BY: LT COL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
The Philippine Navy is all set to meet with their Korean counterparts as two Korean ships, CHOI YOUNG, a destroyer ship and DAE CHONG, a logistics ship arrive today, 24 August 2009 in Manila for a 4-day port visit. Highlight of the visit is the wreath-laying ceremony at the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) Memorial Monument at the Libingan ng mga Bayani tomorrow morning, 25 August. The officers and crew of the ships headed by RADM KIM DONG-KYUN, Korean Task Group Commander will pay courtesy calls to Manila and police officials, hold an open ship tour and cultural presentation to showcase their country’s rich cultural heritage, and will also participate in sports events to strengthen the camaraderie with the Philippine Navy, slated in the next few days.
Navy Chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez expressed optimism over the visit as this strengthens the ties between the two navies that both share a commitment in building peace and security in the region through their efforts in safeguarding their maritime territories. The Philippines and Korea also has a shared history in fighting for peace and freedom when the Philippines sent its contingent that comprised of 7,500 troops in South Korea in 1950.
After the traditional courtesy call of the Korean delegation to Vice Admiral Golez scheduled today, the activity kicks off with the professional exchange between the officers of the two navies. CHOI YOUNG and DAE CHONG will leave on 27 August 2009, Thursday.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Update in Mantangule Island, Balabac Incident as of 211300H
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Friday, 21 August 2009
As of today 21 Aug 1300H, the more or less 1,500 evacuees that fled their homes have returned to their homes following the successful fleet-marine operations that ended the atrocities committed by the MNLF Group. In a report sent by Commodore Orwen Cortez, the Commander of Naval Forces West to Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, the jubilant residents started heading to their homes this morning and were restored to their normal lives. Commodore Cortez, LTC Yuri Pesigan, the Commanding Officer of MBLT-8, MGen Hernane Perez, the Commanding General, Western Command and P/SSUPT Trampe, Palawan PNP Provincial Director visited the townfolks who thanked the AFP and the PNP for coming to their aid.
A company-sized marines from 38th Marine Company established their post stay-behind force to see to it that the situation shall continue to remain placid.
"We feel elated by the people’s display of gratitude even as we continue to be haunted by accusation as to how the fleet-marine operations were conducted in support of the local PNP of Mantangule island".
"But the Navy will remain steadfast in its commitment to be our people’s partner in peace, progress, and prosperity", Vice Admiral Golez added.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Friday, 21 August 2009
As of today 21 Aug 1300H, the more or less 1,500 evacuees that fled their homes have returned to their homes following the successful fleet-marine operations that ended the atrocities committed by the MNLF Group. In a report sent by Commodore Orwen Cortez, the Commander of Naval Forces West to Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, the jubilant residents started heading to their homes this morning and were restored to their normal lives. Commodore Cortez, LTC Yuri Pesigan, the Commanding Officer of MBLT-8, MGen Hernane Perez, the Commanding General, Western Command and P/SSUPT Trampe, Palawan PNP Provincial Director visited the townfolks who thanked the AFP and the PNP for coming to their aid.
A company-sized marines from 38th Marine Company established their post stay-behind force to see to it that the situation shall continue to remain placid.
"We feel elated by the people’s display of gratitude even as we continue to be haunted by accusation as to how the fleet-marine operations were conducted in support of the local PNP of Mantangule island".
"But the Navy will remain steadfast in its commitment to be our people’s partner in peace, progress, and prosperity", Vice Admiral Golez added.
Navy Renames Bases and Stations After Predecessors
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Philippine Navy has adopted new names for its bases and stations around the country to pay homage to distinguished naval leaders who have distinguished themselves in the profession of arms. In line with HPN General Order Nr 229 dated 07 July 2009, the renaming of Navy installations gives honor to our predecessors in the military/naval service who fought for the protection of our sovereignty, territorial integrity, democracy, and the maritime interests of the country.
Fort San Antonio Abad, the home of the Philippine Navy located at Roxas Blvd, Manila has been renamed Naval Station Jose Andrada, after the first Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy (FOIC, PN). Commodore Andrada, a graduate of the US Naval Academy in 1930 became FOIC, PN from February 1939 to November 1941, and November 1945 to August 1949. He was chosen as the first Commanding Officer of the Off Shore Patrol, then the sea-going arm of the Philippine Army during WWII.
The Marine Headquarters located at Ft Bonifacio formerly called Marine Base Manila is now Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown. Brown, a member of PMA Class 1955 was a Navy Captain when he became Commandant of the Philippine Marines in July 1970. He was commandant of the 1st Marine Brigade (formerly first Marine Company and later first Marine Battalion) when he was promoted to commodore in 2 September 1972.
