commander, Naval Reserve Command; Captain Philip L Cacayan, Commander Assault Craft Force; and other senior officers of the Navy and Marines.

Rear Admiral Angue encouraged these newly-promoted officers to be firm and vigorous in carrying out their duties and responsibilities as the Navy implements its Sail Plan 2020. He also recognized their efforts and achievements in attaining their hard-earned ranks through hard work and dedication to the service.

Marines Clash vs. ASG, 6 Terrorists Dead

By: Lieutenant Colonel Edgard A Arevalo PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

21 February 2010

Marines under the Operational Control of Joint Task Force Comet, aided by Naval Barrier from Patrol Gunboats of the Philippine Fleet and Close Air Support from assault aircrafts of the Philippine Air Force clashed with the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group 7AM of 21 February 2010. BGen Rustico Guerrero Commander of JTF COMET reports to MGEN Juancho Sabban, Commandant of Philippine Marine Corps, that elite composite group of Marines from 2nd and 3rd Marine Brigades based in Sulu clashed with the bandit group led by Albader Parad and Dr. Abu at the vicinity of Sitio Kandang Tukay, Karawan in Maimbung, Sulu. Fierce firefight ensued for about an hour. As a result of the decisive surgical combat operations, bodies of 6 dead terrorists were recovered. Four firearms were also recovered-- a Belgian FN rifle, 2 M203 grenade launcher, and a Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). Three Marines wounded and now at the trauma hospital in Camp Bautista.

This is a severe blow vs. ASG leadership but a major victory for the peace-loving people of Sulu who had been cooperating with our Marines by providing vital information about the bandit group.

This has been the third in a series of deliberate attacks by the Fleet-Marine Team backed by Air Force assault aircrafts. These law enforcement action by the Marines came in the heels of the atrocities the bandit ASG continue to perpetrate.

The Navy leadership will continue to spearhead operations to hunt down the remnants of the terrorist group following the case build-up that led to the arrest of Jumdail Arad in Pier 2 in North Harbor, Manila 5:15 PM Thu 18 February 2010.

ASG Member Kidnapper of Gracia Burnham Arrested

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

Thursday, 18 February 2010

The long arm of the law has finally caught up with a suspected member of the dreaded terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group after hiding for nearly nine years. Jumadail Arad -- also known by the aliases Abu Hurayra and Asim Mangkabong Absar -- the reported speedboat operator of that daring kidnapping of the spouses Gracia and Martin Burnham and Guillermo Subero at the Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan in 27 May 2001 was arrested after over two months of intense surveillance operations by the naval intelligence.

Armed with warrants of arrest issued against him for the crimes of Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention, Murder, and Frustrated Murder, the joint team of navy intelligence operatives and elements of Southern Police District arrested the Abu Sayyaf Group member at around 5:15 PM of 18 February 2010. Arad was flagged down at the gate of Pier 2 in North Harbor in the City of Manila while he was on board a shuttle bus provided by the shipping company from Muntinlupa City where he resides to the pier where he is to board a ship bound to Zamboanga City. He initially denied his identity when he was accosted by the lawmen but had to later on submit himself to the arresting authorities when he was presented with his photographs attached to his arrest warrant.

According to MGen Juancho M Sabban, the Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps in his report to Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, the Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, Jumadail Arad has been in hiding since 2001. According to the said report, Arad laid low after Aldam Tilao a.k.a. Abu Sabaya, Hamsiraji Sali, and Khadaffy Janjalani -- top honchos of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group – were neutralized separately during fierce encounters with the security forces led by the Marines. Arad falsely believed that he has already eluded arrest after a lapse of more than nine years that he was just moving around Metro Manila and Mindanao unabated and undisturbed by lawmen.

Jumadail Arad from the Tausug tribe and a native of Patikul, Sulu was reportedly in an errand for ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon to buy ammunition when arrested. He is presently under the custody of the Philippine National Police.

The Fleet-Marine Team relentlessly pursues terrorists and enemies of the state. It shall continue its resort to ways and means to arrests the remnants of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group to free our fellow citizens from fear. These bandits may run for a while, but they cannot run and elude arrest forever.