Photo Release re Testimonial Parade and Review for FOIC, PN and two others

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

Tuesday, 31 August 2010



Rear Admiral Danilo M Cortez AFP, Flag Officer In Command,
Philippine Navy; Rear Admiral Roberto Q Estioko AFP,
Vice Commander Philippine Navy; and Rear Admiral Vicente
M Agdamag AFP, Commander, Naval Education and Training
Command troop the line of cadets of the Philippine
Military Academy with Vice Admiral Leonardo C Calderon,
Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
and the Brigade Commander of the Cadet Corps Armed
Forces of the Philippines during the Testimonial Parade
and Review in their honor on 28 August 2010. PMA
accorded the honor to the honorees as a fitting tribute
for their achievements that had made them earned the
esteemed admiration of more than 20,000 strong members
of the Team Navy.





Rear Admiral Danilo M Cortez AFP, Flag Officer In Command,
Philippine Navy; Rear Admiral Roberto Q Estioko AFP,
Vice Commander Philippine Navy; and Rear Admiral
Vicente M Agdamag AFP, Commander, Naval Education
and Training Command salute the cadets of the
Philippine Military Academy during the Testimonial
Parade and Review on 28 August 2010. The parade and
review was rendered in their honor for their more
than 30 years of faithful and dedicated service to
the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

PMA Honors Navy Top Brass

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

Tuesday, 31 August 2010

The Philippine Military Academy recently honored its alumni
in a ceremony at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City on Saturday,
28 August 2010. REAR ADMIRAL DANILO M CORTEZ AFP,
Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy led the awardees
who are all members of PMA “Masikap” Class of 1977-
REAR ADMIRAL ROBERTO Q ESTIOKO AFP, Vice Commander,
Philippine Navy, and REAR ADMIRAL VICENTE M AGDAMAG AFP,
Commander, Naval Education and Training Command. The
three received the Superintendent Plaque of Distinction
from VICE ADMIRAL LEONARDO CALDERON AFP, PMA Superintendent.
Except for Rear Admiral Cortez who is set to bow out of
the service in January 2011, both Rear Admiral Estioko
and Rear Admiral Agdamag are set to retire this year.

Rear Admiral Cortez took the Navy helm in acting capacity
in May this year after Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez retired.
As one of his priority programs which he outlined upon his
assumption, Rear Admiral Cortez 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.

With the absence of adequate funds, Rear Admiral Cortez has
advocated the lease of Navy properties along Roxas Blvd and
Ft Bonifacio to finance the stalled modernization program.
This “out-of-the-box” solution was welcomed by the President
and was announced during his SONA in July.

A seasoned sailor, Rear Admiral Cortez commanded four
vessels that included the presidential yatch, BRP PAG-ASA
AT-25) from 1992-1997. He was also the Commander of the
Naval Task Force 61 from 2110-2003 prior his assignment
as Chief of Staff of the Philippine Fleet, also in 2003.
Rear Admiral Cortez was the Vice Commander of the
Philippine Navy when he was named as the 31st Flag Officer
In Command. He hails from Ilocos Sur.

Rear Admiral Estioko is the concurrent The Naval Inspector
General when he was named to the Navy’s second highest post.
The Nueva Ecija native is a career naval professional with
sterling performance both at sea and at shore. He holds a
PhD in Development Education.

Rear Admiral Agdamag who heads the Navy’s premier institution
of learning, the Naval Education and Training Command
is an educator and an intelligence operator. The Ilocos Sur
native was the first Filipino to receive a writing award for
his research paper entitled “Intelligence and the Invasion
of the Philippines” at the National Defense University,
Washington DC where he completed his Master of Science in
National Resource Strategy. He has also authored four books.

The three were given a Testimonial Parade and Review, one
of the military’s time-honored traditions and the PMA’s
testament of giving recognition to its illustrious alumni.
The three also lead the inauguration of the two “Masikap”
Class classrooms for the benefit of the cadets who will
soon be the future officers of the AFP.

Statement from the Director, Naval Public Affairs Office, RE- Hostage-taking in Manila and the Creation of an ‘Elite Strike Force’

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

Saturday, 28 August 2010

There are three things that we wish to put
across regarding the incident at Luneta:

First, the Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces
of the Philippines commiserate with and express
our deepest sympathy to the family and loved
ones of the victims in that very unfortunate incident.
Flags in all Navy and AFP camps were flown at half mast.
Last 25th of August, our Sailors acted as pall bearers
and ceremonial elements in the Send-off Ceremony at
the NAIA for the bodies of those who perished in
that incident in Luneta. As far as we can recall,
this is the first time ever that our Navy has
afforded the same honors to anyone but our fallen
heroes or deceased foreign dignitaries.

