BY: LCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
The Exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) 2010 begins today, 18 June 2010 at 9 a.m. as Philippine Navy officers and personnel manned the communications equipment at the PN Headquarters in Manila and Changi Command and Control (C2) Center in Singapore. Over the next few days until the 24th, these personnel will be tracking the movement of participating air and surface assets of the US and Philippine navies as they undertake series of events aimed at enhancing their operability in combating terrorism and transnational crimes in the high seas.
For the first time since it began participating in military exercises with foreign armed forces, the Philippine Navy will employ its Virtual Private Network (VPN) in communicating and interacting with its foreign counterparts in Singapore. The VPN will pave the way for an efficient and better than before information exchange and link-up among the Philippine, Singaporean, and US Navies.
Beginning the 21st, US assets USNS Safeguard, USS Mellon (US Coast Guard vessel), and P-3 Orion will be entering the Philippines via Palawan and sail to Mindanao where participating air and surface assets of Naval Forces Western and Eastern Mindanao will engage USNS Safeguard, the designated target vessel in scenarios such as the Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO). These activities focus on information exchange, coordinated surveillance operations, locating, tracking, and intercepting enemies that allow participating navies to employ appropriate measures in dealing with terrorists, pirates, and other lawless elements at sea during real-life situations. Teams from the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) and the Coast Watch Stations will also be employed during the Exercise.
By undertaking the exercise, participating navies are exposed to techniques useful to combat maritime threats and fight lawless elements operating in the high seas. Exercise SEACAT enhances the navies’s cooperation and coordination in support of a cohesive response to terrorism, transnational crimes, and crimes in the high seas. The Exercise also contributes to ASEAN’s efforts in building peace and security in the region that has taken strong stance against terrorism and has remained vigilant in safeguarding its maritime territory from pirates, smugglers, and other criminal elements.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Statement from the Director, Naval Public Affairs Office RE- Rescued Kidnap Victim in Zamboanga City
BY: LCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
1. Based from the information furnished to the Navy Headquarters by Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) and JTF Trillium, Mr Charlie Reith was rescued this morning at 3 a.m. after more than two months in the hands of his suspected kidnappers.
2. The rescuers were members of the PNP backed by the Navy Special Operations Team and crew of BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS38) from the NFWM. The kidnap victim is now in the company of his family after undergoing medical check-up immediately after his rescue from the clutches of his abductors.
3. The successful rescue operations that caught the abductors by surprise is the fruit of an extensive intelligence build-up by the PNP and Philippine Navy.
4. Although follow-up operations are ongoing, this is a welcome development as the personnel involved here can augment other forces pursuing the abductors of other kidnap victims who were murdered in Basilan.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
1. Based from the information furnished to the Navy Headquarters by Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) and JTF Trillium, Mr Charlie Reith was rescued this morning at 3 a.m. after more than two months in the hands of his suspected kidnappers.
2. The rescuers were members of the PNP backed by the Navy Special Operations Team and crew of BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS38) from the NFWM. The kidnap victim is now in the company of his family after undergoing medical check-up immediately after his rescue from the clutches of his abductors.
3. The successful rescue operations that caught the abductors by surprise is the fruit of an extensive intelligence build-up by the PNP and Philippine Navy.
4. Although follow-up operations are ongoing, this is a welcome development as the personnel involved here can augment other forces pursuing the abductors of other kidnap victims who were murdered in Basilan.
Philippine Navy schedules 5th Leg of Leadership Governance Forum
BY: LCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
With the advent of the rainy season the Philippine Navy has gone a long way in preparing for any possible unforeseen calamities. With this the Command had scheduled the conduct of the 5th Leg of the Philippine Navy Governance Forum Series 2010, to be held this Friday, June 18, 2010 at eight thirty in the morning at the Philippine Navy Officers Club, Main Dining Hall, Naval Station Jose Francisco, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The Philippine Navy invited Mr. David Michael V Padua, Director of the Naga College Foundation’s Typhoon Preparedness Center to share his insights, experience, and expertise on the topic “Typhoon Preparedness In Disaster Risk Governance”. Mr. Padua is a typhoon specialist and the developer of Typhoon 2000, the first web portal for tropical cyclones in the Philippines. He was a recipient of the Naga City Special Mayoral Award and the Citation of Heroism in recognition to his expertise and services rendered in his community.
