Bomba, Nobyembre 29, 2010
Pinarangalan ng International Maritime Organization sa London ang tatlong Pinoy na kabilang sa four man task force sea marshals na tumulong para ilikas ang mga pasahero ng lumubog na Super Ferry 9 noong Setyembre 6, 2009.
Magugunitang naganap ang insidente sa baybayin ng Siocon sa Zamboanga del Sur, kung saan siyam ang nasawi mula sa mahigit 900 pasahero nito.
Kabilang sa mga binigyan ng pagkilala sina Navy gunner mate third class Anifer Bucao; Fireman first class aviation mechanic Oliver Cogo at Petty officer 2nd class Samuel Boniol ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Nabatid na iginawad ni IMO Sec. Gen. Eftimios Mitropoulus ang parangal kasabay ng 88th session ng Maritime Safety Commission meeting na ginanap sa United Kingdom.
Philippine Navy sea marshals Third Class Anifer Bucao and Fireman First Class Aviation Mechanic Oliver Cogo receive an award on Thursday at the IMO headquarters in London for helping save lives during the Super Ferry tragedy last year.MANILA, Philippines – The heroism of the two Philippine Navy sea marshals that led to the saving of 926 lives during the sinking of Super Ferry 9 off the coast of Zamboanga del Norte last year has earned them international recognition.
Gunnersmate Third Class Anifer Bucao and Fireman First Class Aviation Mechanic Oliver Cogo received an award on Thursday at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
Navy spokesman Capt. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the two, members of a four-man Task Force Sea Marshal, considered their actions at the height of Sept. 6 Super Ferry disaster as part of their job.
Both recipients of the Navy’s Distinguished Cross last September, the two were informed only recently that their heroism has earned them a nomination to an IMO award, which the international seafarers body approved following deliberations during its council meeting last June.
Bucao and Cogo shared the IMO award, handed out by IMO’s Secretary General Eftimios Metropoulos during the body’s 88th Session on the Maritime Safety Commission Meeting last Thursday in London, with two PCG personnel, one of them Petty Officer Second Class Samuel Boniol.
“The four were presented the certificates of commendation in recognition of their actions in assisting in the evacuation and disembarkation of the panicked-stricken passengers of the severely listing ship,” Bacordo said.
When the captain of the ill-fated vessel ordered everybody to abandon ship, the four, whose duty was to protect the vessel and passengers from threats of terror, went out of their way to ensure an orderly and safe evacuation of the passengers.
Had it not for their gallant move, the number of fatalities could have been higher. A total of nine passengers died in that particular sea mishap.
The Navy yesterday sent another Marine battalion in Palawan to augment present troops operating in Western part of the country against insurgency.
During send off ceremonies, Navy Flag Officer in Command Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez reminded 413-strong 12th Marine Battalion of the importance of their mission of keeping the people safe from enemies of the state.
“Your deployment to the operational area is very important to the Navy’s mission and to the Armed Forces. It is in your hands to sustain the peace in your respective areas of responsibilities and to make the lives of its people free from violence and fear,” said Cortez.
The 12th Marine Battalion, led by Col. Jesus Raul Caldez, left for Palawan aboard BRP Dagupan City. The contingent is composed of 16 officers and 397 enlisted personnel.
Cortez said the 12th Marine Battalion will augment the Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 (MBLT-8) which is presently deployed in Palawan.
“Once again, the Fleet-Marine operations will be validated as our Marines and sailors work in tandem so that peace and development will reign in this particular part of the region,” said Cortez.
The Navy deploys Marine battalions in the operational area in view of the internal security requirements of the Naval Forces and Area Commands in their respective theater of operation. The 12th Marine Battalion will be under the operational command of Western Command led by Marine Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban.
For his part, Caldez vowed to lead his men to accomplish the mission.
“The responsibilities entrusted to us are enormous and a road full of danger lies ahead. But in the end, we have to take into consideration the best interest of the Filipino populace,” said Caldez.
Meanwhile, BRP Dagupan City, commanded by Capt. Loumer Bernabe, will proceed to Zamboanga City to transport members of the MBLT-9, who just completed its retraining and refurbishing program in October to relieve-in-place MBLT-6 in Indanan, Sulu.
