www.navy.mil.ph The Philippine Navy through the Maritime Re- search Information Center (MRIC) launched the MRIC Inter-agency website for the National Coast Watch System on 28 January 2011 at the Naval Station Jose Francisco, Taguig City. Honorable Voltaire T Gazmin, the Secretary of National Defense, was the Guest of Honor during the activity. The inter-agency website anchors on a framework of cooperative engagement. Among the partners and stake- holders include the Philippine Coast Guard, Office for Transport Security – Department of Transportation and Communication, Philippine Center for Transnational Crime, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Energy. Said agencies will collectively address the challenges and opportunities of the vast mari- time environment that our archipelago offers. An offshoot of the successful inter-agency informa- tion sharing seminar held last September 2010, the website serves as a mechanism of information sharing and ex- change between various government agencies and mari- time stakeholders. “The website which is a product of inter -agency collaboration and cooperation will certainly pro- vide a better picture necessary for maritime stakeholders and decision makers,” said RADM Alexander Pama, the Navy Chief. Relatedly, the Coast Watch System through the Coast Watch Stations situated throughout the archipelago re- mains relevant in enhancing the Philippines’ Maritime Domain Awareness essential for maritime security. For the year 2010, the Coast Watch System has monitored vessel traffic using the Automatic Identification System, RA- DAR, visual and direct radio contact and recorded 29,429 vessels traversing our maritime domain. Common types of vessel include: bulk carriers, containers, tankers, cargoes, passenger ships and fishing vessels. This basically com- posed the baseline data of vessels monitored passing through the sea lanes of our archipelago. USS Blueridge concludes visit in the country (Cont. on page 4) Navy launches website for inter-agency cooperation 34 fishers rescued by Navy in Palawan The flagship of the 7 th Fleet of the United States Navy, USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) left the Philippines on 17 February 2011 after a successful 5-day goodwill visit in the country that saw Sailors and Marines of the Philippine and US Navies in a series of community relations projects. These projects benefitted school children and orphans in selected areas in Manila. They also conducted a clean-up of the Clark American Cemetery and San Roque Community clean-up project. Vol. No. 003 Vol. No. 003- 11, No.2 11, No.2 February 2011 February 2011 Thirty-four fishermen were rescued by the Philippine Navy in Paly Island, Taytay, Palawan on 19 January 2010 after their vessel, F/B Jonathan I was re- ported missing three days before due to strong winds brought by the northeast monsoon. (Story on page 2) Photo by: PS 74 crew
Transcript
www.navy.mil.ph
The Philippine Navy through the Maritime Re-search Information Center (MRIC) launched the MRIC Inter-agency website for the National Coast Watch System on 28 January 2011 at the Naval Station Jose Francisco, Taguig City. Honorable Voltaire T Gazmin, the Secretary of National Defense, was the Guest of Honor during the activity. The inter-agency website anchors on a framework of cooperative engagement. Among the partners and stake-holders include the Philippine Coast Guard, Office for Transport Security – Department of Transportation and Communication, Philippine Center for Transnational Crime, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Energy. Said agencies will collectively address the challenges and opportunities of the vast mari-time environment that our archipelago offers. An offshoot of the successful inter-agency informa-tion sharing seminar held last September 2010, the website serves as a mechanism of information sharing and ex-change between various government agencies and mari-time stakeholders. “The website which is a product of inter-agency collaboration and cooperation will certainly pro-vide a better picture necessary for maritime stakeholders and decision makers,” said RADM Alexander Pama, the Navy Chief.
Relatedly, the Coast Watch System through the Coast Watch Stations situated throughout the archipelago re-mains relevant in enhancing the Philippines’ Maritime Domain Awareness essential for maritime security. For the year 2010, the Coast Watch System has monitored vessel traffic using the Automatic Identification System, RA-DAR, visual and direct radio contact and recorded 29,429 vessels traversing our maritime domain. Common types of vessel include: bulk carriers, containers, tankers, cargoes, passenger ships and fishing vessels. This basically com-posed the baseline data of vessels monitored passing through the sea lanes of our archipelago.
