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.
Monday, October 19, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Marines Apprehend Suspected ASG Leader with P3.3M Bounty in Tawi-Tawi
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Members of Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 (MBLT2) arrested a top leader of the bandit AbuSayyaf Group in Tawi-Tawi Saturday evening, 10 October 2009.
Abdulkahil Mallah, suspected to be Ibni Acosta who is a sub-leader of the ASG-Urban Terrorist Group was about to board a vessel at Bongao Pier when he was accosted by the Marines led by 2LT EMERY L TORRE PN(M). Mallah was bound for Zamboanga City to seek medical treatment for a gunshot wound near his neck.
On 09 October, Mallah and his three companions were reportedly shot by an unkonwn assailant for an undetermined reason at Sitio Kasulutan, Tubig Tanah. The assailant then fled to Kalye Bisaya, Brgy Kasanyangan. Initial investigation led to the capture of Mallah.
Mallah has a standing warrant of arrest for 21 counts of kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention. He has a P3.3M reward for his capture. He did not resist arrest. Mallah, guarded by the marines is back at the hospital undergoing medical treatment for his wound.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Members of Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 (MBLT2) arrested a top leader of the bandit AbuSayyaf Group in Tawi-Tawi Saturday evening, 10 October 2009.
Abdulkahil Mallah, suspected to be Ibni Acosta who is a sub-leader of the ASG-Urban Terrorist Group was about to board a vessel at Bongao Pier when he was accosted by the Marines led by 2LT EMERY L TORRE PN(M). Mallah was bound for Zamboanga City to seek medical treatment for a gunshot wound near his neck.
On 09 October, Mallah and his three companions were reportedly shot by an unkonwn assailant for an undetermined reason at Sitio Kasulutan, Tubig Tanah. The assailant then fled to Kalye Bisaya, Brgy Kasanyangan. Initial investigation led to the capture of Mallah.
Mallah has a standing warrant of arrest for 21 counts of kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention. He has a P3.3M reward for his capture. He did not resist arrest. Mallah, guarded by the marines is back at the hospital undergoing medical treatment for his wound.
Marines Clash with Armed Men in Sulu and Basilan
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Thursday, 08 October 2009
Marines clashed with unidentified armed men in Sulu and Basilan last Monday, 05 October 2009 and killed in action one Marine and wounded another.
Around 30 men under Khabir Malik attacked two detachments of MBLT11 in Brgy Bitan-ag, Panamao, Sulu at 11AM. The 40-minute firefight inflicted an undetermined number of casualties among the enemy. No casualties were reported among the Marines.
At 2:15 PM, 48 members of 26MC, MBLT6 who were conducting combat clearing operations along Sitio Talatac, Brgy Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu engaged a group of 150 armed men in a two-hour battle. Another Marine was also wounded.
Killed in action was Private First Class Valeriano Bacud Pagulayan, a native of Penablanca, Cagayan province. Pagulayan, 27 years old entered the Marines in February 2008 as a trainee and graduated six months later. He was deployed to Sulu and became part of the Jolo Internal Defense Force.
According to Staff Sergeant Richard Lapingkao, Pagulayan’s platoon sergeant, the young Marine had dreamed of becoming a soldier since he was young because a number of his relatives belonged to the Marines. His father is a farmer and he has five other siblings. Lapingkao said Pagulayan deeply attached his life to the service and added he was proud of his comrade who died in the call of duty. Pagulayan had been in previous encounters in the past but the encounter last Monday in Brgy Bato-Bato was Pagulayan’s first major one. He succumbed to his wounds while his comrades were asministering first aid.
Meanwhile, two more Marine detachments in Brgy Bohelebong, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan were also attacked simultaneously Monday afternoon. The Marine successfully repelled both attacks that lasted for 30 minutes without sustaining casualties.
Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez condoles with the family of Pfc Pagulayan. He adds that the deaths of Marines in battle will not go in vain as the Navy will pursue its fight against lawless elements in the south. “The Navy will not be cowed but will be more vigilant by these attacks that are meant to harrass our operating units. We will remain focused in our commitment to bring about lasting peace in the island province through peace and development efforts. In the end we are confident that the people will discern who are their true protectors.”
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Thursday, 08 October 2009
Marines clashed with unidentified armed men in Sulu and Basilan last Monday, 05 October 2009 and killed in action one Marine and wounded another.
Around 30 men under Khabir Malik attacked two detachments of MBLT11 in Brgy Bitan-ag, Panamao, Sulu at 11AM. The 40-minute firefight inflicted an undetermined number of casualties among the enemy. No casualties were reported among the Marines.
At 2:15 PM, 48 members of 26MC, MBLT6 who were conducting combat clearing operations along Sitio Talatac, Brgy Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu engaged a group of 150 armed men in a two-hour battle. Another Marine was also wounded.
Killed in action was Private First Class Valeriano Bacud Pagulayan, a native of Penablanca, Cagayan province. Pagulayan, 27 years old entered the Marines in February 2008 as a trainee and graduated six months later. He was deployed to Sulu and became part of the Jolo Internal Defense Force.
