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

Wednesday, 10 March 2010


WHO: US and Philippine Navy Contingents that will form part of Balikatan 2010

WHAT: Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Capability Demonstration

WHEN: 13 March 2010 @ 8 a.m.

WHERE: In the vicinity of Manila Bay at 5 Nautical Miles Southwest off San Nicholas Shoal


DETAILS:


The RP-US Bilateral Exercise dubbed as Balikatan 2010 was formally opened last Monday, 09 March 2010 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Balikatan 2010 exercises also include Naval Forces (NAVFOR) events, Marine Forces (MARFOR) events, combined-joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise (EODEX)/Diving Exercise (DIVEX), and Combined Afloat Staff Planning.

Part of the NAVFOR events is the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) capability demonstration that will be showcased on 13 March 2010 at 10 a.m. in the vicinity of Manila Bay. Philippine Navy Logistics Support Vessel, BRP Dagupan City (LC 551) and the Patrol Ship, BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS 36) together with USS Harper’s Ferry will be the vessels that will show the maneuvers at sea in conducting VBSS. The members of the elite force of the Philippine Navy’s Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) and the US Navy Seals will act as main actors during their real-time exhibition.

VBSS is a drill that harness maritime boarding actions and tactics, designed to capture enemy vessels, to combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling, and to conduct customs, safety and other inspections, as employed by modern navies, marine and maritime services, military and police forces. This capability is an integral part of the doctrine of the Navy to thwart maritime terrorism and to protect the vast and porous borders of our country against lawless elements.

Friends from the media are invited to cover the said event. A 25-seater Rosa Bus will be available to ferry media personnel. Said vehicle will be prepositioned on or about 7 a.m. beside AFP Public Affairs Office, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo and will depart 7:15 a.m. enroute to Philippine Navy Headquarters. A Navy vessel, BRP Leopoldo Regis (PG 847), will be made available and will preposition at Commodore Divino Pier, Headquarters Philippine Navy, Roxas Boulevard, Manila 8 o’clock in the morning to ferry observers and media to the exercise (at sea) area and back. Interested parties may coordinate with LTJG MARINETH R DOMINGO PN at mobile number 0917.817.1434 for more details.

Navy’s New Admiral, Reservists

Newly commissioned officers into the reserve component of the Philippine Navy take their oath during a ceremony at the Navy Headquarters on 08 March 2010. From left to right are Cdr Eugenio A Insigne, the incumbent Chairman of the National Commission on Indigenous People; Cpt Norman L Fabia, a licensed electrical engineer; and Cpt Manuel T Cosio, a licensed architect. The Reserve Component plays an important role in national defense, domestic emergencies, and socioeconomic development programs.



Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy and Rear Admiral Danilo M Cortez, Vice Commander, don the new rank insignia on Rear Admiral Raul P Espera Jr during a ceremony at the Navy Headquarters on 08 March 2010. Rear Admiral Espera, member of PMA Class 1977 is the incumbent commandant of the AFP Command and General Staff Course (CGSC) in Camp Aginaldo, Quezon City.

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

Monday, 08 March 2010

A new admiral is added to the roster of senior officers while three new reservists now join the officer corps of the Philippine Navy. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy presided the donning of rank insignias during the Monday morning colors today, 08 March 2010 at the Philippine Navy Headquarters, Roxas Blvd, Manila.

Promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral is Commodore Ramon P Espera Jr, the incumbent commandant of the AFP Command and General Staff Course (CGSC) in Camp Aginaldo, Quezon City. Radm Espera, a member of PMA Class 1977 was Acting Commander of the Western Command based in Palawan and Commander of the Naval Forces West, also in Palawan prior to his assignment at CGSC.

Meanwhile, the Navy also welcomed the addition of three new officers in its reserve corps. The newly-commissioned officers are: Cdr Eugenio A Insigne, the incumbent Chairman of the National Commission on Indigenous People; Cpt Norman L Fabia, a licensed electrical engineer; and Cpt Manuel T Cosio, a licensed architect.