USS Blueridge concludes visit in the country
(Cont. on page 4)
Navy launches website for inter-agency cooperation
34 fishers rescued by Navy in Palawan
The flagship of the 7th Fleet of the United States Navy, USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) left the Philippines on 17 February 2011 after a successful 5-day goodwill visit in the country that saw Sailors and Marines of the Philippine and US Navies in a series of community relations projects. These projects benefitted school children and orphans in selected areas in Manila. They also conducted a clean-up of the Clark American Cemetery and San Roque Community clean-up project.
Vol. No. 003Vol. No. 003--11, No.211, No.2 February 2011February 2011
T h i r t y - f o u r
fishermen were rescued by the Philippine Navy in Paly Island, Taytay, Palawan on 19 January 2010 after their vessel, F/B Jonathan I was re-ported missing three days before due to strong winds brought by the northeast monsoon.
(Story on page 2)
Photo by: PS 74 crew
Headquarters Philippine Navy, Naval Headquarters Philippine Navy, Naval Headquarters Philippine Navy, Naval Station Jose V Andrada, 2335 Pres. Station Jose V Andrada, 2335 Pres. Station Jose V Andrada, 2335 Pres. Manuel M. Roxas Blvd., Manila, PhilippinesManuel M. Roxas Blvd., Manila, PhilippinesManuel M. Roxas Blvd., Manila, Philippines
Editorial Board
RADM ALEXANDER P PAMA AFP Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy
RADM JOSE LUIS M ALANO AFP Acting Vice Commander, Philippine Navy
COMMO EDGAR L ABOGADO AFP Chief of Naval Staff
COL MAXIMO J BALLESTEROS PN(M)(GSC) Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Civil Military Operations, N7
Publication Staff
CAPT GIOVANNI CARLO J BACORDO PN(GSC)
Editor in Chief
LCDR ARNOLD MARIE N OBRA PN Associate Editor
Editorial Assistants
CPT JOSE P DINGLASAN PN(M) LTJG LIEZL M VIDALLON PN ENS LARISA V CARPINA PN
ENS FRANCIS LOU B WONG PN
Technical Assistant
S1YN Rechiel H Alcaraz PN
Layout Artists
Randolf B Clarito CE Dawn Sandie V Salcedo CE
February 2011February 2011
Page 2 www.navy.mil.ph
We are now on Facebook! Just search “Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas” and be among our thousand friends.
Log on to www.navy.mil.ph and see the latest news and photos about the Philippine Navy. We also want to hear from you. Send us your stories, comments, and feedbacks for inclusion in our publications. You may send them to: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Tune in to DWDD AFP Radio 1134 khz every Monday at 1000H-1100H for the program “Mandaragat at Mandirigma” hosted by Ms Jessie Alayon. The program features Fleet-Marine officers for a candid and informative discussion on the Command’s thrusts and programs. You may also view the live streaming via www.afpradio.ph
You can now watch the Philippine Navy in action. Visit our official You Tube Channel at www.youtube.com/philnavyspeak.
Naval Forces West based in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan commanded by COMMO Edgardo R Ta-mayo AFP immediately dispatched one of its vessels BRP Rizal (PS 74), to conduct search and rescue operations. The rescued fishermen are from Occidental Mindoro and PPC. F/B Jonathan I, the fish-ermen’s vessel was among the 13 vessels reported missing since 16 January due to strong winds brought by the northeast monsoon.
The survivors were
immediately given first aid aboard PS 74 after they were found by the Navy team. The Navy also continued its search and rescue efforts for the other 3 fishermen near the waters of Roxas and Linapacan with the help of their rescued com-panions. Prior to the rescue of the 34 fishermen, PS74 successfully rescued 7 fishermen aboard M/V Marlette Joy.
After the completion of the SAR mission, the
survivors were brought to Puerto Princesa City and turned
over to the Department of Social Welfare and Develop-ment. PS 74 is skippered by CAPT Elpidio F Francisco PN(GSC).