This forum will be led and attended by RADM DANILO M CORTEZ AFP, Flag Officer In Command, PN along with other Philippine Navy senior leaders, selected middle grade and junior PN officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employee, as well as invited guests from other major services. The PN officers and personnel will also tackle the over-all preparedness in times of calamities during the forum.
The forum will be broadcast live to all six (6) naval forces in the country from Luzon to Mindanao via the Virtual Private Network (VPN). The VPN will also allow officers and personnel from said units to interact with the speaker. During disasters and calamities, naval forces would be able to give a blow-by-blow account of situations in their respective areas and request for rescue teams when needed.
In correlation with disaster preparedness, the Command had undertaken the Disaster Emergency Assistance and Rescue Training (DEART) from March 13, 2010 to June 16, 2010. This undertaking prepared residents to act and respond immediately in times of exigencies. About seventy (70) volunteers from Forbes Park Association Residents and Security Personnel were trained by personnel from Naval Reserve Center-National Capital Region based in Navotas City. This trained individual will form part of our Naval Reservist that will augment our regular components whenever their services is needed.
Taking our experience on the onslaught of Typhoons “Ondoy and Pepeng” in 2009. The Philippine Navy had strengthened its disaster response preparedness and capabilities by training and equipping our personnel, with the additions of our Disaster Response Operations (DRO) Trailers with equipments necessary for search, rescue and relief operations. With this your Philippine Navy will always a dependable partner in an unforeseen situation and ready to respond anytime.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
With the advent of the rainy season the Philippine Navy has gone a long way in preparing for any possible unforeseen calamities. With this the Command had scheduled the conduct of the 5th Leg of the Philippine Navy Governance Forum Series 2010, to be held this Friday, June 18, 2010 at eight thirty in the morning at the Philippine Navy Officers Club, Main Dining Hall, Naval Station Jose Francisco, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The Philippine Navy invited Mr. David Michael V Padua, Director of the Naga College Foundation’s Typhoon Preparedness Center to share his insights, experience, and expertise on the topic “Typhoon Preparedness In Disaster Risk Governance”. Mr. Padua is a typhoon specialist and the developer of Typhoon 2000, the first web portal for tropical cyclones in the Philippines. He was a recipient of the Naga City Special Mayoral Award and the Citation of Heroism in recognition to his expertise and services rendered in his community.
This forum will be led and attended by RADM DANILO M CORTEZ AFP, Flag Officer In Command, PN along with other Philippine Navy senior leaders, selected middle grade and junior PN officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employee, as well as invited guests from other major services. The PN officers and personnel will also tackle the over-all preparedness in times of calamities during the forum.
The forum will be broadcast live to all six (6) naval forces in the country from Luzon to Mindanao via the Virtual Private Network (VPN). The VPN will also allow officers and personnel from said units to interact with the speaker. During disasters and calamities, naval forces would be able to give a blow-by-blow account of situations in their respective areas and request for rescue teams when needed.
In correlation with disaster preparedness, the Command had undertaken the Disaster Emergency Assistance and Rescue Training (DEART) from March 13, 2010 to June 16, 2010. This undertaking prepared residents to act and respond immediately in times of exigencies. About seventy (70) volunteers from Forbes Park Association Residents and Security Personnel were trained by personnel from Naval Reserve Center-National Capital Region based in Navotas City. This trained individual will form part of our Naval Reservist that will augment our regular components whenever their services is needed.
Taking our experience on the onslaught of Typhoons “Ondoy and Pepeng” in 2009. The Philippine Navy had strengthened its disaster response preparedness and capabilities by training and equipping our personnel, with the additions of our Disaster Response Operations (DRO) Trailers with equipments necessary for search, rescue and relief operations. With this your Philippine Navy will always a dependable partner in an unforeseen situation and ready to respond anytime.
