Thursday, March 31, 2011

RP cracks down on Chinese poachers

The Daily Tribune, Friday, April 1, 2011

Government security forces have vowed to seek long jail terms for six Chinese caught poaching fish and sea turtles, as part of a crackdown against foreigners stealing marine wildlife.

The head of a multi-agency taskforce against illegal entrants, Brig. Gen. Juancho Sabban, yesterday said he plans to take a hardline stance against all foreign poachers, unlike previous officials who allowed them to be released.

“We will be pursuing the harshest penalty as demanded by law. We will be fighting for the conviction of these apprehended poachers,” Sabban

told Agence France Presse.

In previous cases of Chinese fishermen caught illegally in Philippine waters, the Chinese Embassy often successfully lobbied for the release of its nationals, much to the anger of local environmental groups.

But Sabban, who took over in August last year as head of the task force that includes the police and military, said he would push hard for the latest batch of nabbed Chinese to be jailed.

“I don’t know what happened in previous cases but I would like to assure everybody that we will take action differently,” he stressed.

The Chinese fishermen were arrested off the western island of Palawan last March 24 with their catch of fish and sea turtles, regional police head Chief Supt. Antonio Hicban said.

They face charges of illegal entry, illegal fishing and catching a protected species — the sea turtles — which could get them 12 to 20 years in jail, Hicban and Sabban said.

The declaration of a stronger stance against the Chinese suspects came a day after China executed three Filipino drug mules, despite appeals for mercy from senior Philippine officials.

Anger toward China has risen in the Philippines after the execution of the three Filipino drug couriers.

Sabban said the crackdown was not related to the execution of the three but compared the two cases, recalling that China had insisted the Philippines respect its legal system under which the Filipinos were put to death.

“The Chinese ambassador said to us, we should understand the rule of law in their country. The same thing should be applied here. We are just following the law, the same way the Chinese ambassador told us,” he said.

Chinese Embassy spokesman Sun Yi said consular officials would be sent to Palawan to see what action to take regarding the arrested fishermen.

Tribuneonline.org

General vows long jail term for 6 Chinese poachers

Philippine Daily Inquirer, Friday, April 1, 2011

Philippine authorities Thursday vowed to seek long jail terms for six Chinese caught poaching fish and sea turtles, as part of a crackdown against foreigners stealing local marine wildlife.

The head of a multiagency task force against illegal entrants, Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, said he planned to take a hardline stance against all foreign poachers, unlike previous officials who allowed them to be released.

“We will be pursuing the harshest penalty as demanded by law. We will be fighting for the conviction of these apprehended poachers,” Sabban told Agence France-Presse.

In previous cases of Chinese poachers caught in Philippine waters, the Chinese Embassy has successfully lobbied for the release of its nationals, much to the anger of local environmental groups.

But Sabban, who took over in August last year as head of the task force that includes the police and military, said he would push hard for the latest batch of Chinese poachers to be jailed.

“I don’t know what happened in previous cases but I would like to assure everybody that we will take action differently,” he said.

The Chinese fishermen were arrested off the western island of Palawan on March 24 with their catch of fish and sea turtles, said Chief Supt. Antonio Hicban, the regional police head.

Rising anger

The Chinese poachers are facing charges of illegal entry, illegal fishing and catching a protected species—the sea turtles—which could get them 12 to 20 years in jail, according to Hicban and Sabban.

The declaration of a stronger stance against the Chinese poachers came a day after China executed three Filipino drug couriers, despite appeals for mercy from senior Philippine officials.

Anger toward China has risen in the Philippines after the execution of the three Filipinos.

Sabban said the crackdown was not related to the execution of the three drug mules, but he compared the two cases, recalling that China had insisted that the Philippines respect its legal system under which the Filipinos were put to death.

Rule of law

“The Chinese ambassador said to us, we should understand the rule of law in their country. The same thing should be applied here. We are just following the law, the same way the Chinese ambassador told us,” he said.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Sun Yi said consular officials would be sent to Palawan to see what action to take regarding the arrested fishermen.

inquirer.net

P3-M corals seized in Cebu

By Evelyn Macarian
Philstar, Friday, April 1, 2011

Joint elements of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Navy seized corals of different species worth P3 million as they were about to be smuggled from Cebu to Korea on Wednesday afternoon.

