By: Lieutenant Colonel Edgard A Arevalo PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
15 April 2010
One of the Marines killed in action during the encounter with the ASG in Basilan was set to become a priest before finding himself in the rugged terrains of Ternate as a trainee of the Philippine Marines. Corporal Jerome Verzola, a 30-year old Bicolano from Sorsogon dreamt of joining the Philippine Military Academy but was discouraged by his parents. Instead he entered a seminary in Baguio City before finally earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminology in 2000. In 2002, Cpl Verzola became a member of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 7.
A champion racer during his civilian days and a computer buff, the late Cpl Verzola was known to his peers as a jolly person. According to 2Lt Beryl Charity Bacolcol, Acting Commanding Officer of the 73rd Armor Company based in Isabela City, Verzola was a very professional soldier who saw to the welfare of his juniors. “He was called ‘bunso’ by his peers in the Brigade because of his looks but when the second batch of female marines (9 in all) arrived in the Brigade this month, the ‘bunso’ suddenly became a ‘kuya’ to the new Marine recruits,” 2Lt Bacolcol recounts.
Cpl Verzola, together with Private First Class Francis Vibal and Private First Class Anastacio Giron were given a heroes welcome this afternoon, 15 April 2010 at the Marine Headquarters in Taguig City. Maj Gen Juancho a Sabban, Commandant, Philippine Marine Corps led officers and enlisted personnel in paying their last respects to their late comrades. The three were awarded the Posthumous Wounded Medal.
Pfc Giron, 27 from Antique and Pfc Vibal, 31 from Camarines Sur are both members of MBLT1. Giron who joined the Marines in 2006 is a champion marathoner. Pfc Vibal who has been with the Marines since 2005 is no stranger to the call of duty being married to a policewoman. Both men are described by their commander as loyal and have a high respect for authority.
The three were killed in action when they clashed with members of ASG in Isabela City last Tuesday. The three were part of the security forces dispatched after a bomb planted by the ASG exploded.
Security forces in Basilan have beefed up their operations to prevent a repeat of the incident. The Navy has also deployed its patrol gunboats to conduct maritime barrier patrol and interdiction operation to frustrate reinforcement or escape of the perpetrators.
“The death of these three gallant Marines may be costly a price to pay for the call of duty. But they know and willingly risked their lives but were killed in the process. In the end, they secured the Basilenos and thwart what could be the Abu Sayyaf Group’s grand plan to raid Isabela City and cause massive death and destruction.”
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Navy Spearheads Maritime Senior Leaders Seminar in Manila
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Thursday, 08 April 2010
The Philippine Navy spearheads the two-day Maritime Senior Leaders Seminar (SLS), 07-08 April 2010 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Manila. The forum gathers senior Navy leaders from Southeast Asian countries, the US, and Philippines for information fusion in varied and complex security issues such as terrorism, smuggling, transnational crimes, and maritime situational awareness.
With this year’s theme “Strengthening Inter-operability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) through CARAT,” the two-day forum provides a venue among the attendees to collectively discuss, assess, and generate the ways ahead on the perceived issues or problems that may affect operations planning and course of action development in the conduct of HADR through CARAT. The Cooperation Afloat Readiness Training (CARAT) is a military exercise conducted every year between the Philippine and US Navies. The Philippines, along with other ASEAN navies, participate every year in the Southeast Asia Cooperation Training (SEACAT) Exercise. Both involve a series of activities and drills aimed at employing skills and tactics in combating terrorism, transnational crimes, and maritime security threats.
Commo Jose Luis Alano, Commander, Naval Forces Northern Luzon and Commo Miguel Jose Rodriguez, Commander, Fleet-Marine Ready Force shared their experiences in conducting HADR during the Typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng”. Commo Alano discussed disaster response and humanitarian assistance in the rural setting highlighting his Command’s efforts in the areas of Ilocos Norte and Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, and Zambales. Commo Rodriguez meanwhile talked on how Fleet-Marine disaster response teams in the Manila-Cavite area undertook search, rescue, and humanitarian operations in the affected areas of Manila and Rizal Province.