Navy honors 2 retiring flag officers
BY: LCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
The Philippine Navy (PN) will render testimonial honors for two retiring Flag Officers as a fitting tribute for their long, faithful and dedicated services rendered to the AFP and the nation. Rear Admiral Danilo M Cortez AFP, the Navy chief will lead the testimonial honors for Rear Admiral Josefino B Solidum AFP and Commodore Efren S Tedor AFP at four o’clock in the afternoon, Tuesday, 16 June 2010 at the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The ceremonies are expected to culminate in time for the sun to set in Manila Bay symbolizing the close of their naval careers.
Rear Admiral Solidum who retires on 19 June 2010, has served 33 years of naval service. He is a member of PMA Class of 1977 and also a graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut, USA. He has assumed various positions in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) from 1977-1991. He also assumed Commanding Officer of the premier PCG stations in Cebu and Batangas. He had also commanded various naval ships such as BRP Rizal (PS 74), BRP Lake Buhi (AF 78) and BRP Conrado Yup (PG 840). Moreover, he assumed commands of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and Service Force, Philippine Fleet. He is a recipient of Outstanding Achievement Medal, Distinguished Service Star, Military Merit Medal, and various awards here and abroad. He is presently the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command.
On the other hand, Commodore Tedor who retires on 20 June 2010, has spent 32 years of service in the navy. He spent his junior billets aboard BRP Sultan Kudarat (PS 22) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS 7) of the Philippine Fleet. An educator, his commitment and dedication to duty afforded him to serve different positions in the General Headquarters from 1980 to 2000. He was also assigned various key positions in the Philippine Navy like the Commander of the Bonifacio Naval Station and as The Naval Internal Auditor. He is also a recipient of various awards, medals and commendations. He is the incumbent Chief of the AFP Command Center and a member of PMA Class of 1978.
Testimonial Parades and Review are the least that the Philippine Navy can do to honor its distinguished officers who have served the prime of their lives in the military.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
The Philippine Navy (PN) will render testimonial honors for two retiring Flag Officers as a fitting tribute for their long, faithful and dedicated services rendered to the AFP and the nation. Rear Admiral Danilo M Cortez AFP, the Navy chief will lead the testimonial honors for Rear Admiral Josefino B Solidum AFP and Commodore Efren S Tedor AFP at four o’clock in the afternoon, Tuesday, 16 June 2010 at the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The ceremonies are expected to culminate in time for the sun to set in Manila Bay symbolizing the close of their naval careers.
Rear Admiral Solidum who retires on 19 June 2010, has served 33 years of naval service. He is a member of PMA Class of 1977 and also a graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut, USA. He has assumed various positions in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) from 1977-1991. He also assumed Commanding Officer of the premier PCG stations in Cebu and Batangas. He had also commanded various naval ships such as BRP Rizal (PS 74), BRP Lake Buhi (AF 78) and BRP Conrado Yup (PG 840). Moreover, he assumed commands of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and Service Force, Philippine Fleet. He is a recipient of Outstanding Achievement Medal, Distinguished Service Star, Military Merit Medal, and various awards here and abroad. He is presently the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command.
On the other hand, Commodore Tedor who retires on 20 June 2010, has spent 32 years of service in the navy. He spent his junior billets aboard BRP Sultan Kudarat (PS 22) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS 7) of the Philippine Fleet. An educator, his commitment and dedication to duty afforded him to serve different positions in the General Headquarters from 1980 to 2000. He was also assigned various key positions in the Philippine Navy like the Commander of the Bonifacio Naval Station and as The Naval Internal Auditor. He is also a recipient of various awards, medals and commendations. He is the incumbent Chief of the AFP Command Center and a member of PMA Class of 1978.
Testimonial Parades and Review are the least that the Philippine Navy can do to honor its distinguished officers who have served the prime of their lives in the military.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Navy All Set for La Niña
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
28 May 2010
With the early onset of the rainy season, the Philippine Navy is all set to deploy men and equipment to flood-prone areas in all parts of the country. The Navy has a pre-organized, pre-planned, and pre-equipped rescue teams integrated in all naval units to reach out to needy citizens when calamities and disasters strike.