Commodore Cecil Chen, PCG-Cebu District commander, said three Cebuanos were arrested in the operation but were turned over to the Navy for questioning.

The corals, reportedly owned by one Jose Jess Pagobo, were reportedly set for shipment to a certain Mr. Park in Korea.

Philstar.com

Navy cracks down on Chinese poachers

Abs-Cbn News, Friday, April 1, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - Navy authorities on Thursday vowed to seek long jail terms for six Chinese caught poaching fish and sea turtles, as part of a crackdown against foreigners stealing marine wildlife.

The head of a multi-agency taskforce against illegal entrants, Brigadier General Juancho Sabban, said he planned to take a hardline stance against all foreign poachers, unlike previous officials who allowed them to be released.

"We will be pursuing the harshest penalty as demanded by law. We will be fighting for the conviction of these apprehended poachers," Sabban told AFP.

In previous cases of Chinese fishermen caught illegally in Philippine waters, the Chinese embassy often successfully lobbied for the release of its nationals, much to the anger of local environmental groups.

But Sabban, who took over in August last year as head of the taskforce that includes the police and military, said he would push hard for the latest batch of nabbed Chinese to be jailed.

"I don't know what happened in previous cases but I would like to assure everybody that we will take action differently," he said.

The Chinese fishermen were arrested off the western island of Palawan on March 24 with their catch of fish and sea turtles, regional police head Chief Superintendent Antonio Hicban said.

They face charges of illegal entry, illegal fishing and catching a protected species -- the sea turtles-- which could get them 12 to 20 years in jail, said Hicban and Sabban.

The declaration of a stronger stance against the Chinese suspects came a day after China executed three Filipino drug traffickers, despite appeals for mercy from senior Philippine officials.

Anger towards China has risen in the Philippines after the execution of the three Filipino drug couriers.

Sabban said the crackdown was not related to the execution of the three but compared the two cases, recalling that China had insisted the Philippines respect its legal system under which the Filipinos were put to death.

"The Chinese ambassador said to us, we should understand the rule of law in their country. The same thing should be applied here. We are just following the law, the same way the Chinese ambassador told us," he said.

Chinese embassy spokesman Sun Yi said consular officials would be sent to Palawan to see what action to take regarding the arrested fishermen.

abs-cbnnews.com

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

AFP has 12 new generals

By Alexis Romero
The Philippine Star, Wednesday, Mach 30, 2011

President Aquino approved the promotion of 12 colonels of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to one-star generals last March 27.

They were promoted through an ad interim appointment, which would require confirmation of the Commission on Appointments (CA).

The 12 new generals are Army brigadier generals

Mariano Veloria, Alex Albano, Arnolfo Atendido, Ramona Go, Samuel Narbuada, Maximo Caro and Lito Tabangcura; Navy commodores Geronimo Aganon, Isabelo Gador, Wenefredo Banua, and Caesar Taccad; and Air Force brigadier general Nicanor Vivar.

On the other hand, six one-star generals were promoted to two-star rank effective March 27. These are rear admirals Orwen Cortez and Edgar Abogado and major generals Ramiro Alivio, Elmir de la Cruz, Romulo Bambao, and Alfredo Peralta, who took over as superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy this month.

Eastern Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, meanwhile, was promoted to lieutenant general last March 26.

A total of 102 lieutenant colonels have been promoted to full colonel, allowing them to join the roster of AFP senior officers.

Among them is the late Air Force Lt. Col. Ferdinand Macasaet, who was gunned down in Baguio City last March 3.

Macasaet, who served as head of the PMA’s air warfare and headquarters tactics group, was on his way home to Pinesville Subdivision on board his Mitsubishi Montero when an unidentified gunman fired at him with a caliber .40 pistol.