Members of the MBLT-6 are due for a six-month retraining and refurbishing at Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Taguig City.
By: Jonas Sulit
By: Elmer Cajilig
Visayan Daily Headlines, Wednesday, 10 November 2010
ILOILO CITY - A training exercise led by the Philippine Navy kicked off Tuesday following a simple send-off ceremony here.
The send-off ceremony was held at the compound of Milagrosa J Shipping Corporation at Lapuz Norte, La Paz, Iloilo City with Capt Jesus C Millan, commander of the Naval Reserve Command as guest of honor.
Dubbed as "Exercise Pagsasama 2010", the said training is joined by the 802nd Disaster Response and Rescue Unit (DRRU) in Iloilo City, Naval ROTC cadet officers, organic personnel coming from the Naval Reserve Command, Naval Reserve Center in Western Visayas and the Naval Forces Central based in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
A vessel of the Milagrosa J Shipping Corporation has been utilized for the said exercise, with the Philippine Navy Boat 140 as convoy.
Scenario on search and rescue, communication, sealift, maneuvers, convoy and ship operational protocol are among the tasks to be performed during the trip from Iloilo City to Cebu City.
Medical and dental civic action project as well as mangrove planting will be the closing activities upon their arrival at Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN) Cebu Bay, Cebu City on Wednesday morning, November 10, 2010.
Philippine Navy personnel prepare to board a vessel during a send-off ceremony yesterday. A training exercise dubbed as “Exercise Pagsasama 2010” will be conducted by the personnel of the Philippine Navy midway to Cebu.
M/V Milagros Cinco with personnel of the Philippine Navy and Naval ROTC cadet officers on board maneuvers its way through the Iloilo River as it departs Iloilo City for a training exercise dubbed as “Exercise Pagsasama 2010”.
Capt Jesus C Millan, Commander of the Naval Reserve Command and Capt Jose Renan Suarez, deputy commander, Naval Forces Central, Philippine Navy.
Philippine Navy vessel BRP Hen Emilio Aguinaldo departs Iloilo City shortly after a send-off ceremony Tuesday. Dubbed as “Exercise Pagsasama 2010”, Navy personnel are joined by the Naval ROTC Cadet officers and contingents from the Naval Reserve Command, Naval Reserve Center in Western Visayas and the Naval Forces Central based in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
By: Elena L Aben
Manila Bulletin, Friday, 19 November 2010
MANILA, Philippines – The Phippine Navy (PN) transport ship, BRP Dagupan City (LC 551) returned "home" after completing a 23-day humanitarian mission to typhoon-ravaged Isabela province, which also highlighted the crucial need for the military to acquire a multi-role vessel (MRV) for the country's naval fleet.
Col. Ariel Caculitan, Navy spokesman, said LC 551 arrived in Manila Wednesday evening. The transport ship sailed off at dawn on Oct. 25 to bring tons of much needed relief goods, heavy equipment, construction materials and medical and engineering teams to the typhoon-hit towns of Maconacon, Divilacan, and Palanan in Isabela.
Caculitan said some 170 sailors and Marines who composed Task Group Amianan Recovery (TGAR) led by Capt. Nodolfo Tejada, provided medical assistance and distributed relief goods to the typhoon victims. The task group also took part in the construction of the Maconacon elementary and high school buildings, and in putting up temporary shelters for the victims.
LC 551 was immediately dispatched to Isabela on Oct. 25 to undertake relief and rehabilitation in the wake of the devastation left by super typhoon “Juan.”
From the Navy headquarters on Roxas Blvd., Manila, four naval combat engineering teams, a 60-man rescue team, a communications team, and a medical team boarded the vessel. Also on board were two payloaders, trailers, and a crane used for undertaking engineering and rehabilitation of various facilities, along with a 25-ton relief goods.
However, due to the unfavorable sea condition, LC 551 was forced to take shelter in San Fernando City, La Union where it stayed for two days. While it was moored there, the Task Group received instruction from the Northern Luzon Command to proceed to Port Irene, San Vicente, Cagayan and loaded relief goods and construction materials from the UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) intended for the coastal towns of Isabela.