Cdr Insigne was appointed by virtue of his functions and responsibilities as public official and in recognition of his vital role in the execution of civil defense and related plans both at the national and local levels. Cpts Fabia and Cosio will be assigned at the Naval Construction Brigade (Seabees) where they will train and assist naval engineers, architects, and other reservists as Seabees carry out its national development projects throughout the country. Also taking place was the ceremonial donning of ranks to Lcdr Rolando Adorable to the rank of full Commander.

The Reserve Component of the Philippine Navy as well as in the whole AFP plays an important role in national defense and in domestic emergencies. They are called upon to assist the Navy in relief and rescue operations during calamities and assist the AFP in implementing socioeconomic development programs.

MARINES ATTACK ASG-JI LAIR IN SULU

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

08 March 2010

Navy’s Fleet-Marine Forces swoop-down on a suspected combined Abu-Sayaff and Jemaah Islamiya Terrorist lair in Laminusa Island off Siasi early morning Sunday March 7, 2010 killing 10 terrorists. Joint Task Force Comet Commander Brigadier General Rustico Guerrero said that the operation targeted top South East Asian JI terrorist Zulkifli Bin Abdul Hir alyas Marwan who is wanted for several murders and other terrorist attack including the Bali Bombing. Marwan is believed to be the link of Jemaah Islamiya to the Abu Sayaff and head of a terrorist cell in Mindanao. He is being protected by ASG sub-leader Elahan Ansit with about 20 heavily armed followers.

Marine Lieutenant Colonel Robert Velasco, commander of the amphibious operation, said that 18 high powered firearms including two medium machine guns and three grenade launchers, magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition of different calibers, and voluminous bomb making materials were recovered in the scene of the encounter. The fleeing terrorists also left behind five of their dead cohorts (body counts) while five others were reported to have been immediately buried in several places. One Marine was wounded in the firefight

Velasco related that the raiding team composed of Marine Special Operation Forces lead by Major Willy Manalang and Captain Bogs Nono swiftly and silently penetrated the terrorist’s lair using newly acquired Navy fast attack crafts and special equipment. The terrorists who were scattered in different houses were surprised when the Marines suddenly appeared in their area. However, instead of surrendering, the terrorists fired at the raiding teams triggering a sporadic firefight. Lieutenants Dohinog, Delasa and Molina who were part of the raiding team narrated that some of them were still wading in chest deep sea water when the enemies started firing. “The targets were in stilt supported houses situated above the water which made it difficult to access. The presence of innocent civilians complicated the situation” added Dohinog.

Third Marine Brigade Commander Colonel Mario Montejo explained that the operation was a product of five months of intelligence build-up and force preparation. Most of the information were provided by the locals in the area. Ansit who is one of those killed is the cuddler of Marwan who was able to escape with the help of Ansit’s heavily armed cohorts. Marwan’s house was guarded by Ansit’s men. 11 persons were also arrested and being investigated for several crimes including violation of the anti-terror law. Montejo said that local officials lead by the barangay captain Ruben Saipuddin were present in the scene and assisted the Marines after the raid.

Provincial officials lead by Governor Sakur Tan lauded General Guerrero and the Task Force Comet for their relentless anti-terrorism efforts in Sulu Province. Just recently, notorious terrorist leader Albader Parad and several of his men were killed by Marine Scout Snipers in an encounter in Indanan, Sulu. Parad is responsible for, among others, the kidnapping of three European Red Cross volunteers and ABS-CBN journalist Ces Drilon and her crew. Guerrero said that the raid dismantled and disrupted one of the most active JI terrorist cells in Southeast Asia. This string of anti-terror successes is a result of a well implemented Task Force Comet Campaign Plan with the objective of addressing the root causes of terrorism. “We do not just want to win the war on terror we want to win the peace and development as well” Guerrero added.

59 Cadets from PMA Join the Philippine Navy

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

Wednesday, 03 March 2010

Among the 226 graduates of “Masidlak” (Mandirigmang Sibol ng Dakilang Lahing Kayumangi) Class of 2010 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), fifty-nine strong members are added to the roster of the Philippine Navy officers. They were commissioned in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and will bear the rank as Ensigns after their graduation from the Philippine Military Academy Monday, 01 March 2010. The group is composed of 50 males and nine females.

