Monday, April 26, 2010

Marines didn't know they hit the jackpot

Philippine Daily Inquirer, Tuesday, 23 February 2010

By: Julie S Alipala

ZAMBOANGA CITY-SOLDIERS wounded in a clash
with Abu Sayyaf bandits they had been chasing
for a day and a night did not know they had landed a
big fish.

Only when the hour long gun battle ended on
Sunday morning and the bodies of the six men
they had killed were identified did they learn
that one of them was A1bader Parad-a "ruthless
leader" of a bandit group linked to a worldwide
terror network.

Cpl. Marcelino Landicho of the Marine Battalion
Landing Team 4 said he and his fellow Marines
were briefed about raiding a suspected Abu
Sayyaf lair but "we didn't know they were
high-value targets."

One Marine was killed in the fighting.
Landicho and two others were wounded.

Parad, a young, brash bandit who gained
notoriety after posing for cameras with three
international Red Cross hostages last year,
had built up a fortune of $400,000 from his
kidnapping operation.

He was the second top Abu Sayyaf leader
killed by soldiers in an encounter since
the death of "Emir" Khadaffy Janjalani in a
clash in September 2006. Four months later,
troops killed his deputy, Abu Sulaiman,
in another gun battle.

Out of the 24 original Abu Sayyaf leaders,
about half a dozen remain at large. The rest
are dead or in jail. The group's oldest,
ailing commander, one armed Radulan Sahiron,
has not been seen since a 2008 clash.

Only two other influential leaders remain-
Umbra Jumdail,an ideologue also known
as Dr. Abu Pula and Isnilon Hapilon, who
carries a US reward of $5 million for his
capture. However, Hapilon might have suffered
a stroke, the military said.

"There are no young leaders emerging,"
said Lt. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, head of the
military's Western Mindanao Command.
Dolorfino said Parad carried a US bounty
of $1 million on his head (not $5 million
as the INQUIRER previously reported).The
Philippines also offered a P7 million
reward for him.

Hiking day and night

On the trail of the bandits,Corporal Landicho
and his fellow Marines hiked for a day and
night while Carreon to reach Karawan village
in Maimbung, Sulu, only to learn the bandits
had left.

"They had transferred to another location not
far from where we were," Landicho said.

Then, the bandits, armed with high-powered guns,
opened fire. MSgt. Eliseo Salo was killed.

"We fought back," Landicho said."They fired at
us before running away. We also fired at them
... until they withdrew."

The fighting left Landicho, Pfc. Joselito Carreon
and Cpl. Antonony Carmona wounded.

Landicho sustained shrapnel wounds on a leg.
Carmona had blast injuries on his body,
while Carreon took a bullet in the abdomen.

Morale booster

At his hospital bed, carmona said he did not
realize that Parad was among those killed.

"This is a big boost to our morale. Despite our
wounds, if we get this kind of news, it makes
us proud," Carmona said.

The wounded soldiers were given medals for
bravery in battle.

Parad and his group were behind the abduction
of International Committee of the Red Cross
members Mary Jean Lacaba, Eugenio Vagni and
Andreas Notter last year. He was also blamed
for kidnapping ABS-CBN reporter Ces Drilon and
her crew in 2008.

Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan said he was "101
percent positive" it was Parad whom the
troops killed.

"Parad's relatives positively identified
him and they confirmed his death," the governor
said.

He said two younger brothers of Dr.Abu were
also killed in the clash.

Fatmawatti Salapuddin of the Sulu-based
Bangsamoro Women's Association, also confirmed
to the Inquirer that it was Parad who was
killed. She and Parad were cousins.

Started as errand boy

"This is a big blow to the Abu Sayyaf,"
Dolorfino said. "He was the most visible
among the leaders.The fear of the people for the
Abu Sayyaf is represented by the face
of Albader, which always comes out in newspapers."

Dolorfino described Parad as a "ruthless leader."

While the Abu Sayyaf has shown the ability to
recover after key leaders are killed or captured,
Dolorfino said there were no signs of
significant new leaders coming up.

Parad, who appeared to be in his 20s, began
as an errand boy in the bandits' jungle camps.
In 2000, he took part in a mass kidnapping
at the Sipadan resort in nearby Malaysia
that netted 10 Europeans and 11 other people,
according to a military dossier.

Parad came from a poor family where most
relatives had links to the Abu Sayyaf. He had
reportedly amassed more than $400,000 from
a string of earlier abductions, some of which
was invested by relatives in passenger transport
and coconut farmlands.

The Abu Sayyaf is blamed for the country's
worst bomb attacks,kidnapping sprees and
for beheading some of its hostages. It is also
blamed for the bombing of a passenger ferry
in Manila Bay that killed over 100 people in 2004.