Second, while there must be a thorough inquiry,
it should be motivated by the desire to draw the
lessons than passing and pinning the blame on anyone.

Third, what was glaring in that hostage-taking
incident was the absence of a highly-trained,
well-equipped, and efficient strike force that can
deliver the decisive blow when the need for it
like the Luneta incident arises.

Regarding Pres Aquino’s directive to create an
elite AFP-PNP strike force, the Philippine Navy
welcomes that directive from our Commander in Chief.
As a matter of fact, we have been anticipating that in the
Navy. After that fateful incident, we have ordered the
commanders of our elite Navy Special Operations Group
and Marine Force Reconnaissance to conduct an inventory
of our men and equipment.

There are three Rs that we need to do to effect
the directive of the Commander in Chief:

Reconstitution. The best among our elite units
have been deployed in conflict areas around the
country. We have to first gather them.

Re-tooling. Units dedicated for this specific
and specialized task should be well equipped.
At present, we do not have suitable high-powered
but shorter automatic weapons, masks, and night
fighting systems, among other state of the
art weaponry and equipment they need; and the 3rd R
is Refresher training.

Our SEAL Teams and Force Recon Marines have all
been trained for commando-type operations. However,
their present deployments are in combat operations
against the terrorists holed in the jungles of Basilan
and Sulu. They need to brush up their skills and
tactics to re-introduce them to urban
counter-terrorist actions.

There will have to be a fourth “R” if we have to
work with our counterparts with the PNP. That will
be Retraining.

While the basics that were taught to the commando
units in the AFP and the PNP are the same,
they need to train together to be one cohesive and
well-oiled fighting machine. And this is not difficult.
We just need some time for training before they can
gel and be a potent anti-terrorist strike force
deployable anywhere in the country at a moment’s
notice.

These will not affect the ongoing operations
in the Navy because our recruitment and training
of our elite units are continuous.

Navy Pays Homage to Hostage Victims at NAIA Today

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

Wednesday, 25 August 2010

The Philippine Navy pays homage today, 25 August 2010 to the Chinese nationals who were killed during the hostage taking at the Quirino Grandstand this week. Dressed in their white uniforms, over 20 Sailors will act as pall-bearers and render plane-side honors as the remains of the eight victims will be flown from NAIA Terminal I to Hongkong at 5 PM today via a Cathay Pacific flight. In observance of the Chinese tradition, there will be no marching band and Sailors will not be carrying firearms.

The act is the Navy’s gesture of showing sympathy to the people of Hong Kong as the Philippines observes a National Day of Mourning today. The Philippine flag in all Navy bases also fly at half mast in this symbolic gesture of sympathy and respect.

Press Advisory: President Benigno Simeon C Aquino III Commander In Chief, AFP will visit the wake of the Two Naval Aviators

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

Sunday, 21 August 2010

WHO: President Benigno Simeon C Aquino III Commander
In Chief, Armed Forces Of the Philippines

WHAT: Visit to the wake of the Two (2) Naval aviators

WHEN: 22 August 2010 @ 3:00 PM

WHERE: NSJF Holy Child Chapel, Naval Station Jose Francisco,
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

DETAILS:

His Excellency President Benigno Simeon C Aquino III will
visit the remains of LT TRISTAN JOSEPH Z CORPUZ PN and
LTJG JAYRALD C TAMAYO PN tomorrow, 22 August 2010, at 3 P.M
at NSJF Holy Child Chapel, Naval Station Jose Francisco,
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Friends from the media are enjoined to cover the event.
For said activity you may contact CPT JOSE P DINGLASAN PN(M)
at (0918) 564-9637 for details.

PRESS ADVISORY: Honors for 2 Naval Aviators

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

Thursday, 19 August 2010

WHO: LT TRISTAN JOSEPH Z CORPUZ PN and LTJG JAYRALD C
TAMAYO PN

WHAT: Arrival Honors

WHEN: 20 August 2010 @ 9:00 AM

WHERE: Base Operations, PAF, Villamor Air Base, Pasay
City

DETAILS:

The Philippine Navy will render full military honors for
LT TRISTAN JOSEPH Z CORPUZ and LTJG JAYRALD C TAMAYO on
20 August 2010, Friday at the Headquarters Naval Air Group,
Sangley Pt, Cavite City. The remains of the two pilots will
be flown from Zambaonga City to Manila at 7:05 AM and
expected to arrive at the Base Operations, PAF, Villamor Air
Base, Pasay City at 9:00 AM. From Manila, the remains will
be brought to Sangley Pt.