Jhonson Riveza Gonzales, 22, of Zone 1 Del Rosario, Pamplona, Camarines Sur who placed 4th in the PMA Graduation Merit Roll will be the Class Marcher of the Navy Group. He received the Philippine Navy Saber from Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez AFP, the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy for being the top graduate of the cadets joining the Navy. Ensign Gonzales also received the Professional Courses Plaque, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award for being number 1 in the Navy Service Core Courses, and the JUSMAG (Joint United States Military Advisory Group) Award for being the top Graduate of the Philippine Navy. He was also a recipient of the Distinguished Cadet Award or commonly known in the Academy as “Starman” for making it to the Dean’s List for two semesters and Commandant’s List for three semesters during the school year 2009-2010.

The other 49 male cadets joining the Navy are: Mark Aca, Rodanim Acleta, Alfie Agarao, Roli Angelo Amihan, Michael Andres, John Carlos Bandiola, Clyde Jade Banggollay, Neil Laurence Bolivar, Chibar Bullos, Joseph Michael Caoile, Mildner Cawi, Sammy Froilan Costina, Glenn de Luna, Gino Dominic Diño, John Frederick Gaunia, Julius Giron, Jhonson Gonzales, Nino Hilvano, Floriano Laberinto Jr, Vincent Larida, Kurl Winston Layugan, Hazam Licyayo, Bryan Magura, Christian Malabanan, Harold Malazzab, Jesus Daniel Martinez, Jonathan Migabon, Benedict Milo, Protacio Mofan Jr, Nujim Mosquiza, Aries Olarve, Andre Neil Osoya, Clifford Pacatang, Kelvin John Paganaje, Roy Albert Paller, Geraldson Pascual, Dexter Pasiliao, Randy Peria, Paolo Pormento, Ramon Rabino Jr, Joey Roxas, Gerald John Sambaan, , Peter Mark Santos, Delmar Sarsagat, Lemuel Sarzua, Avelino Sibbaluca Jr, Christopher Tobias, Robart Anthony Toribio, Ricardo Paulo Villarba II and Francis Lou Wong.

The nine female cadets joining the Navy are: Karla Nicole Albano, Angelica Bello, Joy Bermundo, Jona Boglosa, Mariejun Camayang, Brigitte de Vera, Catherine Estrada, Gessyka Maria Fronda, and Eden Rose Santiago.

Among the 59 members, seven of them signified their intention of joining the Philippine Marine Corps, two of which are females. Before taking their first assignment in the field or aboardship, the new graduates will take up basic officer courses. For those who will join the Philippine Fleet, they will have the Naval Officer Basic Course (NOBC) in Naval Education and Training Command in San Antonio, Zambales for 8 months while those who will be joining the Philippine Marine Corps will have the Marine Officers Basic Course (MOBC) in Marine Base Ternate.

Philippine Navy Ties Up with Shipping Company for Cheap Boat Rides Home

Cheaper Boat Rides Home. The Philippine Navy and Aboitiz Transport System and Corporation (ATSC) contract by way of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Tuesday, 02 March 2010 at the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Blvd, Manila. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez (3rd from L), Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy signs the Agreement in behalf of the Philippine Navy while Ms Evelyn L Engel (2nd from L), EVP & CEO of Super Ferry signs in behalf of ATSC. The MOA grants discounted rates to Navy personnel and their dependents on all Super Ferry trips. The special discount rate extends to non-uniformed personnel, civilian employees, and retired Navy personnel. Captain Robert A Empedrad (4th from L), Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Personnel and Mr Andrew Deyto, VP for Sales and Marketing witness the signing.



Ties that Bind. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez and Ms Evelyn Engel formalize the Navy- Aboitiz Company partnership with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement at the Navy Headquarters. Ms Engel said the move will bolster the cooperation between the Navy and Aboitiz who closely worked together when Superferry 9 sank in the waters of Zamboanga del Norte on 09 September 2009 where the Navy’s quick response saved 442 passengers. Vice Admiral Golez lauded the initiative that will make bonding among Navy personnel and their families easier than before. The partnership will also pave the way for a strengthened anti-terror effort by the Navy aboard SF vessels.