In another SAR mission, Navy sailors aboard DF
338 based in Naval Forces Southern Luzon saved two fishermen in Pasacao, Camarines Sur, 25 January 2011. Their fishing boat was reported to have drifted out of control due to strong winds and current. Both fishermen were reported in good condition COMMO Joel F Babas AFP, Commander of Naval Forces Southern Luzon congratulated the crew of DF 338 for their swift and immediate response which saved the lives of the two fishermen.
The Navy is perpetually ready to respond to vari-
ous distress calls and remains committed to be at the fore-front of humanitarian and development endeavors in sup-port to the national government for the welfare of our fellow Filipinos. (With reports from PS 74 crew)
Members of the 1st Marine Brigade continue to reach out to the local populace in their new AOR in Cen-tral Mindanao. Through the Books for the Barrios pro-gram, the Marines have partnered with the US-based NGO headed by their President and Executive Director Mrs Nancy Stowe Harrington in distributing books to lo-cal schools.
On 27 January 2011, the Salaman Central Elemen-tary School in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat received 47 APL boxes of assorted books from the Marine Battalion Land-ing Team-1 (MBLT-1) headed by LTC Edwin E Amadar PN (M). “The Marines are not just for war, we are also giv-ing public service and we are also part-time teachers espe-cially in conflict areas. We are hoping that we are an in-spiration to them”, LTC Amadar said. Since its deployment to its new AOR in November 2010, the 1st Marine Brigade under COL Alexander F Balutan PN(M)(GSC) has been continuing the program. In December last year, COL Balutan with Philippine Ma-rine Corps Commandant MGEN Rustico O Guerero AFP and Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Commander
COMMO Philip L Cacayan AFP assisted the Books for the Barrios in distributing more than 2,400 pieces of as-sorted books to the students of Notre Dame Salaman Col-lege in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. Aside from the books, the schools also received educational materials and sports uniforms. “The 1st Marine Brigade is committed in assisting the Books for the Barrios’ advocacy. We started our part-nership in Basilan where we are formerly based and here in Sultan Kudarat, we will do our best in assisting them, and at the same time we are also reaching out to the peo-
ple. The products which were sponsored by the Books for the Barrios greatly help our school youth in sharpening their knowledge and skills”, according to COL Balutan PN(M). “We are also giving free sports paraphernalia to the youth like soccer balls.”COL Balutan added. “I am lucky that I am one of those who received the books and uniform given by the Books of the Barrios Inc. I am happy and proud that the Marines are training us how to play soccer. I think I can be a good soccer player. Thank you for picking our school to be your recipient”, Julius Ceasar Macargas revealed. (Story and photos by G7, 1MBde)
1st Marine Brigade continues book distribution in new AOR
The Philippine Marines immediately rendered as-sistance to residents affected by floods in Jolo in January. Members of the 3rd Marine Brigade stationed in Brgy Bus-bus, Jolo town deployed eight (8) six-by-six trucks, two rubber boats and rescue teams to help the local govern-ment unit in evacuating residents to the Integrated Provin-cial Health Office and Santanina Rasul Multipurpose Area. Continuous heavy rainfall had triggered flash floods in the barangays of Asturias, Alat, San Raymundo, Chinese Pier, Tulay, and Takot-Takot, all in Jolo. Water
level has reportedly reached 5-7 ft. Town mayor Amin reported that more or less 100 houses have been damaged by the floods. COL Remigio C Valdez PN(M)(GSC), Com-mander of the 3rd Marine Brigade said that the efforts of his team were focused on helping the flood victims after his unit cancelled its 29th anniversary celebration on 04 February, Friday, to give way to their rescue and assis-tance efforts. COL Valdez said the Marines will be con-ducting a civic action project for the families in Jolo. (With reports from 3MBde)
Marines respond to flood victims in Jolo
Page 3 www.navy.mil.ph
NEWSNEWS
The Philippine Navy confiscated 34 live pawikan (hawksbill species) in Sitio Tankahan, Brgy Marinsuno,
Balabac, Palawan on 31 January 2011. The Navy’s Fleet-Marine Team from Naval Forces West launched the op-eration with the PNP and DENR after receiving a report from a concerned citizen. According to the report, the pawikan are sold to foreign poachers who visit the area near the barangay. Prompt response from the joint team led to the confiscation of the pawikan that were already abandoned in the area. Also recovered in the area were three dead
pawikan, two bundles of turtle nets, 20 liters of crude oil, and one 8-HP sampan boat commonly used by foreign poachers. The operation is one of the environmental advoca-cies of COMMO Edgardo D Tamayo AFP, Commander, Naval Forces West to protect our natural resources, espe-cially in the seas of Palawan. COMMO Tamayo is opti-
mistic that concerned agencies will be more vigilant in its environmental programs. (With reports from PAO, NFW;photos by PAO, NFW)
Navy confiscates 34 pawikan in Palawan
The goodwill visit underscored the long-standing ties between the US and Philippines who both fought dur-ing World War II. The two countries continue to renew the bond of friendship as their armed forces annually par-ticipate in a series of exercises aimed at improving inter-operability and combating terrorism.