LC 551 arrived at Port Irene in the morning of Oct. 30 where it loaded 211 tons of cargo — hygiene kits, water kits, tents, medicines, including school items for students and teachers. Also loaded were 1,200 packs of relief goods from the Vice President as well as 2,000 GI sheets and other construction materials from the provincial government of Isabela.
Four representatives from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), three from Smart Communications, and two from Ateneo de Manila boarded the vessel together with 52 residents of Maconacon and Divilacan.
Caculitan said the way to Isabela proved to be a difficult one as huge waves of up to seven to nine meters’ high slowed down the vessel.
"The long hours and days of nauseatic ‘roller coaster ride’ were certainly a draining experience, but this did not deter the sailors and Marines to continue on with their mission," said Caculitan.
He said although rough seas prevented the ship to dock in Maconacon for days, LC 551 while anchored in the vicinity off Bicobian Bay, Divilacan, Isabela utilized its two Landing Craft Vessel Personnel (LCVP) to transport the relief goods to dry land.
By noon of Nov. 6, all relief goods intended for the town of Palanan had been unloaded in Divilacan. The ship proceeded to Maconacon the next day to unload other relief goods which consisted of 525 bottles of mineral water, 500 packs of food items, and 500 packs of clothing items.
"The crucial importance of the Navy has been once again emphasized during these times of calamities," said Caculitan, adding: "Naval vessels are strategic assets that can transport huge complement of rescue and humanitarian response to victims of disasters. It can serve as a platform for both local and national government, NGOs, and other agencies in providing different immediate services."
The Navy spokesman said it was the same situation in 2006 when Albay was ravaged by typhoon “Reming” and road networks were rendered impassable, with only the sea left as the unhampered maneuver space for rescue and relief activities.
COTABATO CITY – Four more companies of Marines arrived yesterday to help the local police fight kidnappers and extortionists whose attacks in recent months have stifled the city’s economy.
The Marines, who belong to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 (MBLT-7), were personally endorsed to Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. by Commodore Philip Lacayan, commander of the Naval Forces in Eastern Mindanao, during simple rites at the Polloc port in Parang, Maguindanao.
The Marines were brought by a Navy boat from Basilan, where they spent almost four years of peacekeeping missions.
“We ought to thank President Aquino for having listened to the clamors of residents of Cotabato City, including the business and religious communities, for him to send the Marines,” Guiani said.
The MBLT-7 members are taking over all security installations here of the Army’s anti-crime Task Force Tugis, an erstwhile unit of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Datu Odin, Maguindanao.
Task Force Tugis was disbanded last month and re-organized into a new humanitarian group dubbed Task Force Bigkis Lahi.
POLLOC PORT, Maguindanao — Fresh from their stint in Basilan, some 300 additional troops from the 7th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) arrived here yesterday to boost efforts on restoring peace and order in Cotabato City following a spate of kidnapping and bombing incidents targeting against the local business sector.
“We are here upon the request of Cotabato City officials and business leaders,” Marine Forces Eastern Mindanao Commander Philip Cacayan told newsmen here during a welcome ceremony conducted by the city government.
The additional Marine force forms part of a small contingent, comprising some 50 Marine personnel, sent earlier this month to immediately address the rising criminality in the city.
Prior to their arrival, two kidnappings and four bombings occurred, respectively, in a span of three months in the area.
Cacayan said the 7th MBLT will not focus mainly in Cotabato City but also parts of nearby Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces where intermittent fighting between armed factions of influential clans were reported.
“Actually, another 300 Marine troopers would be deployed in the coastal areas of Kalamansig and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat and Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao,” the Marine official said.
“Our order is to stay in the areas concerned as long as our presence is needed,” he stressed. PNA
During the Marines’ first deployment here in the mid-90s, crime significantly decreased, including kidnappings and bombings, due to a series of arrests made by Marines against outlaws.
Sometime in 2002 after a change in the national leadership, the Marines were pulled out from Cotabato and reassigned to hostile parts in Basilan, Sulu and Lamitan.
“Now that they are back, Cotabatenos are somehow relieved of their fears from criminal activities that have hounded the city for several years,” Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. said.
The mayor, who led in welcoming the Marine contingent, pointed out that the soldiers could also help much on instilling “discipline” among Cotabatenos, particularly the youth.