The Abu Sayyaf which means "Father of the
Swordsman" in Arabic, was founded in
1991 in Basilan province with suspected
funds from Asian and Midlle Eastern radical groups,
including al-Qaida.

Dolorfino said Sunday's killings gave hope
that the Abu Sayyaf could finally be crushed.

"Without the leaders, the members will be
directionless and, if no new leader emerges,
they may crumble," said Dolorfino.

He said the Abu Sayyaf was now believed to
have only 330 fighters on Jola, with another
61 on Basilan. This is down from a peak of
about 1,200 men in 2002. (With reports from AP
and AFP)

73 sa nasiraang bangka, nasagip ng Navy

Balita, Monday, 15 February 2010

By: Danny Estacio

CAMP NAKAR, Lucena City- Nasagip ng isang barko
ng Philippine Navy ang isang pampasaherong bangka
na nasiraan habang naglalayag sa Dinahican
Point sa Infanta, Quezon, noong Biyernes ng umaga.

Sa ulat ng Southern Luzon Command (Solcom),tumanggap
ng distress call si PO2 Jaime Garcia, kapitan
ng Navy boat DF321 na nakabase sa Puerto Real,
Quezon, mula kay Zaldy Azagra, kapitan ng M/B Raffy,
kaya agad na nagsagawa ng search and rescue operation
sa nasabing lugar, na may layong 3.6 kilometro sa
Dinahican Point.

Nailigtas ng Navy ang pampasaherong bangka mula sa
Polilio Island patungong Real, na may lulan na siyam
na crew member at 64 na pasahero.

73 people rescued from distressed boat

Manila Bulletin, Sunday, 14 February 2010

By: Aaron B Recuenco

Navy personnel rescued 73 crew and passengers of a
motorized boat which suffered mechanical problem off
the shore of Infanta, Quezon, a military spokesman
said yesterday.

Navy Lieutenant (senior grade)Darwin Nieva, spokesman
of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon, said the MB Raffy
was on its way to Real town from Polilio Island last
Friday morning when the shaft connecting
the engine and the propeller was detached.

"A boat which was incapacitated when it lost its
power and steering is extremely dangerous given the sea
condition," said Nieva.

"Once it lost its power and stalled, it may
be overturned by big waves, swept away to high seas or
run aground," he added.

Nieva said a navy boat stationed nearby immediately
proceeded in the area and towed the passenger
boat to safety, adding that no one was hurt during
the incident.

The official attributed the safe rescue to the boat
captain who immediately sought the assistance
through a distress call he sent to local authorities.

75 pasahero, nailigtas sa tumirik na barko sa Quezon

Bomba Balita, Sunday, 14 February 2010

Nailigtas sa tiyak na kapahamakan ng mga tauhan
ng Philippine Navy ang mahigit 70 mga
pasaherong sakay ng isang passenger boat sa
lalawigan ng Quezon matapos na masiraan sa
gitna ng karagatan.

Nakaranas ng aberiya ang makina ng motor bangka na
M/B Raffy sa gitna ng karagatang sakop ng Infanta,
Quezon.

Sinasabing nasa 3.6 kilometers mula sa Dinahikan port
ang MB Raffy ng tumigil ang pag-ikot ng propeller nito
dahilan upang mawalan ng kontrol ang boat captain na
kinilalang si Zaldy Asagra.

Agad itong humingi ng saklolo sa mga tauhan ng Philippine
Navy na agad namang rumesponde.

Sa pangunguna ni PO2 Jaime Garcia, boat captain ng
DF-321 ay tinungo ng barko ilang Philippine Navy ang lugar
na kinaroruonan ng tumirik na barko.

Matagumpay na nasagip nito ang 64 na pasahero kasama
na ang siyam na tripulante ng M/B Raffy.

Napag-alamang galing Polilio Islands at patungong Real,
Quezon ang barko ng hampasin ng malakas na alon dahilan
upang maganap ang naturang aberiya.

Filipino, U.S. troops hold 1-day mission

Manila Bulletin, Tuesday, 02 February 2010

By:PNA

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) - Close to 600 people,
including children availed of free services
at a one-day outreach mission held by
Filipino and United States (US) soldiers
together with provincial health officials
on the island province of Basilan.