The Philippine Navy thoroughly prepared in order to ensure the successful port visit of USS Blue Ridge. Units from Manila, Cavite, and the Naval Education and Training Command area hosted various activities. High-
lights of these activities included courtesy calls, profes-
sional exchanges, and sports activities between the Philip-pine and US Navies. VADM Scott Van Buskirk, Com-mander, US 7th Fleet paid a courtesy call to RADM Alex-ander P Pama AFP at the Navy Headquarters.
USS Blueridge...
Page 4 www.navy.mil.ph
February 2011February 2011
NEWSNEWS
Photo by: CPL Wenly M Ortega PN(M)
Photo by: PH2 Hansen V Ebreo PN
The Navy’s air and sea assets saw action in Exer-cise Pagsisikap 2011 in Davao Gulf with Sailors, Marines, and SEALs involved in drills to test, evaluate, and strengthen the capability of the Naval Forces Eastern Min-danao to undertake mission planning, mobilize Fleet-Marine units, and execute special operations in the littoral battle space.
Participating assets during the Exercise on 26-27 January were the following: BRP MAGAT SALAMAT (PS20), BRP FELIX APOLINARIO (PG 395), BRP TEOTIMO FIGURACION (PG 389), two Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts BA 482 and BA 483, a vessel utility boat (VU471), PN Islander 320, Naval Special Operations Unit 7, and the Marine Force Reconnaissance Company of the 1st Marine Brigade. Join-ing the Navy were reservists from the Naval Reserve Cen-ter- Eastern Mindanao and a vessel from the 41st Naval Affiliated Sea Transport Squadron, and an Air Force Huey Helicopter from Tacti-cal Operations Group II. Highlights of the Exercise were the following: swift conduct of Amphibious Raid involving the Navy
Seals aboard high speed light patrol boats and the drill of the Marine Landing Force via the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC). The Fleet-Marine Review with a speed run by the PBLs and the MPACs followed. The guests, media and local residents were also treated to a ride aboard the MPAC. More than a thousand witnessed the ground and
sea maneuvers. Meanwhile, more than 400 residents bene-fitted from the medical, dental, and veterinary action pro-gram, as part of Exercise Pagsisikap.