“The Marines as an elite fighting force has the reputation of valueing discipline and this can be instilled on the minds of the young Cotabatenos who are exposed on illegal acts such as gang wars, drugs and gamblings, among other vices,” he said.
The 7th MBLT was based temporarily in Pedro Colina Hill, a military reservation area in Cotabato, where the undermanned local police force, comprising of 150 cops and personnel, is also holding office.
Cotabato City has a population of over 200,000 Christian and Muslim settlers.
The Navy leadership has tapped a combat-tested senior officer to head the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) where Abu Sayyaf terrorists and rogue elements of the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are known to be operating.
Military Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Ben Dolorfino said that Commodore Orwen Cortez was designated as acting commander of the NFWM, which has jurisdiction over naval operations in the provinces of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga Peninsula.
Dolorfino said Cortez, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1979, formally took over the NFWM last Nov. 4. Cortez was the erstwhile commander of the Naval Forces Western Command.
Cortez was known for leading his forces in assaulting Matanggue Island in Balabac, Palawan in August of 2009 when lawless elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), led by Abdullah Abdurajak, alias Pa Guro, staged atrocities against civilians in the area.
The Navy operations led to the killing of at least 10 MNLF rebels, including Abdurajak.
The NFWM was originally assigned to Rear Adm. Feliciano Angue but was recalled after the disgruntled Navy officer publicly criticized alleged “prostitution” of the military promotions system. He was subsequently put under investigation and was held on a floating status pending the result of the Navy probe.
The NFWM was subsequently taken over by 1st Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Eugenio Clemen on a concurrent capacity.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said Cortez was tapped by the Navy leadership in an acting capacity.
Meanwhile, Dolorfino is formally retiring from the military service last Wednesday but his replacement as Wesmincom chief has yet to be announced.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo David Jr. earlier had said the military’s Board of Generals has already convened for its recommended shortlist.
David said the post is up for grabs for Navy, Marines and Army officers.
Earlier, military sources feared that an Army officer might be appointed to the post following the pull out of the 1st Marine Brigade from Basilan and replaced by elements of the Army’s Special Operations Command.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class '79, Commodore Orwen Cortez has assumed post as head of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command (NFWMC) based in Zamboanga City, an Armed Forces official said yesterday.
MANILA, Philippines - With the approval of the Office of the President, the post of NFWMC chief was earlier given to controversial Navy officer, Rear Adm. Feliciano Angue, former Armed Forces of the Philippines -National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) commander, who is now facing an investigation for alleged violation of the military code of conduct.
Cortez replaced Brig. Gen. Eugenio Clemen, 1st Marine Brigade commander, who was assigned earlier to the command in an acting capacity.
Retiring Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief, Marine Lt. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino confirmed that Cortez has taken over the NFWMC top post last week.
But Dolorfino, who is set to retire on Wednesday, November 10, declined to comment on the circumstances of the designation of Cortez. He said, “it's a regular position."
Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., AFP spokesman, said that Cortez was designated by the Philippine Navy as NFWMC chief in an acting capacity. Angue may still assume the post depending on the outcome of the investigation of his case.
Angue's assumption as NFWMC chief was held in abeyance after he was placed under investigation for violation of the AFP code of conduct after he slammed the alleged “prostitution” of the military’s promotion system.
Angue claimed his designation to the two-star post oc NFMWC chief was a “demotion” since he had already been assigned to the three-star post of NCRCom commander.
MANILA, Philippines - A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class ’79 has been appointed as acting commander of the Naval Forces in Western Mindanao.
Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) chief Lt. Gen. Ben Dolorfino said Commodore Orwen Cortez has been designated as acting chief of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, which covers areas believed to be hideouts of local terrorists.
“Commodore Orwen Cor tez assumed on Nov. 4,” Dolorfino said.
Cortez succeeded Brig. Gen. Eugenio Clemen who was previously assigned to the post in an acting capacity. Prior to his appointment as Western Mindanao Naval Forces chief, Cortez was commander of the Naval Forces Western Command based in Palawan.
Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta, Jr. said Cortez will only serve in an acting capacity since Rear. Adm. Feliciano Angue, who has been appointed to the post, is being probed for airing his concerns to the media.
“Admiral Angue’s designation as Naval Forces Western Mindanao chief has been approved by the President. Since he is being investigated, he cannot assume the post,” he said in a phone interview.