The Maritime SLS is an annual convention of ASEAN Flag Officers participating in CARAT/SEACAT bilateral exercises and serves as a venue for the planning and rationalization of CARAT/SEACAT, and has been co-hosted by the Singaporean Navy since 1995. The Philippine Navy is co-hosting the event with the US Navy this year.
The convention this year will focus on strengthening the navies’ capability to interoperate and jointly conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations during catastrophes. The participants will collectively take a hard look on the lessons learned during the onslaught of disasters and seek closer collaboration for a timely joint humanitarian action.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Thursday, 08 April 2010
The Philippine Navy spearheads the two-day Maritime Senior Leaders Seminar (SLS), 07-08 April 2010 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Manila. The forum gathers senior Navy leaders from Southeast Asian countries, the US, and Philippines for information fusion in varied and complex security issues such as terrorism, smuggling, transnational crimes, and maritime situational awareness.
With this year’s theme “Strengthening Inter-operability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) through CARAT,” the two-day forum provides a venue among the attendees to collectively discuss, assess, and generate the ways ahead on the perceived issues or problems that may affect operations planning and course of action development in the conduct of HADR through CARAT. The Cooperation Afloat Readiness Training (CARAT) is a military exercise conducted every year between the Philippine and US Navies. The Philippines, along with other ASEAN navies, participate every year in the Southeast Asia Cooperation Training (SEACAT) Exercise. Both involve a series of activities and drills aimed at employing skills and tactics in combating terrorism, transnational crimes, and maritime security threats.
Commo Jose Luis Alano, Commander, Naval Forces Northern Luzon and Commo Miguel Jose Rodriguez, Commander, Fleet-Marine Ready Force shared their experiences in conducting HADR during the Typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng”. Commo Alano discussed disaster response and humanitarian assistance in the rural setting highlighting his Command’s efforts in the areas of Ilocos Norte and Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, and Zambales. Commo Rodriguez meanwhile talked on how Fleet-Marine disaster response teams in the Manila-Cavite area undertook search, rescue, and humanitarian operations in the affected areas of Manila and Rizal Province.
The Maritime SLS is an annual convention of ASEAN Flag Officers participating in CARAT/SEACAT bilateral exercises and serves as a venue for the planning and rationalization of CARAT/SEACAT, and has been co-hosted by the Singaporean Navy since 1995. The Philippine Navy is co-hosting the event with the US Navy this year.
The convention this year will focus on strengthening the navies’ capability to interoperate and jointly conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations during catastrophes. The participants will collectively take a hard look on the lessons learned during the onslaught of disasters and seek closer collaboration for a timely joint humanitarian action.
Maritime Security Forum in La Union
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Wednesday, 07 April 2010
Director Hernie Mendoza II, Chairman of Bio Fuels/Bio Power Committee addresses participants during the Maritime Security Forum Northern Luzon at Poro Pt, La Union on 05 April 2010. The one-day symposium attended by the Navy’s top Fleet commanders, heads and representatives from both the private and government sectors like the Philippine Coast Guard, The Philippine National Police, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency among other government institutions from all over the country attended the forum. The meeting provided cooperation and awareness for maritime security to thwart the threats of piracy, smuggling, illegal trafficking, terrorism, and transnational crimes in the Northern Luzon maritime area. The attendees signed a manifesto affirming their commitment to protect the waters of Northern Luzon from lawless elements and economic saboteurs.
Members of the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) aboard a rigid hull inflatable boat engage a civilian vessel during a drill on board and search in a capability demonstration in Poro Pt, La Union, 05 April 2010. The drill tests the capability of the NAVSOG in intercepting lawless elements and employ appropriate measures in dealing with pirates during real-life situations. The capability demonstration was part of the Maritime Security Forum hosted by the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) Command and gathered representatives from both the government and private sectors to address maritime security threats in the region. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy and Commodore Jose Luis M Alano, Commander, NFNL spearheaded the activity.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Wednesday, 07 April 2010
Director Hernie Mendoza II, Chairman of Bio Fuels/Bio Power Committee addresses participants during the Maritime Security Forum Northern Luzon at Poro Pt, La Union on 05 April 2010. The one-day symposium attended by the Navy’s top Fleet commanders, heads and representatives from both the private and government sectors like the Philippine Coast Guard, The Philippine National Police, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency among other government institutions from all over the country attended the forum. The meeting provided cooperation and awareness for maritime security to thwart the threats of piracy, smuggling, illegal trafficking, terrorism, and transnational crimes in the Northern Luzon maritime area. The attendees signed a manifesto affirming their commitment to protect the waters of Northern Luzon from lawless elements and economic saboteurs.