He was about to be promoted when he was slain by the gunman, who remains at large. The AFP nevertheless granted him a posthumous promotion since his appointment papers had already been processed.

Also promoted to full colonel was Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., chief of the AFP public affairs office. Burgos, a member of PMA Class 1988, was former spokesman of the Armed Forces.

Philstar.com

Monday, March 28, 2011

P.H.-U.S. balikatan Exercise 2011 set

By Elena Aben
Manila Bulletin, Tuesday, March 29,2011

The Philippine Navy geared up for PH-US Balikatan exercise 2011 on April 5-15, 2011 in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog areas where Philippine sailors and marines will engage their American counterparts in a series of drills, both on land and at sea, aimed at promoting interoperability between the armed forces of the two two countries. Capt. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, Navy spokesman, said the PN's air and surface assets manned by sailors and aviators will see action in a series o maneuvers and evolutions at sea, while PN SEALS will be involved in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercises. Meanwhile, the Philippine Marines will be trained in amphibious landing/raid with their US counterparts.

Balikatan Exercise 2011 set in April

Sunstar, Monday, March 28, 2011

THE Philippine Navy is gearing up for Balikatan Exercise 2011 set on April 5 to 15 2011 in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog areas.

The Navy’s sailors and marines will meet with their US counterparts in a series of drills, both on land and at sea, to promote interoperability between the two armed forces, said Navy spokesman Captain Giovanni Carlo Bacordo.

Bacordo said the Navy’s air and surface assets manned by sailors and aviators will see action in a series of maneuvers and evolutions at sea, while Navy’s SEALs will be involved in Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercises.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Marines will be trained in amphibious landing/raid with their US counterparts.

Fleet-Marine officers will also be involved in the Rapid Response Planning Process (R2P2) aboard a US Navy ship while enroute from South Harbor, Manila to Subic Bay.

Navy chief Rear Admiral Alexander Pama earlier vowed to work on the acquisition of important naval hardware such as the MRV, off-shore patrol vessels, multi-purpose helicopters and amphibious assault vessels and other equipment.

Aside from the drills and professional exchanges between the two armed forces, the Philippines and the US will also field in military doctors, nurses, and other medical workers to conduct free medical and dental services to local residents in the exercise venues.

Likewise, military engineers will also be involved in construction projects during the Balikatan.

sunstar.com

Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Unsinkable Alexander Pama


By Alexis Romero
Philstar, Monday, Mach 28,2011

The Philippines has the world’s third longest coastline after Canada and Indonesia with 36,289 kilometers, almost twice that of the US. And with over 7,000 islands and about 60 percent of the population living in coastal communities, the Navy is one of the most important forces protecting the country.

Rear Adm. Alexander Pama, who assumed as 32nd Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy on Jan. 4, vows to continue the Navy’s capability, upgrade programs and improve the skills of Navy personnel.

Pama admits that his new position is very challenging, given the current state of the Navy. “I am facing an enormous responsibility,” he tells STARweek. “Reality hit me. I am getting the position and responsibilities go with it.”

Pama surely has his work cut out for him – Navy data shows that out of the 53 patrol ships in the inventory, only 25 are operational. These patrol ships are on the average 36.4 years old. The bigger of these vessels, like the Mine Sweeper Frigates and patrol craft escorts, are 66 and 67 years old, respectively.

The Navy chief meets with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin (above); assists Mayor Celso Lobregat in pouring cement over the hollow blocks in a Gawad Kalinga project in Zamboanga City (left).













Only two of the seven Navy transport vessels are operational and are these are already 15 years old. The non-operational vessels are 64 years old. Meanwhile, only four of the 10 Navy auxiliary ships are operational. From among the 32 small crafts, 23 are operational and are of an average age of 21.3 years. Not a very encouraging picture of the country’s major line of defense.

But Pama is not discouraged, and says that among his priorities is to follow the Navy Sail Plan 2020 through modernization and asset acquisition.

“We will correct drifts in our journeys. I have noticed primarily that the emphasis of modernization is acquisition (of equipment). I also want the capacity, which is improvement of skills and education. They should go hand in hand,” he explains.