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

Tuesday, 02 March 2010

Families of Philippine Navy Sailors and Marines will soon be reunited easily and more frequently beginning today, 02 March 2010. This follows from the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy and Ms Evelyn Engel, Executive Vice President and CEO of Aboitiz Transport System and Corporation (ATSC). Through the said agreement, ATSC agrees to extend a special discount rate to non-uniformed personnel, civilian employees, and retired members of the Navy and all their qualified dependents. The ATSC has provided prevailing rates to all routes that it has identified. The MOA is valid for a period of one year.

In her speech during the ceremony, Ms Engel said the move will bolster the cooperation between the Navy and Aboitiz Company who have closely worked together when Superferry 9 sank in the waters of Zamboanga del Norte on 09 September 2009. Ms Engel recognized the Navy’s quick response that saved 442 passengers of the SF 9. It can be recalled that the vessels dispatched by the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command were the first government assets to arrive in the area to conduct search and rescue operations.

For his part, Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy cited that with the mutual agreement, bonding among families of Navy personnel is now affordable at a very reasonable price.

Through its corporate offices and branches nationwide, ATSC shall extend guaranteed Lowest Tripid Fare on all Superferry trips, provided that the Navy and its members shall meet and comply with all the requirements and follow the procedure set forth. Aside from the military ID, ATSC may also request for additional IDs.

This initiative is among the many projects of the Command that seeks to provide for the basic needs of the Sailors and Marines.

Navy Sends Off Sailors and Marines for Balikatan 2010

All Set for Balikatan 2010. The Philippine Marines’ Light Amphibious Riverine Craft (LARC) and V300 tanks will see action in amphibious landing exercises in the beaches of Ternate, Cavite. The Philippine Marine Corps will join their American counterparts in a series of activities aimed at enhancing their capability in combating terrorism. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez in his speech during the send-off ceremony at the Navy Headquarters cited the Fleet-Marine Team’s insights and capabilities in jungle warfare as a great contribution of the Philippine Navy during the Balikatan Exercises in the past.



All Set for Balikatan 2010. The Navy’s Bolkow Helicopter (PNH 411) hovers while a Destroyer Escort Vessel BRP Rajah Humabon (PF 11) maneuvers during the send-off ceremony on 02 March 2010. Around 950 Sailors and Marines, and six other floating and air assets participate in the Balikatan 2010 which formally commences in 09 March. Five other vessels and an Islander aircraft will be involved in a series of anti-terror drills in the areas of Northern Luzon, San Antonio, Zambales, Subic, and Cavite. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy enjoined the Sailors and Marines during the send-off ceremony to showcase “what the Philippine Navy Fleet-Marine Team is really made of”, especially in contributing to their American counterparts our competency in fighting the enemy while winning the hearts and minds of the people.



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

Tuesday, 02 March 2010

The Philippine Navy sends off this morning, 02 March 2010 its personnel and assets participating in the Balikatan 2010 which formally starts in 09 March. Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy led the simple rites at the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Blvd, Manila for some 933 Sailors and Marines participating in the annual exercises with the US.

Two Navy vessels- BRP Rajah Humabon (PF 11) and BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS 36) now docked at the Commo Yutadco Pier, Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Cavite City, one Bolkow chopper and the Marines’ Light Amphibious Riverine Craft (LARC) and a B300 tank were prepositioned at the Navy Headquarters for the ceremonial send-off. Other participating vessels during the Balikatan are BRP Dagupan City (LC 551), and BRP Leopoldo Regis (PG 847), DF 336, and DF 351. The Navy’s aircraft, PNH 411 and PNI 312 will also see action in the areas of Northern Luzon, San Antonio, Zambales, and Subic together with elements from the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG). Meanwhile, members of the Philippine Marine Corps will hold the amphibious landing exercises in the beaches of Ternate, Cavite with their US counterparts.