The following are the new names of the Navy’s bases and stations:
NAVAL OPERATING BASES:
Naval Base Cavite (Sangley Pt) Naval Base Heracleo Alano
San Vicente NOB Naval Base Camilo Osias
Mactan NOB Naval Base Rafael Ramos
MARINE FACILITIES:
MB Manila Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown
MB Ternate Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim
MB Zamboanga Marine Barracks Arturo T Asuncion
MB Tawi-Tawi Marine Barracks Domingo J Deluana
NAVAL STATIONS:
NS Batu-Batu Naval Station Juan Magluyan
NS San Miguel Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui
NS Poro Point Naval Station Ernesto R Ogbinar
NS Legazpi Naval Station Julhasan A Arasain
NS Balabac Naval Station Narciso Del Rosario
NS Puerto Princesa Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon
NS Pag-Asa Naval Station Emilio Liwanag
NS Ulugan Naval Station Carlito Cunanan
NS Guimaras Naval Station Alfonso Palencia
NS Tacloban Naval Station Dioscoro Papa
NS Davao Naval Station Felix Apolinario
NS Zamboanga Naval Station Romulo M Espaldon
Bonifacio Naval Station Naval Station Jose Francisco
Fort San Antonio Abad Naval Station Jose Andrada
Fort San Felipe Naval Station Pascual Ledesma
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Philippine Navy has adopted new names for its bases and stations around the country to pay homage to distinguished naval leaders who have distinguished themselves in the profession of arms. In line with HPN General Order Nr 229 dated 07 July 2009, the renaming of Navy installations gives honor to our predecessors in the military/naval service who fought for the protection of our sovereignty, territorial integrity, democracy, and the maritime interests of the country.
Fort San Antonio Abad, the home of the Philippine Navy located at Roxas Blvd, Manila has been renamed Naval Station Jose Andrada, after the first Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy (FOIC, PN). Commodore Andrada, a graduate of the US Naval Academy in 1930 became FOIC, PN from February 1939 to November 1941, and November 1945 to August 1949. He was chosen as the first Commanding Officer of the Off Shore Patrol, then the sea-going arm of the Philippine Army during WWII.
The Marine Headquarters located at Ft Bonifacio formerly called Marine Base Manila is now Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown. Brown, a member of PMA Class 1955 was a Navy Captain when he became Commandant of the Philippine Marines in July 1970. He was commandant of the 1st Marine Brigade (formerly first Marine Company and later first Marine Battalion) when he was promoted to commodore in 2 September 1972.
The following are the new names of the Navy’s bases and stations:
NAVAL OPERATING BASES:
Naval Base Cavite (Sangley Pt) Naval Base Heracleo Alano
San Vicente NOB Naval Base Camilo Osias
Mactan NOB Naval Base Rafael Ramos
MARINE FACILITIES:
MB Manila Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown
MB Ternate Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim
MB Zamboanga Marine Barracks Arturo T Asuncion
MB Tawi-Tawi Marine Barracks Domingo J Deluana
NAVAL STATIONS:
NS Batu-Batu Naval Station Juan Magluyan
NS San Miguel Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui
NS Poro Point Naval Station Ernesto R Ogbinar
NS Legazpi Naval Station Julhasan A Arasain
NS Balabac Naval Station Narciso Del Rosario
NS Puerto Princesa Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon
NS Pag-Asa Naval Station Emilio Liwanag
NS Ulugan Naval Station Carlito Cunanan
NS Guimaras Naval Station Alfonso Palencia
NS Tacloban Naval Station Dioscoro Papa
NS Davao Naval Station Felix Apolinario
NS Zamboanga Naval Station Romulo M Espaldon
Bonifacio Naval Station Naval Station Jose Francisco
Fort San Antonio Abad Naval Station Jose Andrada
Fort San Felipe Naval Station Pascual Ledesma
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Anti- Terror Exercise Concludes Today in Gensan
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Thursday, 20 August 2009
The Exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) 2009 concluded today, 20 August 2009 in General Santos City after participating assets from the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) have completed the series of activities that began Monday, 17 August 2009 in the waters off Zamboanga. Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) and NFEM dispatched patrol gunboats, patrol ships, and Naval Special Operations (NAVSOG) teams to engage US Navy Ship Safeguard in scenarios such as the Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS). These activities focused on information exchange, coordinated surveillance operations, locating, tracking, and intercepting of enemies that allow the participating navies to employ appropriate measures in dealing with pirates and other lawless elements at sea during real-life situations.
Also dispatched was Philippine Navy Islander aircraft that conducted maritime air patrol/reconnaissance in support of the floating assets. Coast Watch Station- Zamboanga was also utilized during the exercise in monitoring the movement of USNS Safeguard, the designated target vessel during the MIO and VBSS. USNS Safeguard sets off to Singapore for the closing ceremonies tomorrow, 21 August 2009.