Members of the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) aboard a rigid hull inflatable boat engage a civilian vessel during a drill on board and search in a capability demonstration in Poro Pt, La Union, 05 April 2010. The drill tests the capability of the NAVSOG in intercepting lawless elements and employ appropriate measures in dealing with pirates during real-life situations. The capability demonstration was part of the Maritime Security Forum hosted by the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) Command and gathered representatives from both the government and private sectors to address maritime security threats in the region. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy and Commodore Jose Luis M Alano, Commander, NFNL spearheaded the activity.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Navy Supports Gawin ang Tama Movement
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Monday, 29 March 2010
In its pursuit to develop the character and values of its troops, the Philippine Navy joins the launching of Gawin ang Tama Movement on Sunday, 28 March 2010 at Global City, Taguig City. The Character Building Foundation, Inc and the Weber Shandwick Worldwide spearhead the launching with the theme “The Way to Peace-Gawin ang Tama.”
The Philippine Navy shares the advocacy of Gawin ang Tama Movement in espousing strong positive character through education and information for building a progressive nation. The highlight of the activity was the street parade from Global City to McKinley Hill, Taguig City. This was participated by all sectors of the society like the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Bantay-Bayan Foundation Inc. youth organizations, other sectoral groups and non-government organizations who believe in the Gawin ang Tama Movement.
The Navy’s participation to the advocacy of Gawin ang Tama Movement does not end after the street parade but will be a personal commitment of every Sailor and Marine to uphold what is right in the pursuit of lasting peace, progress and development.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Monday, 29 March 2010
In its pursuit to develop the character and values of its troops, the Philippine Navy joins the launching of Gawin ang Tama Movement on Sunday, 28 March 2010 at Global City, Taguig City. The Character Building Foundation, Inc and the Weber Shandwick Worldwide spearhead the launching with the theme “The Way to Peace-Gawin ang Tama.”
The Philippine Navy shares the advocacy of Gawin ang Tama Movement in espousing strong positive character through education and information for building a progressive nation. The highlight of the activity was the street parade from Global City to McKinley Hill, Taguig City. This was participated by all sectors of the society like the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Bantay-Bayan Foundation Inc. youth organizations, other sectoral groups and non-government organizations who believe in the Gawin ang Tama Movement.
The Navy’s participation to the advocacy of Gawin ang Tama Movement does not end after the street parade but will be a personal commitment of every Sailor and Marine to uphold what is right in the pursuit of lasting peace, progress and development.
Testimonial Parade Review and Honor of VADM FERDINAND S GOLEZ AFP
By: LTCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy troops the line of cadets of the Philippine Military Academy with Vice Admiral Leonardo C Calderon, Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy and the Brigade Commander of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines during the Testimonial Parade and Review in his honor on 27 March 2010, at around 10 a.m. PMA accorded the honor to VADM Golez as a fitting tribute for his achievements that had made him earned the esteemed admiration of 20,000 strong members of the Team Navy.
Vice Admiral Leanardo C Calderon AFP, Superintendent, Philippine Military Academy hand over the Plaque of Appreciation to Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy in recognition to the 38 years of relevant service rendered to the AFP specifically to the Philippine Navy. Said plaque also symbolizes the gratitude for the invaluable and significant contribution of VADM Golez in enriching the quality of education of the cadets of the premiere military institution in Asia by providing a state-of-the-art Navy Laboratory, Navy wardroom and Fleet-Marine classrooms that was inaugurated that same day. VADM Golez is escorted by his wife, Mrs. Shirley Mamaril-Golez.
Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez AFP, the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, salutes the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy during the Testimonial Parade and Review rendered in his honor for his 38 years of faithful and dedicated service to the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 27 March 2010.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy troops the line of cadets of the Philippine Military Academy with Vice Admiral Leonardo C Calderon, Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy and the Brigade Commander of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines during the Testimonial Parade and Review in his honor on 27 March 2010, at around 10 a.m. PMA accorded the honor to VADM Golez as a fitting tribute for his achievements that had made him earned the esteemed admiration of 20,000 strong members of the Team Navy.
Vice Admiral Leanardo C Calderon AFP, Superintendent, Philippine Military Academy hand over the Plaque of Appreciation to Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy in recognition to the 38 years of relevant service rendered to the AFP specifically to the Philippine Navy. Said plaque also symbolizes the gratitude for the invaluable and significant contribution of VADM Golez in enriching the quality of education of the cadets of the premiere military institution in Asia by providing a state-of-the-art Navy Laboratory, Navy wardroom and Fleet-Marine classrooms that was inaugurated that same day. VADM Golez is escorted by his wife, Mrs. Shirley Mamaril-Golez.
Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez AFP, the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, salutes the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy during the Testimonial Parade and Review rendered in his honor for his 38 years of faithful and dedicated service to the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 27 March 2010.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
PMA Honors Navy Chief
By: LTCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Saturday, 27 March 2010
In observance of the military’s time-honored tradition of rendering Testimonial Parade and Review to its alumnus who has distinguished himself in the profession of arms and has rendered faithful and dedicated service, the Philippine Military Academy honors one of its outstanding alumni, Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy on 27 March 2010 Saturday at the Academy’s hallowed grounds. The honors to be afforded to the Navy Chief is PMA’s fitting tribute to this seasoned sailor, adroit skipper, and excellent leader that earned for himself the esteemed admiration of the 20,000 strong sailors, marines, and civilian employees of the Philippine Navy.
A member of PMA Class of 1976, Admiral Golez assumed as the 30th Flag Officer In Command in August of 2008 and commenced his advocacies for naval prominence, strengthening of the Navy’s core competency, and leadership by example. These advocacies have revitalized the Navy’s performance of its traditional military role of defense and security, but has also made the Navy take an active role in its non-traditional role of peoples partner in nation-building.. With his sterling leadership, he paved the way to the acquisition of 3 Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts inaugurated in May 2009 and deployed to the different operational areas of the country in July 2009 as the Navy’s contribution to the AFP’s ISO campaign.
Vice Admiral Golez entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1972 and graduated in 1976, ranked 19th in a field of 72, most of whom joined the Army and the now-defunct Philippine Constabulary. He was among the 11 cadets who joined the Navy. He formally started his professional career in the Philippine Navy as the Deck and Gunnery Officer of RPS South Cotabato (LT87), his first shipboard assignment in 1976. He earned the most coveted Command-at-Sea badge through his stint as the Commanding Officer of three different types of PN vessels namely: BRP Bagong Silang (PG 102), BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19) and BRP Quezon (PS70).
The Vice Admiral is not only a seasoned sailor who has successfully commanded three ships, but is a well-rounded military officer who held key posts in the fields of intelligence, operations, and education and training. He also served as Commander of two naval commands- Eastern Mindanao based in Davao City and Southern Luzon based in Legazpi, Albay. He also served as the commander of the Naval Intelligence and Security Force and concurrently as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Intelligence (N2).
His military education and training is complemented by the schooling and instruction he received from civilian training institutions here and abroad, an experience that honed his skills and talents. He attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, USA were he completed his Naval Command and Staff Course. Having served the military institution for 38 years, Vice Admiral Golez has received various awards and commendations.
In November 2009, the Republic of Indonesia conferred the Bintang Jalasena Utama (Indonesian Navy Star, 1st Class) to VADM Golez, an award conferred by the Indonesian President based on the proposal from the commandant of the Indonesian Navy. He was cited for his “invaluable services rendered in the improvement and strengthening of a good joint cooperation with the Government of Republic of Indonesia in general, and National Military Navy of both countries in particular.”