In his speech during the ceremony, Vice Admiral Golez enjoined the participants to showcase in the Balikatan “what the Philippine Navy Fleet-Marine Team is really made of.”

“I know for a fact that the Navy’s insights on counterinsurgency, civil-military affairs and jungle warfare, among many other inherent capabilities of our Fleet-Marine team, will be greatly useful in the said exercises. With all these, what our Fleet-Marine team will therefore contribute to our American counterparts in the exercise are the integration of efforts to fight the enemy, how to win the hearts and minds of the populace; and, of course, jungle survival, which AFP men and women are generally known for,” Admiral Golez said.

Admiral Golez also expressed optimism that cooperation between US and Philippine forces through the Balikatan would continue to bind the two governments’ resolve in defeating the scourge of terrorism and also between the peoples of the two countries in seeking a common vision of peace, freedom, and prosperity.

Balikatan 2010 is comprised of various events such as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercises (EODEX)/Diving Exercise (DIVEX), and Combined Afloat Staff Planning. During the phase of the exercise different evolutions aboard ship will be conducted that include the Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), seamanship, and boat raid. These series of activities is a test of the operational skills of the Sailors and Marines, especially in applying the concept of Fleet-Marine operations.

Prior the formal opening ceremony in 09 March, Balikatan already kicked off in the areas of Northern Luzon where a series of community relations projects have been conducted by participating personnel from the AFP and the US Armed Forces.

Marine Killed in Action in Latest Sulu Encounter A Veteran of Fierce Encounters in the South

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

Tuesday, 23 February 2010

The Marine killed in action during Sunday’s clash in Maimbung, Sulu with the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group had survived fierce encounters in the South in the recent past. Staff Sergeant Eliseo D Salo was known to have risked his own life to rush to wounded comrades in the heat of battle and even save innocent civilians caught in the firefight.

Corporal Cyrus A Talite who served under Salo’s team for five years described his team leader as someone who bravely faced the danger to save others. He recounts an encounter with the MILF sometime in 2000 in Matanog, Maguindanao when Salo crawled under a rain of fire to extract a wounded comrade who finally succumbed to a gunshot wound. Talite also recalls the June 2009 ambush by the Abu Sayyaf to members of MBLT 6 and PNP in Indanan when Salo rushed to wounded comrades.

In 2005 while carrying out Oplan Ultimatum in Indanan, Sulu, Salo rescued two children caught in the firefight in the hills of Bud Daho. A bullet only razed Salo’s shirt but he was unharmed. It was also in the same year, in Luuk, Sulu when Salo singlehandedly disarmed an ASG member of his M14 rifle and bolo during an operation. Salo’s team arrested two other ASG that time and turned them over to the local police in Jolo, Sulu.

Salo, a member of the Marine’s elite unite, the Force Reconnaissance Company (FRC), has figured in the successful operation in September 2006 that killed ASG leader Khadaffy Janjalani in Patikul, Sulu. In 2000, he was awarded the Gold Cross Medal in recognition of his gallantry in action while serving as a member of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 (MBLT 4) during the offensive and clearing operation of the MILF’s training center in Maguindanao.

For his part, 1LT CHARLIE CAÑA, who was Salo’s Commanding Officer in the FRC for two years, described his subordinate as “the most trusted”. “He knows how to encourage his teammates to carry out their tasks no matter how risky. He’s whole-hearted, matapang (brave), one of the best”, CaÑa, adds.

Salo, 32, of Misamis Oriental joined the Marines as a trainee in December 1997. He was immediately deployed to Patikul, Sulu upon graduation in May 1998 as a member of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 (MBLT 4). As befits soldiers who died in battle, the Philippine Marine Corps will render honors to SSgt Salo who will be awarded the Posthomous Wounded Medal.

Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez condoles with the family of Ssgt Salo. He vows the Navy will sustain its Fleet-Marine operations to rid the island-province of bandit and terror groups who continue to sow fear among the local populace. Vice Admiral Golez adds that the Navy remains committed to bringing peace and development in the South with a two-pronged approach—combat operations and humanitarian missions.