Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Naval Dominance through Health Fair

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

Thirteen government and non-government agencies will participate in a free health fair initiated by the Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday, 19 May 2010 8 a.m. at the PN Officers Clubhouse Ceremonial Area, Naval Station Jose Francisco, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Rear Admiral Danilo M Cortez AFP, the acting Navy Chief, will preside over the activity.

The Navy will bring together all those related with medical and health care in a one-day activity dubbed as the “Health Care Fair 2010 and Blood Letting” that will showcase various events with emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. The fair will be undertaken through information campaign, film showing, and consultation/counseling to include performance of some diagnostic procedures for free.

Among the health booths/stations that will be put in during the fair are Healthy Lifestyle (heart and diabetes); Bone Health Awareness; Healthy Eyes Awareness; Safety Sex Life Awareness; Stress Management; Cancer Awareness (for male and female); Nutrition; Alternative Medicine; Healthy Skin; Healthy Teeth and Gums; Healthy Pet; Spiritual Enhancement; and Livelihood Products of the Philippine Navy Officer’s Wives Association (PNOWA).

The fair, with the theme “Naval Dominance through Health Maintenance of Personnel”, is part of the of the 112th Philippine Navy anniversary celebration which will benefit military personnel and their dependents.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Navy Chief Golez Bids the Navy Goodbye; Offered a DND Post

BY: LTCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

15 May 2010


Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, the 30th Flag Officer In Command of the Philippine Navy has retired from active military service after more than 38 years. In his retirement ceremony attended by the AFP and Navy’s top brass, DND officials, members of the diplomatic corps, members of PMA Class 1976, and family and friends, Vice Admiral Golez exhorted every personnel to pursue the Navy’s vision of becoming a strong and credible Navy by 2020 that this maritime nation can be proud of. “We have planted the seeds of dedication and commitment for our Sailors and Marines to grow and nurture collectively”, said Vice Admiral Golez during the Change of Command ceremony at the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Blvd, Manila this morning, 15 May 2010.
Since assuming post on 02 August 2008, Vice Admiral Golez’ operational strategy of naval prominence in all mission areas has provided the Philippine Navy the direction towards enhancement of capability and development of a more robust and relevant organization. This course of action is embodied in the PN Sail Plan 2020.
Taking over the command of the Philippine Navy in acting capacity is Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez, the Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy who gave his assurance that he will continue the initiatives set by his predecessor in attaining the Navy’s vision.
Giving boost to this aspiration is DND Secretary Hon Norberto Gonzales who underscored the importance of the Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) for the Philippine Navy. “It’s very important that what the Navy needs to acquire will be acquired,” stressed Gonzales who also encouraged the retiring Vice Admiral to continue his public service by joining the defense department.
The Navy hopes to acquire an MRV to enhance its territorial defense and internal security operations. The MRV can also be utilized during humanitarian missions- in reaching out to citizens in far-flung areas.
Secretary Gonzales meanwhile accepted the ceremonial petition of the outgoing Navy Chief Vice Admiral Golez to retire from the military service. But not in government service. “I am asking Vice Admiral Golez to seriously consider joining me in the Defense Department and be by our side and share his precious knowledge and experience gained in the service. To continue serving the Navy in another capacity”. It was not known whether Vice Admiral Golez accepted the offer.
Secretary Gonzales also thanked the Navy and the whole AFP for their role during the elections and vowed to become the spokesperson of the AFP in reminding the Filipino people that the AFP is the “most important pillar of the society and important in nation-building”. He added that the men and women in uniform are the symbols of this country, “who have the heart and courage to offer to the people”.

Navy Celebrates 112th Anniversary Today

May 05, 2010

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


The Philippine Navy celebrates today its 112th Anniversary with the theme: “Naval Dominance for 7, 107 Philippine Islands.” The celebration is marked with the launching of the Navy’s Virtual Private Network (VPN)- Video Teleconferencing, the presentation of the Navy’s Disaster Response Operations (DRO) Equipment and the newly-upgraded BRP Emilio Liwanag (PG118). Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo was the guest of honor attended by defense and AFP officials, and representatives from government and private sectors.

The Navy’s virtual private network allows faster information exchange and an improved and reliable interconnectivity among all navy units. Also taking place this morning was the presentation of the Navy’s DRO equipment that will equip the Navy’s disaster response teams in the conduct of rescue operations. The Navy leadership also presented the newly upgraded PG118 that will surely boost the Navy’s coastal patrol operations and maritime law enforcement. Highlight of the celebration was the awarding of medals and plaques to individuals and units who have shown exemplary performance in their duties.

In his opening remarks, VICE ADMIRAL FERDINAND S GOLEZ AFP, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy cited the significance of this year’s celebration in the context of the country’s archipelagic make-up; in the development of the Philippines and its relations with its neighbors.

“We have made our Navy relevant in the fast-paced world by establishing prominence in our core business of naval defense and maritime security. Our 112th founding anniversary is a milestone that we again set sail and navigate through the sea with required enhancements, improvements, and development to make our Navy the dominant power to defend our territory and secure our posterity.”

This afternoon, the Navy Chief will lead in the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Manila Naval Hospital that is now equipped with the modern medical technology, which can now cater to the bigger demands of Navy personnel and their dependents. The MNH will be a premier facility of the Philippine Navy that is professional, well-equipped, responsive, and able to provide excellence in medical care.

After the inauguration of the MNH, the Navy will award the keys of the newly constructed condominium units to 48 senior Fleet-Marine officers at the Naval Station Jose Francisco, Ft Bonifacio, Taguig City. The two-storey condo is among the housing facilities completed for officers and personnel under the leadership of Vice Admiral Golez.

Navy rescues students in Infanta, Quezon

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

05 May 2010

Members of the Naval Special Operations Unit 3 (NAVSOU3) of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon at 7:30AM, 05 May 2010 immediately responded to a call for help in a drowning incident in Infanta, Quezon. Fourteen were reportedly missing and feared to have drowned following a sudden rush of big waves. The prompt response of NAVSOU 3 headed by LTJG JAY T ROXAS lead to the rescue of eight students and the recovery of six bodies of the fatalities in their tedious search and rescue operations. The eight meanwhile were rushed to and are now recovering at the Claro M Recto Hospital in Manila.

The Navy’s operation is still ongoing for a missing grade 6 pupil who was reportedly missing while swimming in the beach at Brgy Pinagtapatan, Infanta. Ltjg Roxas said that the victims were taken away by the rising tide and swift current while swimming in the beach. The 14 were graduating students were from La Consolacion College, Manila who were having their vacation with 13 others.

The swift response attests to the Navy’s preparation and visibility in key areas this time of the year. In time for the summer vacation, naval units all around the country has deployed its personnel in beaches around the country to respond to any eventual

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Marines to Render Hero’s Welcome to Personnel Killed in Latest Basilan Encounter

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 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.

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.