According to Staff Sergeant Richard Lapingkao, Pagulayan’s platoon sergeant, the young Marine had dreamed of becoming a soldier since he was young because a number of his relatives belonged to the Marines. His father is a farmer and he has five other siblings. Lapingkao said Pagulayan deeply attached his life to the service and added he was proud of his comrade who died in the call of duty. Pagulayan had been in previous encounters in the past but the encounter last Monday in Brgy Bato-Bato was Pagulayan’s first major one. He succumbed to his wounds while his comrades were asministering first aid.
Meanwhile, two more Marine detachments in Brgy Bohelebong, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan were also attacked simultaneously Monday afternoon. The Marine successfully repelled both attacks that lasted for 30 minutes without sustaining casualties.
Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez condoles with the family of Pfc Pagulayan. He adds that the deaths of Marines in battle will not go in vain as the Navy will pursue its fight against lawless elements in the south. “The Navy will not be cowed but will be more vigilant by these attacks that are meant to harrass our operating units. We will remain focused in our commitment to bring about lasting peace in the island province through peace and development efforts. In the end we are confident that the people will discern who are their true protectors.”
Monday, October 5, 2009
Navy’s Relief Efforts for “Ondoy” Victims in Cainta, Rizal in Full Swing
By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Monday, 05 October 2009
The relief efforts of the Philippine Navy to victims of typhoon “Ondoy” in Cainta, Rizal went in full swing since Saturday, 03 October 2009 after typhoon “Pepeng” did not make a landfall in Metro Manila and neighboring areas as expected.
In coordination with the local government of Cainta and private organizations, the Navy distributed throusands of packs of relief goods to residents who patiently waited infront of the Cainta Municipal Hall and also to areas that are still flooded, while clearing operations went underway for debris that littered the streets.
Even before the Navy established its Advanced Command Post at the Municipal Hall 9:30 PM of 02 October 2009, residents had gathered infront of the Hall waiting for their packs of goodies. Before daybreak, the crowd has swelled. Not even the rain which began to pour in the afternoon forced them to seek shelter as they snaked through lines and began to swarm around a team of Navy officers and personnel distributing relief goods. Another team from the Navy controlled the crowd onty too eager to get their share of goods and go home.
For three hours, the eager residents, even pregnant women and grade school kids endured the rains brought by “Pepeng,” together with the Navy teams who were also soaking wet under the rain, distributing a truckload of goods from ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya.
Meanwhile, the Marines’ Light Amphibious Riverine Craft (LARC) vehicle parked infront of the Hall, painted with the sharp teeth of a hungry predator with traces of blood oozing from the teeth drew a number of people. Kids assited by members of the Marines climbed atop the vehicle to get a feel of it. The LARC vehicle was later dispatched to flooded areas in Cainta to deliver relief goods.
As of press time, Navy teams of over 50 officers and enlisted personnel delivered over 7,000 packs of relief goods to typhoon victims in Cainta, Rizal. Navy teams also conducted clean-up operations and a feeding program with government and private agencies.
Relief operations in Cainta, Rizal are still ongoing. Aside from the Navy’s search and rescue efforts during typhoons, the Navy is also prepared to undertake relief and rehabilitation efforts to victims of natural calamities. These deeds according to Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez is a testament of the Navy’s commitment to uplift the lives of the Filipinos especially those who are in need.
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Monday, 05 October 2009
The relief efforts of the Philippine Navy to victims of typhoon “Ondoy” in Cainta, Rizal went in full swing since Saturday, 03 October 2009 after typhoon “Pepeng” did not make a landfall in Metro Manila and neighboring areas as expected.
In coordination with the local government of Cainta and private organizations, the Navy distributed throusands of packs of relief goods to residents who patiently waited infront of the Cainta Municipal Hall and also to areas that are still flooded, while clearing operations went underway for debris that littered the streets.
Even before the Navy established its Advanced Command Post at the Municipal Hall 9:30 PM of 02 October 2009, residents had gathered infront of the Hall waiting for their packs of goodies. Before daybreak, the crowd has swelled. Not even the rain which began to pour in the afternoon forced them to seek shelter as they snaked through lines and began to swarm around a team of Navy officers and personnel distributing relief goods. Another team from the Navy controlled the crowd onty too eager to get their share of goods and go home.
For three hours, the eager residents, even pregnant women and grade school kids endured the rains brought by “Pepeng,” together with the Navy teams who were also soaking wet under the rain, distributing a truckload of goods from ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya.
Meanwhile, the Marines’ Light Amphibious Riverine Craft (LARC) vehicle parked infront of the Hall, painted with the sharp teeth of a hungry predator with traces of blood oozing from the teeth drew a number of people. Kids assited by members of the Marines climbed atop the vehicle to get a feel of it. The LARC vehicle was later dispatched to flooded areas in Cainta to deliver relief goods.
As of press time, Navy teams of over 50 officers and enlisted personnel delivered over 7,000 packs of relief goods to typhoon victims in Cainta, Rizal. Navy teams also conducted clean-up operations and a feeding program with government and private agencies.
Relief operations in Cainta, Rizal are still ongoing. Aside from the Navy’s search and rescue efforts during typhoons, the Navy is also prepared to undertake relief and rehabilitation efforts to victims of natural calamities. These deeds according to Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez is a testament of the Navy’s commitment to uplift the lives of the Filipinos especially those who are in need.
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