Brig. Gen. Eugene Clemen, chief of the
Basilan-based 1st Marine Brigade, said the
outreach program was held Thursday in
Barangay Magkawa, AI-Barka town. Clemen
said 467 patients were examined and provided
with treatment, 83 had tooth extractions
and were provided with dental care, while
10 young boys were circumcised during the
Medical and Dental Civic Action
Program (MEDCAP). Clemen said the MEDCAP
is aimed to bring the soldiers closer to the
community whom they profess to serve,
protect and defend. He said it is also
aimed to win the hearts and minds of the people
towards supporting the military authorities
in the fight against lawless elements like
the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Navy in Albay post-evacuation care program

The Daily Tribune, Saturday, 30 January 2010

By: PNA

LEGAZPI CITY - The Naval Forces Southern Luzon in
partnership with Office of Civil Defense led anew
an outreach project for the victims of Mayon
Volcano eruption in response to a call sounded
by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda for assistance.

The naval forces distributed rice to displaced
families in Amore resettlement area as part of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines and Office of
Civil Defense (OCD)joint project dubbed
"TARABANGAN: Sama-sama sa pagtulong para sa
mga Biktima ng Bulkang Mayon."

A resettlement area located in Bgy Anislag
in Daraga town is the relocation site for the
displaced families from Bgy Binitayan
and Bgy Bañag who were directly affected by
Mayon eruption.

Salceda said the said relocation would reduce
the number of evacuees during Mayon eruptive
episodes and allow schools, which are being
used as evacuation center, to function normally
and limit the displacement of pupils.

Apart from rice distribution,the Navymen also
conducted feeding to children at the evacuation sites.

The Philippine Navy is one of the steady partners
of local government units to mitigate the
effect of disaster in the region.

Earlier this year, Philippine Navy Chief,
Vice Admiral FerdinandGolez directed all naval
units to sustain efforts in developing robust
disaster response posture to continue as
credible and relevant partner of the people in
disaster mitigation responsive in the current times.

A similar activity was also held in Bgy Padang,
this city.

Indonesia honors Vice Admiral Golez

Manila Bulletin, Wednesday, 20 January 2010

The Republic of Indonesia conferred the Bintang
Jalasena Utama(Indonesian Navy Star: 1st Class) to
Vice Admiral Ferdinand S. Golez,Flag Officer
In Command Philippine Navy on Nov. 16, 2009 in
Jakarta, Indonesia.

During the investiture ceremony held at the
Indonesian National Forces Headquarters at Cilangkap,
Gen Djoko Santoso, Commander In Chief, Indonesian
National Defense Forces awarded the medal to Vice Admiral
Golez before the top brass of the Indonesian and
Philippine Navies that included Vice Admiral Agus
Suhartono, Chief of Naval Staff of the Indonesian Navy;
Commodore Eriberto Suria Jr.,Commander, Naval Forces
Eastern Mindanao; and Captain Rafel Mariano
PN (GSC), Defense Armed Forces Attache to Indonesia.

In the citation signed by Indonesian President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on August 27, 2009,
Vice Admiral Golez was cited for his "invaluable services
rendered in the improvement and strengthening of a
good joint cooperation with the government of the
Republic of Indonesia in general, and National
Military Navy of both countries in particular."

The award is a fitting recognition of Vice Admiral
Golez's unrelenting efforts in improving relations
between Indonesia and the Philippines. As the then
Commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao from
2006-2007,Vice Admiral Golez was the Vice Chair
and Head of Delegation, respectively of the RP Panel to the
Philippines-Indonesia Border Committee Conference
on two occasions.

As the Commanding Officer of BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19),
Vice Admiral Golez contributed to the successful conduct of the
Philippine Navy ASEAN Training Cruise in 1994
visiting four countries, including Indonesia.

"The Philippines and Indonesia who both share a
common vision of peace and security in the ASEAN
region annually participate in naval exercises.
In August this year, the Philippine Navy's BRP Quezon
PS70) participated in the Indonesian Fleet Review
in Manado as part of the 64th Independence Day celebration
of Indonesia.

The Bintang Jalasena Utama is conferred by the
Indonesian President to the Indonesian Navy,
civilians,and foreign nationals based on the
following:ability, dedication,
prudence, merit, braveness, and perseverance. It is
issued with a presidential decree based on the
proposal from the Commandant of the Indonesian Navy
through the Ministry of Defense, and given to an awardee
along with a charter.

Golez has devoted 37 in the naval service. The seasoned
sailor who has successfully commanded three ships
of the Philippine Navy, is a recipient of various wards
and commendations.

Previous recipients of the Bintang Jalasena Utama
include Admiral Elmo Russell Zumwalt Jr., the
youngest to serve as chief of naval operations
of the US Navy, and Admiral Tan Sri Dato' Seri Abu
Bakar bin Abdul Jamal, the chief and the
first four-star admiral of the Royal Malaysian Navy.