Gaining from its experience during the onslaught of Typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” last year, the Navy has strengthened its disaster response operations in four areas: equipage, command and control, training, and coordination. During its 112th Anniversary celebration this month, the Navy presented to PGMA its newly-procured Disaster Response Operations (DRO) Equipment that speaks of the Navy’s readiness and preparedness when called for action as the Navy’s 112th Anniversary theme proudly proclaims: “Naval Dominance for 7,107 Philippine Islands”.
The DRO Equipment consist of the trailer, rubber boat (10-man capacity with 40 HP OBM), and other life-saving gear. Also included is an improvised rubber boat made of indigenous materials from plastic drums and metal. The boat which is virtually unsinkable can load more than 4 times compared to an ordinary rubber boat and costs P60,000.00, unlike an ordinary rubber boat that costs P600,000.00.
On 26 May 2010, a team from the Navy’s BRP Magat Salamat (PS 20) composed of an officer and 7 enlisted personnel was dispatched to Brgy Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat to assist in the evacuation of residents affected by floods in Eastern Mindanao. The team augmented the Army’s 1st IB that was dispatched to the area after continuous torrential rains had caused the Mindanao River Basin to swell and caused the flash floods. Though there was no actual rescue operation since the floodwater had subsided, the Navy team is on standby aboard BRP Magat Salamat (PS 20) which is moored in Polloc Wharf, Parang, Maguindanao.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon based in Poro Pt, La Union conducted on 19 May 2010 a Disaster Response Workshop to enhance the DRO capability of AFP units in the Northern Luzon region. Representatives from the PAG-ASA, Coast Guard, Office of Civil Defense, and PDCC Region-1 attended the one-day activity aimed to organize and enhance interoperability among disaster units involved in disaster response operations.
Being the citizen’s vital partner in peace, progress, and development, the Navy’s expanded role has encompassed search and rescue operations during calamities and disasters. The Navy has recognized its emerging role as disaster responder and agents of rehabilitation from calamities that frequent our country. For any emergency, the Navy will always be ready to respond, which gives impetus to the Navy to enhance and sustain its disaster response readiness program.
SIR, DISASTER RESPONSE UNITS, MANNED AND READY
Personnel and equipment prepare to launch in a ceremony during the Navy’s 112th Anniversary celebration on 11 May 2010. PGMA witnessed this preparedness during the anniversary rites at the Navy Headquarters that speaks of the Navy’s readiness and preparedness when called to action as the theme proudly proclaims: “Naval Dominance for 7,107 Philippine Islands”. The DRO Equipment consists of the trailer, rubber boat (10-man capacity with 40 HP OBM), and other life-saving gear. Also included in the inventory of DRO Equipment is an improvised rubber boat made of indigenous materials that can load more rescuers and costs less compared to an ordinary rubber boat.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Acting Navy Chief Outlines Plans during Stint
BY: LTCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
21 May 2010
Rear Admiral Danilo M Cortez, the acting Flag Officer In Command of the Philippine Navy vowed to continue the initiatives set by his predecessor, Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez who retired from active military service on 15 May 2010. During the command conference he presided at the Navy Headquarters on the 17th of May linked live to all naval forces in the entire country via the Virtual Private Network, Rear Admiral Cortez reiterated to the commanders the priority areas where efforts should be channeled to in accomplishing the mission.
On Naval operations, the Rear Admiral wants the Navy to continue to institutionalize the employment of the Fleet-Marine doctrine in all aspects of naval operations and to bring an end to the problem of insurgency. He also stressed the employment of the principle of maneuver warfare to combat threat groups in the Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi areas.
On Naval intelligence, the Navy’s Coast Watch System shall be enhanced through the installation of the automatic identification system in selected stations and occupied islands in the Spratlys.
Rear Admiral Cortez also exhorted the Civil Military Operations Group (CMOG) to take an active role in helping address the concerns of the local community by engaging concerned LGUs, government agencies, and NGOs. He said that the Navy must work towards the strengthening of civil military operations while taking advantage of various opportunities with the private sector by encouraging community growth and development.