After the ceremony, the Navy Chief will preside over the inauguration of the Navy Laboratory, Navy wardroom, and the Fleet-Marine classrooms for the PMA cadets courtesy of the Philippine Navy command. The Navy laboratory is a mock-up replica of the main control room of a Philippine Navy vessel called “bridge”, purposely constructed and developed to give the Navy cadets the hands-on experience of what it will be like to be a real Sailor. This prototype bridge is equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the Navy cadets to be abreast of the modern technology being utilized aboard ship. The Navy wardroom is also conceptualized to provide a space and the legroom for the Navy officers and cadets to interact and bond with their comrades, enjoy a sumptuous meal or a place to just sit back and relax. While the Fleet-Marine classroom is a first of its kind, specifically designed to provide the best spot to learn and interact with their fellow cadets and instructors. All of this endeavor and additions manifests the Navy leadership’s dedication to the needs of the cadets as the PMA continues to mold young minds and strengthen the character of the young to lead this country in the future.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Saturday, 27 March 2010
In observance of the military’s time-honored tradition of rendering Testimonial Parade and Review to its alumnus who has distinguished himself in the profession of arms and has rendered faithful and dedicated service, the Philippine Military Academy honors one of its outstanding alumni, Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy on 27 March 2010 Saturday at the Academy’s hallowed grounds. The honors to be afforded to the Navy Chief is PMA’s fitting tribute to this seasoned sailor, adroit skipper, and excellent leader that earned for himself the esteemed admiration of the 20,000 strong sailors, marines, and civilian employees of the Philippine Navy.
A member of PMA Class of 1976, Admiral Golez assumed as the 30th Flag Officer In Command in August of 2008 and commenced his advocacies for naval prominence, strengthening of the Navy’s core competency, and leadership by example. These advocacies have revitalized the Navy’s performance of its traditional military role of defense and security, but has also made the Navy take an active role in its non-traditional role of peoples partner in nation-building.. With his sterling leadership, he paved the way to the acquisition of 3 Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts inaugurated in May 2009 and deployed to the different operational areas of the country in July 2009 as the Navy’s contribution to the AFP’s ISO campaign.
Vice Admiral Golez entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1972 and graduated in 1976, ranked 19th in a field of 72, most of whom joined the Army and the now-defunct Philippine Constabulary. He was among the 11 cadets who joined the Navy. He formally started his professional career in the Philippine Navy as the Deck and Gunnery Officer of RPS South Cotabato (LT87), his first shipboard assignment in 1976. He earned the most coveted Command-at-Sea badge through his stint as the Commanding Officer of three different types of PN vessels namely: BRP Bagong Silang (PG 102), BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19) and BRP Quezon (PS70).
The Vice Admiral is not only a seasoned sailor who has successfully commanded three ships, but is a well-rounded military officer who held key posts in the fields of intelligence, operations, and education and training. He also served as Commander of two naval commands- Eastern Mindanao based in Davao City and Southern Luzon based in Legazpi, Albay. He also served as the commander of the Naval Intelligence and Security Force and concurrently as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Intelligence (N2).
His military education and training is complemented by the schooling and instruction he received from civilian training institutions here and abroad, an experience that honed his skills and talents. He attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, USA were he completed his Naval Command and Staff Course. Having served the military institution for 38 years, Vice Admiral Golez has received various awards and commendations.
In November 2009, the Republic of Indonesia conferred the Bintang Jalasena Utama (Indonesian Navy Star, 1st Class) to VADM Golez, an award conferred by the Indonesian President based on the proposal from the commandant of the Indonesian Navy. He was cited for his “invaluable services rendered in the improvement and strengthening of a good joint cooperation with the Government of Republic of Indonesia in general, and National Military Navy of both countries in particular.”