RP Navy chief conferred highest Indonesian military award

The Philippine Star, Saturday, 02 January 2010

By: James Mananghaya

The Indonesian government conferred the highest military
award on Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez
in recognition of his effort to strengthen mutual relations
and security cooperation between the two countries.

Golez was awarded the Bintang Jalasena Utama (Indonesian Navy
Star, 1st Class) by Gen. Djoko Santoso, commander in chief
of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, in a ceremony held in
Jakarta.

The Bintang Jalasena Utama is conferred by the Indonesian
government on members of the Indonesian Navy, civilians,
and foreign nationals for their ability, dedication,
prudence, merit, braveness, and perseverance.

It is covered by a presidential decree based on the
recommendation of the Commandant of the Indonesian Navy
through the Ministry of Defense, and given to an awardee
along with a charter.

The award is Golez's first from a foreign military
establishment in his 37 years in the naval service.

Golez has successfully commanded three ships of the
Philippine Navy and is a recipient of various awards
and commendations.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyuno cited
Golez for his "invaluable services rendered in the
improvement and strengthening of a good joint cooperation
with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in general,
and National Military Navy of both countries in particular."

When Golez was commander of the Naval Forces Eastern
Mindanao from 2006-2007,he was also the vice chairman
and head of delegation of the RP Panel to the
Philippines-Indonesia Border Committee Conference
on two occasions.

As commanding officer of BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19),
Golez contributed to the successful conduct of the
Philippine Navy-ASEAN Training Cruise in 1994
that visited four countries, including Indonesia.

"The Philippines and Indonesia who both share a
common vision of peace and security in the ASEAN
region annually participate in naval exercises.
In August this year, the Philippine Navy's BRP Quezon
PS70) participated in the Indonesian Fleet Review
in Manado as part of the 64th Independence Day celebration
of Indonesia," Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

Previous recipients of the Bintang Jalasena Utama
include Admiral Elmo Russell Zumwalt Jr., the
youngest to serve as chief of naval operations
of the US Navy, and Admiral Tan Sri Dato' Seri Abu
Bakar bin Abdul Jamal, the chief and the
first four-star admiral of the Royal Malaysian Navy.

2 commando ng Navy pinarangalan

Ngayon, Saturday, 02 January 2010

By: Joy Cantos

Pinarangalan nitong Biyernes ng Philippine
Navy ang labi ng dalawang bayaning commandos na
nagbuwis ng buhay sa pakikipag-engkuwentro sa
nagsanib-puwersang mga bandidong Abu Sayyaf at
rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front sa Basilan
kamakailan.

Ayon kay Navy Spokesman Marine Lt. Col.
Edgard Arevalo, ang bangkay nina Lt. Christopher
Pantaleon ng Philippine Military Academy
PMA Class 2004) at Petty Officer 3rd Class
Almario Manalili ay dumating dakong alas-2:00
ng hapon kamakalawa sa Villamor Air Base sa Pasay
City galing sa Zamboanga City.

Pinangunahan naman ni Navy Flag Officer-in-
Command Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez ang
pagkakaloob ng ceremonial honors sa dalawang
bayaning Navy commandos na ginanap sa Naval
Station Rudiardo Brown sa Naval Station Jose
Francisco sa Taguig City kahapon ng umaga.
Naka-half mast naman ang lahat ng Naval
Stations sa buong bansa bilang pagluluksa sa
pagpanaw ng dalawang Navy commandos.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Naval base in Visayas renamed

Manila Bulletin, Sunday, 13 December 2009

By: Phoebe Jen Indino

CEBU CITY - By virtue of the Philippine Navy General Order No.
229, the Naval Forces Central (NavForCen) which covers the Visayas
Islands was renamed the other day,as the Naval Base Rafael Ramos (NBRR)
in recognition to one of the founding
fathers of the Philippine Navy. Col.Rafael T Ramos.

Vice Admiral Ferdinand S.Golez, the Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine
Navy was the principal sponsor of the renaming ceremony of the NavForCen
home base to NBRR which was then the Naval Operating Base Mactan
NOBM)hosted by Naval Forces Central commander Commodore Honorio
Robert Balanon Jr, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

According to Judyline Cañoneo, information officer of the home base,
previously, the Naval Bases and Marine Facilities of the Philippine Navy
were named after its geographical location, however due to Golez's initiatives,
which aim to honor the memory of many naval personnel who have
greatly contributed prestige and honor to the development of the Philippine
Navy,the home base was named after them.

Moreover, the contribution of Ramos in the Philippine Navy was
highlighted on April 1938 during the time of President Manuel L. Quezon's
administration where the AFP - which is solely the Philippine Army at that
time - was alarmed when a news report about a "mysterious flotilla"was
sighted maneuvering in Davao Gulf.