“He (Cortez) will serve in an acting capacity. The issuance (of designation) is only at the Navy level. It is not approved by the President.”
Mabanta said Cortez is competent and qualified to handle his new assignment.
Angue has been named Naval Forces Western Mindanao chief but his appointment was deferred pending the probe on his alleged violation of the military code of ethics.
Angue had claimed that the promotion system is politicized and that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is meddling in the giving of posts. He claimed that PMA class ’79 members, especially those who served as Gazmin’s subordinates, benefited from the favoritism in the promotion system.
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Amid the inclement weather, the 60-man “Amianan Recovery” team composed of sailors and Marines from the Navy finally reached Divilacan town, one of the three typhoon Juan-devastated Pacific coast towns of Isabela being prioritized for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The said team aboard the BRP Dagupan City or LC 551 logistical support vessel brought along with them the equipment needed to conduct road clearing, create communication lines and conduct needed engineering assistance for the typhoon-hit coastal areas.
The task group was activated in the aftermath of typhoon Juan to alleviate the plight of residents who were heavily affected in the province, to help in road clearing, and to undertake other engineering assistance,” said Navy Col. Ariel Caculitan, acting director of the Naval Affairs Office.
The mission team, which also brought along with them 66 tons of relief goods, consists of 60-man rescue as well as medical, engineering and communication experts.
Besides Divilacan, the mission is also set to conduct relief and rehabilitation activities in the coastal towns of Palanan and Maconacon, whose power and communication facilities have yet to be normalized since typhoon Juan lashed through the province two weeks ago.
The typhoon, the worst to hit Isabela and the rest of the region in recent years, also brought severe damage to the towns’ road networks as well as school and residential buildings.
After a 10-day setback due to heavy rains, the relief mission finally arrived over the weekend at Aubarede Point in Divilacan town, instead of the usual landing in Palanan town.
The said rains had earlier caused the members of the mission to wait it out at Port Irene, Santa Ana, Cagayan, until the weather relatively cleared up.
Members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) and Mobile Group of the Philippine National Police have been dispatched in Isabela and Cagayan to assist families displaced and affected by floodings caused by heavy rains in the area.
PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said SAF and Police MG were deployed to help families, who were forced to vacate their houses and live along the national road in Baggao, Amulung, Alcala, Iguig, Apad and Tuguegarao in Cagayan.
Over the weekend, Cruz said 500 barangays in 45 municipalities in six provinces in Cagayan Valley Region (Region 2), Central Luzon and Cordillera Region were affected by continuous heavy downpour.
More families affected
Cruz said the total number of families affected has increased from 67,459 families or 250,865 persons to 106,923 families or 417,318 persons.
Reports reaching Camp Crame showed authorities in the affected areas are checking the effect of the floodings to road sections and six bridges in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora and Apayao.
The collapsed portion of Mt. Musimos in Lubuagan, Kalinga resulted in an embankment and has impounded large volume of water.
Relatedly, agricultural damage caused by the massive flooding in Northern Luzon has exceeded P316 million, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said yesterday.
NDRRMC said as of 6 a.m. yesterday, agricultural losses in Cagayan region totaled P313.75 million, representing 30,092 hectares of palay and corn. On the other hand, damage to agriculture in Central Luzon hit P2.44 million and covered 78 hectares of rice, vegetable, fruit trees, and fishery.
Based on these statistics, agricultural losses posted by regions affected by the flood totaled about P316.19 million
NDRRMC said the death toll stayed at 13, majority of them killed in a landslide. Ten of these fatalities were from Cagayan, two from Central Luzon and one from Cordillera. Two people from Aurora province were injured while two others from Cagayan region are missing.
NDRRMC said the number of affected families has risen to 106,923 or 417,318 persons. Of these, 2,517 families or 11,763 persons were brought inside 69 evacuation centers. NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos said people are starting to return to their residents as the flood waters are starting to subside.
The floods damaged 46 houses located in parts of Aurora, Cagayan, and Apayao. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Helen Flores
CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – The Navy wants to procure multi-role vessels (MRVs) similar to one that sailed through turbulent waters to deliver relief goods to residents of Pangasinan and Isabela isolated by rains during typhoon “Juan.”