After the ceremony, the Navy Chief will preside over the inauguration of the Navy Laboratory, Navy wardroom, and the Fleet-Marine classrooms for the PMA cadets courtesy of the Philippine Navy command. The Navy laboratory is a mock-up replica of the main control room of a Philippine Navy vessel called “bridge”, purposely constructed and developed to give the Navy cadets the hands-on experience of what it will be like to be a real Sailor. This prototype bridge is equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the Navy cadets to be abreast of the modern technology being utilized aboard ship. The Navy wardroom is also conceptualized to provide a space and the legroom for the Navy officers and cadets to interact and bond with their comrades, enjoy a sumptuous meal or a place to just sit back and relax. While the Fleet-Marine classroom is a first of its kind, specifically designed to provide the best spot to learn and interact with their fellow cadets and instructors. All of this endeavor and additions manifests the Navy leadership’s dedication to the needs of the cadets as the PMA continues to mold young minds and strengthen the character of the young to lead this country in the future.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Three Marines Among Outstanding Soldiers Honored by Metrobank and Ayala
In expression of its appreciation and gratitude to the selfless sacrifice of the soldiers, Metrobank Foundation Inc and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro continue to recognize the soldiers’s contribution through the Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) 2010. Three awardees each from the Navy, Army, Air Force, and one from the technical service received their trophies from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the ceremonies in Malacanang on 04 March 2010. Joining them is Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña.
By: LTCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Three members of the Philippine Marine Corps who were instrumental in the successful operations against lawless elements in the South and communist insurgents were among the Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers of (TOPS) 2010. The three, together with the seven other awardees from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the Technical Service were conferred their respective awards by President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo at the Malacañang Palace on 04 March 2010 before the AFP’s top brass, defense officials, and the awardees’ families and relatives.
The Marine awardees were Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Y Casem, Technical Sergeant Marcelo G Batingan, and Sergeant Vicente S Sustiverio, Jr. The Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force have three awardees each while the Technical Service has one. The selection of the 10 from an original pool of 85 nominees, the Search’s highest to date, were based from each individual’s exemplary performance, contributions to the service, and involvement in humanitarian and civic action projects.
Lt Col Casem took an active role in the combat operations against the rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front- Misuari Breakaway Group (MNLF-MBG). The operation led to the capture of the MNLF-MBG main camp in Panamao, Sulu in April 2007. In November 2006, he led an elite group of Marines which he trained, in neutralizing ASG elements in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi. The operation resulted to the death of three ASG members and recovery of three high-powered firearms and assorted ammunition. Lt Col Casem also introduced the use of a pair of 6-volt rechargeable batteries as a power supply for PRC-77 tactical radios that can last for a week of operations and can be recharged for succeeding operations.
TSgt Batingan was a member of MBLT-4 that successfully launched an all-out war against the MILF- Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) in Kauswagan, Lanao Del Norte. Tsgt Batingan directed and led his squad to move towards the enemies’ position and provided suppressive volume of fire that paved the way for advancing troops to neutralize and destroy the enemy. The operation resulted to the capture and control of the satellite camp from the remnants of the MILF’s 303rd Brigade and cleared the area of the presence of MILF rebels.
Sgt Sustiverio’s vast experience in the field of intelligence led to the solution of 17 high-profile robbery/hold-up cases in 2008 and the neutralization of the Waray-Waray and Ozamis OCG, recovery of critical firepower an mobility assets, and uncovering their financiers. He was also among those awarded for his pursuit of socio-economic development during the entire conduct of intelligence operations against blast fishing in Manila Bay. This culminated to a series of successful counteraction operations with the NBI, BFAR, Naval Special Operations Group, and the 202nd Naval Reserve Squadron, and subsequently, to the apprehension of a bigtime supplier of illegal chemical component for explosives in NCR and adjoining provinces, and homemade explosives used for blast fishing.
The Search for TOPS, now on its 15th year, is an annual undertaking of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro that honors the career achievements of the AFP. It has already named 116 awardees. “The Search for TOPS is our way of showing appreciation for the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces to protect the Filipino nation,” Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña said.
This year’s roster of judges that included leaders from private and government sectors was chaired by Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. During the final judging process, Justice Carpio said, “ I’ve always had a high regard for our military, but after interviewing them and talking to these soldiers, I even had a higher regard for the military.” “These people are very patriotic, very dedicated, and they strive to do their best in performing their job. It’s really very enlightening to meet them,” he added.
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