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.