By undertaking the exercise, participating navies are exposed to techniques useful to combat maritime threats and fight lawless elements operating in the high seas. The exercise also enhances the navies’s cooperation and coordination in support of a cohesive response to terrorism, transnational crimes, and crimes in the high seas and 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.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Thursday, 20 August 2009
The Exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) 2009 concluded today, 20 August 2009 in General Santos City after participating assets from the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) have completed the series of activities that began Monday, 17 August 2009 in the waters off Zamboanga. Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) and NFEM dispatched patrol gunboats, patrol ships, and Naval Special Operations (NAVSOG) teams to engage US Navy Ship Safeguard in scenarios such as the Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS). These activities focused on information exchange, coordinated surveillance operations, locating, tracking, and intercepting of enemies that allow the participating navies to employ appropriate measures in dealing with pirates and other lawless elements at sea during real-life situations.
Also dispatched was Philippine Navy Islander aircraft that conducted maritime air patrol/reconnaissance in support of the floating assets. Coast Watch Station- Zamboanga was also utilized during the exercise in monitoring the movement of USNS Safeguard, the designated target vessel during the MIO and VBSS. USNS Safeguard sets off to Singapore for the closing ceremonies tomorrow, 21 August 2009.
By undertaking the exercise, participating navies are exposed to techniques useful to combat maritime threats and fight lawless elements operating in the high seas. The exercise also enhances the navies’s cooperation and coordination in support of a cohesive response to terrorism, transnational crimes, and crimes in the high seas and 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.
Navy Statement from Director, Naval Public Affairs Office re allegation made by MNLF Chair Nur Misuari
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Navy Statement from Director, Naval Public Affairs Office re allegation made by MNLF Chair Nur Misuari that the MNLF men were “massacred” by the operating units in Mantangule Island, Balabac, Palawan.
● What transpired on 19 Aug 09 is a legitimate law-enforcement action against the MNLF group.
● At least three of them have standing warrant of arrest. The PNP attests to that.
The armed engagement happened only long after the MNLF members refused to lay down arms following a negotiation with two of Abdurajak’s emissaries. The fact that they entrenched themselves in a mosque and strategic locations indicate their willful disregard for the rule of law embodied by police out to serve warrants of arrest.
● The MNLF men have long been extorting money from poor fisher folks. The local residents who felt greatly relieved from the group’s abuses attest to that. The people sought the help of the Marines.
● The military response had been prudent and the force applied commensurate to and necessary for the restoration of law and order in the island. The MNLF group is heavily armed.
If there’s anyone who have allegations contrary the legitimacy of this operation must so prove.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Navy Statement from Director, Naval Public Affairs Office re allegation made by MNLF Chair Nur Misuari that the MNLF men were “massacred” by the operating units in Mantangule Island, Balabac, Palawan.
● What transpired on 19 Aug 09 is a legitimate law-enforcement action against the MNLF group.
● At least three of them have standing warrant of arrest. The PNP attests to that.
The armed engagement happened only long after the MNLF members refused to lay down arms following a negotiation with two of Abdurajak’s emissaries. The fact that they entrenched themselves in a mosque and strategic locations indicate their willful disregard for the rule of law embodied by police out to serve warrants of arrest.
● The MNLF men have long been extorting money from poor fisher folks. The local residents who felt greatly relieved from the group’s abuses attest to that. The people sought the help of the Marines.
● The military response had been prudent and the force applied commensurate to and necessary for the restoration of law and order in the island. The MNLF group is heavily armed.
If there’s anyone who have allegations contrary the legitimacy of this operation must so prove.
SUCCESSFUL FLEET-MARINE OPERATIONS RETAKE MANTANGULE ISLAND IN BALABAC, PALAWAN
Thursday, 20 August 2009
BY: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
After 96-hours of Fleet-Marine operation-- including intelligence & personnel build-up, insertion of SEALs & Marines, time allowance given for negotiation, and eight hours of protracted firefight in close proximity--ten MNLF men were declared fatalities, five were captured, a Marine was wounded, and assorted firearms were recovered.
"Give due respect to the dead MNLFs the way we want them to respect our fallen comrades that they will be first to have custody of after an armed confrontation," Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, the Navy Flag Officer in Command yesterday reminded the Fleet-Marine personnel that figured in this successful liberation of Sitio Marabon, Mantangule Island in Balabac Municipality in Palawan. Thirty to 40 Moro National Liberation Front members stormed the island, occupied a mosque, and sent around 400 families fleeing to safety in the nearby islands (see related stories in this page).
