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.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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