On 21 August 2010, Saturday, a Hero’s Welcome awaits Ltjg
Tamayo at NS Jose Francisco, Ft Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Interment is scheduled on 22 August 2010, Sunday at the
Libingan ng mga Bayani. Lt Corpuz’s remains will be
transferred to NS Jose Francisco on 23 August and burial
is scheduled on 24 August.

The two Naval Aviators who perished in the helicopter crash
in Zamboanga City on 17 August 2010 were both excellent
pilots and decorated officers who have participated in many
combat missions and search and rescue operations. Both were
also engineering students before they entered the Philippine
Military Academy.

LT Corpuz, who turns 30 next month is a member of PMA Class
2002, while LTJG Tamayo, who turns 29 this month is a member
of PMA Class 2003. Both have completed their junior billets
aboardship before becoming pilots.

Lt Corpuz was one of the pilots of the Naval Air Group based
in Sangley Pt, Cavite to check out from his billets in the
fastest possible time. In military parlance, a pilot who checks
out from one billet signifies his completion of one assignment
in a short period of time.

According to LT MARINETH RIANO-DOMINGO, a classmate of Lt Corpuz
at the PMA, her mistah is a very dedicated “man of service”,
father, and classmate. “He never ceases to do good things for
other people. Indeed, a very selfless man”. Lt Domingo describes
her classmate as “more than a "mistah" to most of my classmates...,
he stands as a trustworthy confidante, the joy of the crowd and
the caring "Superman" who will be there for you in the midst of
all your struggles. True to his word, he is a "Superman" for
leading a noble life, laying down his life in service to God,
country and the Filipino people”.

Meanwhile, Ltjg Tamayo, Corpuz’ junior at the PMA was cited as
the best in flying in his class which he also topped in 2008.
He was also eyed to be an instructor at the Naval Air Group.

Ltjg Noel Marzan, a classmate of Tamayo at the PMA had this to
say to his classmate: “Jayrald and I have been inseparable as
best of buds/roommate/bunkmate since we’re plebes in the academy.
We both joined the Navy, went on joint missions aboardship and
became naval aviators. Even in office assignments, we worked
together. Indeed a true mistah, “brothers thicker than blood”.
My “bonki” is a great loss not only to his family but to the Navy
as well. He has showed exceptional skills in flying and in whatever
work he gets his hands on. Not misled by unprofessionalism, he has
his principles intact. We made NAG’s dream a reality in NA5. We
shared a lot in common- We’re from Baguio, share same hobbies,
gadgets, exchange shirts, and even deepest secrets”.

Lt Corpuz and Ltjg Tamayo were piloting the Bolkow Helicopter
PNH411 when it crashed in the sea in the Great Sta Cruz Island.
The helicopter was on a routine flight mission and at the time
of the incident documenting Inshore Combat Tactics Training.
REAR ADMIRAL DANILO M CORTEZ expresses condolence to the families
of the victims.

Friends from the media are enjoined to cover the events. For
activities at Sangley Pt, you may contact LTJG ROMMEL B RODRIGUEZ
at (0939)127-8324 and CPT JOSE P DINGLASAN PN(M) at (0918) 564-9637
for activities at NSJF.

Update in the search for missing Navy pilots as of 190711H August 2010

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

Thursday, 19 August 2010

The lifeless bodies of the Naval Aviators have been found—one after the other at around 7:11 and 7:25 a.m., respectively, on 19 August 2010.

The body of LTJG JAYRALD C TAMAYO PN was sighted floating 2 nautical miles west of Little Santa Cruz Island and that of LT TRISTAN JOSEPH Z CORPUZ PN 350 yards off Great Santa Cruz Island by Navy SEAL teams searching for them.

The remains of the navy pilots were brought to the Headquarters of Naval Forces Western Mindanao in Zamboanga City where the recovered helicopters was also brought yesterday.

After round the clock, day and night incessant search, we have finally given up the hope to get our pilots alive.

This is a day of mourning for the Philippine Navy having lost two of its distinguished naval aviators who have participated in many combat missions and search and rescue operations until this air mishap.

The efforts now shift from search, rescue, and recovery mode to administrative. The determination of the cause of the crash and the processing of the entitlements of the deceased pilots and their next of kin follow. (End)