He cited the Navy’s concerted efforts in crafting a strategic communication plan to be able to better communicate the Navy’s programs and advocacies to our internal and external stakeholders in support to the Navy’s mission and vision.
To uplift the morale of twenty thousand Navy personnel and look over their welfare, Rear Admiral Cortez directed the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Personnel to pursue off-base housing initiatives to provide affordable shelter to Sailors and Marines. He likewise directed to pursue arrangements through MOA with different shipping companies for discounted fare of Sailors and Marines going on rest and recreation, as well as help the dependents of Navy personnel to avail of the privileges offered by the AFP educational benefits system.
Since funds are needed and the allocations are inadequate, He also directed to study the possibility of optimizing the utilization of the newly rehabilitated Manila Naval Hospital for income generation by allowing private medical practitioners to conduct business within the hospital complex that includes private pharmacies to open outlets for cheaper medicines.
Rear Admiral Cortez also directed the Administrator of the Real Estate Management Office to explore the possibility of utilizing real estate properties as income generating assets to support the procurement of mission essential equipment and establishment of needed facilities.
He also wants the Navy to vigorously pursue initiatives and relentlessly work further for the acquisition of the Multi-role Vessel (MRV) and directed his staff to expedite the processing of supporting documents under the Capability Upgrade Program 2009.
He enjoined all Sailors and Marines “to work together and join hands so that collectively, we can continue to sail forward and attain our dream of becoming a strong and credible navy that our maritime nation can be proud of”.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
21 May 2010
Rear Admiral Danilo M Cortez, the acting Flag Officer In Command of the Philippine Navy vowed to continue the initiatives set by his predecessor, Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez who retired from active military service on 15 May 2010. During the command conference he presided at the Navy Headquarters on the 17th of May linked live to all naval forces in the entire country via the Virtual Private Network, Rear Admiral Cortez reiterated to the commanders the priority areas where efforts should be channeled to in accomplishing the mission.
On Naval operations, the Rear Admiral wants the Navy to continue to institutionalize the employment of the Fleet-Marine doctrine in all aspects of naval operations and to bring an end to the problem of insurgency. He also stressed the employment of the principle of maneuver warfare to combat threat groups in the Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi areas.
On Naval intelligence, the Navy’s Coast Watch System shall be enhanced through the installation of the automatic identification system in selected stations and occupied islands in the Spratlys.
Rear Admiral Cortez also exhorted the Civil Military Operations Group (CMOG) to take an active role in helping address the concerns of the local community by engaging concerned LGUs, government agencies, and NGOs. He said that the Navy must work towards the strengthening of civil military operations while taking advantage of various opportunities with the private sector by encouraging community growth and development.
He cited the Navy’s concerted efforts in crafting a strategic communication plan to be able to better communicate the Navy’s programs and advocacies to our internal and external stakeholders in support to the Navy’s mission and vision.
To uplift the morale of twenty thousand Navy personnel and look over their welfare, Rear Admiral Cortez directed the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Personnel to pursue off-base housing initiatives to provide affordable shelter to Sailors and Marines. He likewise directed to pursue arrangements through MOA with different shipping companies for discounted fare of Sailors and Marines going on rest and recreation, as well as help the dependents of Navy personnel to avail of the privileges offered by the AFP educational benefits system.
Since funds are needed and the allocations are inadequate, He also directed to study the possibility of optimizing the utilization of the newly rehabilitated Manila Naval Hospital for income generation by allowing private medical practitioners to conduct business within the hospital complex that includes private pharmacies to open outlets for cheaper medicines.
Rear Admiral Cortez also directed the Administrator of the Real Estate Management Office to explore the possibility of utilizing real estate properties as income generating assets to support the procurement of mission essential equipment and establishment of needed facilities.
He also wants the Navy to vigorously pursue initiatives and relentlessly work further for the acquisition of the Multi-role Vessel (MRV) and directed his staff to expedite the processing of supporting documents under the Capability Upgrade Program 2009.
He enjoined all Sailors and Marines “to work together and join hands so that collectively, we can continue to sail forward and attain our dream of becoming a strong and credible navy that our maritime nation can be proud of”.
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.
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.
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