The last part of the Fleet-Marine operations ended at around 3PM 18August 2009 after nearly eight hours of close-range firefight with around thirty fully armed men. The protracted skirmishes resulted to the death of 10 MNLF men, 7 of them were recovered, 3 were no longer retrieved from the sea where they attempted to escape on board a pump boat. They refused to surrender after hearing warning shots fired and instead shot it out with the Navy SEALs, according to Commander Alberto Cruz, the Task Group head. Three of the fatalities are the leader Abdullah Abdurajak a.k.a “Pa Guro” and his two sons Ebrahim Sabtula. The rest are Said Abdulradjak, one alias Kimpo, Nuh Abduradjak, Abdul Madjid, and one alias Sarip Hasim. The captured MNLF members were identified as Mannan Said, Bajar Usop, Sukarno Jamal, Alqasim Ladjahassan, and Saheron Batiik. Also recovered were assorted firearms and ammunitions, and a bladed weapon.
To the ground component commander and Commanding Officer MBLT-8 and the commander of the Naval Task Group 41.5 of the Philippine Fleet LTCol Yuri Pesigan and Commander Alberto Cruz, respectively of the Fleet-Marine team that operated in Mantangule Island, VADM Ferdinand Golez yesterday sent the message: "The Command Team of the Philippine Navy extends its commendations & congratulations of to all of you out there who made the Navy especially proud today. Carry on the good work!"
BY: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
After 96-hours of Fleet-Marine operation-- including intelligence & personnel build-up, insertion of SEALs & Marines, time allowance given for negotiation, and eight hours of protracted firefight in close proximity--ten MNLF men were declared fatalities, five were captured, a Marine was wounded, and assorted firearms were recovered.
"Give due respect to the dead MNLFs the way we want them to respect our fallen comrades that they will be first to have custody of after an armed confrontation," Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, the Navy Flag Officer in Command yesterday reminded the Fleet-Marine personnel that figured in this successful liberation of Sitio Marabon, Mantangule Island in Balabac Municipality in Palawan. Thirty to 40 Moro National Liberation Front members stormed the island, occupied a mosque, and sent around 400 families fleeing to safety in the nearby islands (see related stories in this page).
The last part of the Fleet-Marine operations ended at around 3PM 18August 2009 after nearly eight hours of close-range firefight with around thirty fully armed men. The protracted skirmishes resulted to the death of 10 MNLF men, 7 of them were recovered, 3 were no longer retrieved from the sea where they attempted to escape on board a pump boat. They refused to surrender after hearing warning shots fired and instead shot it out with the Navy SEALs, according to Commander Alberto Cruz, the Task Group head. Three of the fatalities are the leader Abdullah Abdurajak a.k.a “Pa Guro” and his two sons Ebrahim Sabtula. The rest are Said Abdulradjak, one alias Kimpo, Nuh Abduradjak, Abdul Madjid, and one alias Sarip Hasim. The captured MNLF members were identified as Mannan Said, Bajar Usop, Sukarno Jamal, Alqasim Ladjahassan, and Saheron Batiik. Also recovered were assorted firearms and ammunitions, and a bladed weapon.
To the ground component commander and Commanding Officer MBLT-8 and the commander of the Naval Task Group 41.5 of the Philippine Fleet LTCol Yuri Pesigan and Commander Alberto Cruz, respectively of the Fleet-Marine team that operated in Mantangule Island, VADM Ferdinand Golez yesterday sent the message: "The Command Team of the Philippine Navy extends its commendations & congratulations of to all of you out there who made the Navy especially proud today. Carry on the good work!"
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Update in Mantangule Island, Balabac Incident as of 191400H
BY: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
LTC Yuri Pesigan the ground component commander of the fleet-marine operations team reports the recovery of 7 dead bodies and a total of 6 firearms and a bladed weapon (2 garand rifles, and M14 rifle, and an M79 grenade launcher, 2 cal. 45 pistols and a kris) from the marauders. Two were captured in the running gunbattle that is still ongoing. A wounded Marine grazed by bullet in the face near his eye has been airlifted to a hospital in Rio Tuba in southern tip of mainland Palawan. LCol Pesigan and Commander Alberto Cruz of Naval Task Group 41.5, and the members of the local PNP, with orders coming from Commodore Orwen Cortez, the Commander Naval Forces West, endeavor to get all the MNLF members before sundown to prevent their possible escape or for dissolving with the civilians/evacuees.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
LTC Yuri Pesigan the ground component commander of the fleet-marine operations team reports the recovery of 7 dead bodies and a total of 6 firearms and a bladed weapon (2 garand rifles, and M14 rifle, and an M79 grenade launcher, 2 cal. 45 pistols and a kris) from the marauders. Two were captured in the running gunbattle that is still ongoing. A wounded Marine grazed by bullet in the face near his eye has been airlifted to a hospital in Rio Tuba in southern tip of mainland Palawan. LCol Pesigan and Commander Alberto Cruz of Naval Task Group 41.5, and the members of the local PNP, with orders coming from Commodore Orwen Cortez, the Commander Naval Forces West, endeavor to get all the MNLF members before sundown to prevent their possible escape or for dissolving with the civilians/evacuees.
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