MGEN Arthur A Tabaquero AFP, Commander of the Eastern Min-danao Command, and COMMO Zyril D Carlos AFP, Deputy Com-mander of the Philippine Fleet wit-nessed the Exercise, as well as other ranking officers from the AFP, PNP, and the Coast Guard. Local govern-ment officials of Pantukan led by Mayor Juan Cipriano Celso V Sare-nas also witnessed Exercise Pagsisi-kap and expressed their gratitude to the Philippine Navy for choosing
their town as the venue and providing assistance to his constituents through civil military operation activities. Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy also thanked the Navy for conducting the military exercise in his province. (Story and photos by PAO, NFEM)
Fleet-Marine assets see action in Exercise Pagsisikap 2011
Page 5 www.navy.mil.ph
NEWSNEWS February 2011February 2011
Acknowledgement: COL Remigio C Valdez PN(M)(GSC), Commander, 3rd Marine Brigade CAPT Elpidio F Francisco PN(GSC), Commanding Officer, BRP Rizal (PS 74) MAJ Nilo E Japzon PN(M), Director, Public Affairs Office, NF Eastern Mindanao LT Salvador M Sambalilo PN, Operations Officer/Public Affairs Officer, Naval Communication Electronic Information Systems Center CPT Romulo P Ducay Jr PN(M), CMO Officer, 1st Marine Brigade LT NOEL Joseph B Cadigal PN, AC of Staff for CMO/Public Affairs Officer, NF West ENS Chibar R Bullos PN, Assistant Director, Public Affairs Office, NF Southern Luzon Maritime Research Information Center (MRIC) Public Affairs Office, NF Western Mindanao
Around 300 families from Libon, Albay bene-fitted from the medical and dental mission of the Navy and Army on 29 January 2011. The Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL) Command based in Legaspi City, teamed up with the 901st Brigade of the Army to reach out to the residents of Brgy Talintalin who were affected by the torrential rains in the region. The residents also benefitted from the feeding program of the Dios Mabalos Po Foundation through NFSL. A day earlier, more than 500 families from Ti-gaon, Camarines Sur also received medical services from NFSL.
Apart from the medical mission, NFSL has been active in evacuating residents, and search and rescue opera-tions for victims of the heavy rains. COMMO Joel E Babas AFP, Commander, NFSL said that though these are non-traditional roles of the AFP, these are vital in the pursuit of public order and wel-fare. He added that the AFP will readily respond when-ever emergencies and necessities arise. The AFP stands as a steadfast partner of the local government units in responding to calamities in the Bicol region, COMMO Babas AFP added.(Story by PAO, NFSL)
Albay residents benefit from Navy’s medical and dental mission
Officers and personnel of the Philippine Navy join the nationwide Call for Peace by lighting candles at the Navy Head-quarters on 08 February 2011.
Public Affairs Officers of the Major Services of the AFP gather every week to discuss important matters and advocate as coherent message of the AFP to the public.
Page 6 www.navy.mil.ph
NEWSNEWS February 2011February 2011
Photo by: CPL Wenly M Ortega PN(M)
Photo by: CPL Wenly M Ortega PN(M)
Page 7 www.navy.mil.ph
NEWSNEWS February 2011February 2011
RADM Alexander P Pama AFP inspects the armaments during his first visit as FOIC, PN to the Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps on 26 January 2011.
RADM Pama receives his token from COMMO Orwen J Cortez AFP Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao during the FOIC, PN’s visit to Zamboanga City on 01 February 2011 where he also had a dialogue with the officers and personnel of NFWM.
February 2011February 2011
HON Voltaire T Gazmin, Secretary of National Defense and RADM Pama grace the launching of the Maritime Research Information Center Inter-agency website for the National Coast Watch System on 28 January 2011.
ADMIRAL Soeparno, Chief of Naval Staff, Indonesian Navy during his courtesy call on RADM Pama at the Navy Head-quarters on 11 February 2011.
RADM Pama and VADM Scott Van Buskirk, Commander, 7th Fleet during the courtesy call of the USS Blue Ridge crew at the Navy Headquarters on 14 February 2011.
Page 8 www.navy.mil.ph
Photo by: PH2 Julian D Delos Reyes PN Photo by: PH2 Julian D Delos Reyes PN
Photo by: PH2 Julian D Delos Reyes PN
Photo by: CPL Wenly M Ortega PN(M) Photo by: PH3 Joseph E Salazar PN
Photo by: PAO, NFWM
RADM Pama administers the oath of office to PN Board of Advisers members, NEDA Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Margarita Songco and U.P Professor, Ms. Aileen Barviera last 04 February 2011. Looking on is BOA Chairman, Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao.