Col. Ariel Caculitan, acting Navy public affairs chief, said these vessels will enhance the Navy’s security efforts and boost its capability in performing disaster and calamity-related missions.
An MRV can also serve as a floating government humanitarian center during times of calamity, he added.
Caculitan said the vessel can be a platform for medical treatment of calamity victims in isolated areas.
“It can also accommodate a host of activities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and non-government organizations for the affected communities, be a springboard for disaster response and rescue operations teams, and carry other logistic and engineering supplies and equipment that are needed in response to a humanitarian emergency anywhere in the archipelago,” he said.
During typhoon “Juan,” Caculitan said an MRV carrying Marines and Navy men surged through rough seas and reached isolated folk in Divilacan and Isabela to deliver 36 tons of food and other basic needs from the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund and the DSWD.
“The MRV also had a 60-man rescue team, a communications team, medical team, two payloaders, trailers, and a crane used for undertaking engineering and rehabilitation of various facilities,” he said.
“The urgency of acquiring the MRV is often felt strongly during times when people’s lives and properties are in great danger,” he said.
The MRV measures 120 meters and can load up to 7,200 tons of cargo.
It can accommodate 100 crewmen and 500 passengers and travels at a speed of 12 knots.
Meanwhile, Aerotech Philippines Inc., the local counterpart of Italian aircraft manufacturer Alenia Aermacchi, has turned over to the Air Force four brand new SF-620 trainer aircraft, comprising the first batch of 18 such aircraft costing a total of P622.59 million intended to be delivered to the PAF up to April next year.
MANILA, Philippines — More than a year after the sinking of the passenger vessel M/V Super Ferry 9 off the Zamboanga Peninsula, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London lauded the four sea marshals under the command of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for their unconditional bravery in saving the lives of passengers during that tragic incident.
Commodore Luis Tuason Jr., district commander of the PCG National Capital Region who also heads Task Force Sea Marshals, said the four sea marshals cited were Coast Guard's Petty Officer Second-class Samuel Boniol, Philippine Navy's Petty Officer Third-class Aniifer Bucao and Seaman First-class Oliver Cogo, and SPO3 Loreto F. Justo of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group.
They are set to receive their Certificates of Commendation in London in recognition of their action and bravery in the conduct of actual evacuation, disembarkation and rescue operations of the passengers and crew of the ill-fated M/V Super Ferry 9 which sank off the Zamboanga Peninsula on Sept. 6, 2009.
The recruitment was held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Also part of the celebration was a photo exhibit of the Marine Corps’ achievements and fighting capability.
Marine recruitment officer 2Lt. Gizzell Sernat said successful applicants would have a stable job and an opportunity to serve the country.
“The Marines would rather die than lose their honor. Trainees will be idealistic. They will be given a stable job and good salary,” Sernat told The STAR.
“The trainees would learn the value of discipline. They will also experience the camaraderie shared by the Marines,” she added.
Sernat said another recruitment activity would be held in Isabela province next week. She said the Marines target 2,000 recruits this year.
Applicants should be 18 to 21 years old and should have completed at least 72 units of any college course. Those who graduated from courses offered by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are also qualified to apply.
Applicants must submit accomplished application forms and take tests designed to assess their intelligence quotient, abstract, verbal, and mathematical skills and knowledge of current events.
After passing such tests, applicants will be subjected to physical tests to determine if they are fit to join the training.
Sernat said the Marines have also conducted recruitment activities in Iloilo, Tugegarao and in Pangasinan.
Other activities marking the corps’ anniversary were film showing, demonstration of fighting and rescue capabilities, and silent drills.
There are about 9,000 Marine troops and trainees in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Meanwhile, the AFP launched its yearly military sports festival yesterday. AFP chief of staff Gen. Ricardo David graced the event held at Camp Aguinaldo.
Also present were Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena and Navy chief Vice Admiral Danilo Cortez.
The three declined to comment when asked about the alleged terror threat that prompted the US and four other countries to issue travel advisories to their citizens in the country.
“The AFP chief had spoken,” Ortiz said.
Earlier, David downplayed the terror plot, saying that the military had not detected any credible terror threat in Metro Manila or in other parts of the country.