Pama says the modernization of the country’s naval forces is crucial, given the Philippines’ archipelagic character, and is brought into focus on the country’s claims on the Spratly Islands.

The Spratly chain of islands – locally known as the Kalayaan Island Group – is a cluster of rocks and reefs in the South China Sea believed to be rich in oil, gas, and minerals. Owing to its richness in natural resources, it is being claimed by the Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

It has been recently noted that the Philippines is lagging behind in asserting the country’s claim on the islands. In fact, a survey vessel conducting seismic studies commissioned by the Department of Energy was harassed early this month by two Chinese vessels near the Reed Bank Basin.

“My stand on that (Spratlys issue) is to push for the modernization of the Navy…We are the force provider and we provide the necessary assets and equipment to be operated by the unified commands,” Pama says, adding that the government has been supportive of their advocacy for modernization.

The Philippine government, in fact, has shared plans of upgrading facilities on Pag-asa Island, part of the disputed Spratly chain of islands. Plans include the immediate rehabilitation of the island’s Rancundo Air Field, which can now only accommodate small military planes due to erosion at both ends of its airfield.

“For us to be taken seriously by other claimants, we have to back up our claim with credibility. We cannot rely on mere words,” the Navy chief says. “We will not join the arms race. We subscribe to the code of conduct (for claimants) but you should look respectable when you are talking.”

Modernizing the naval forces would be beneficial to the national interest. “It’s not just a question of what the Navy wants. This is a question of national will,” he says.

Asked for his instruction to troops monitoring the areas in South China Sea, Pama says: “My instruction was to perform their job and perform their duties despite the limitations in the equipment. This limitation is not an excuse for not rendering service.”

Pama also plans to support efforts to find funding sources to bankroll the Navy’s capability upgrade thrusts. His leadership vision puts emphasis on the need for a trustworthy organization, empowered leaders, action-oriented, competent resource managers, and humane and disciplined personnel.

“I’m a task master, meaning pag trabaho trabaho, pag laro, laro (when at work, you work, when you play, you play). Give it your all. I don’t take things personally. I may dress my people down but after that, we’re friends.”

Perhaps it’s destiny that Pama would eventually lead the 22,000-strong sailors and Marines of the Philippine Navy, overcoming many obstacles to reach the Navy’s top position – including almost failing the physical examination at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and nearly being dismissed from the academy because of a misunderstanding with a schoolmate. And if not for the concern of a friend, he would have ended as an Army man.

The seasoned officer, however, believes it was not luck but hard work and integrity that brought him to where he is now.

“I don’t know if I should call it destiny. I would like to think I am an instrument of His will. But I’m not saying I’m fatalistic. I work for it,” he says, adding, “I was not tagged in any controversy. I maintained that image. Perhaps there is what I call the integrity factor.”

Pama is described by subordinates as a “strategic thinker” for overseeing the drive against terrorists in Western Mindanao. The media called him an “anti-terror specialist” and an “ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) fighter.”

“I would be a hypocrite if I’ll say I’m not happy (to be Navy chief). Every Navy officer who has gone through the necessary requirements, position, training, and education would entertain ideas that somewhere, somehow, he would achieve the apex of professional life,” Pama says.

Pama’s interest in ships started when he was an elementary student in Zamboanga City. “It happened during my formative years. The younger brother of my father would bring me to the ship. I played there. I collected casings of bullets. When you blow them, they would produce sounds,” Pama recalls. “I mingled with the enlisted personnel of the Navy. They made me their mascot. I did that when I was in grade two until grade five…That started my interest in the Navy.”

Pama’s family then moved to Passi, Iloilo, a landlocked town, so he temporarily “abandoned ship” and channeled his energy to his tasks as a boy scout. In high school days, Pama became active in the preparatory military training, the precursor of the Citizens’ Army Training.

“When I reached college in UP (University of the Philippines) Iloilo, now UP Visayas, I became an evader of ROTC (Reserved Officers’ Training Corps)…I did not want to march,” he reveals.

Peer influence led him to take the entrance examination at the PMA. “I took the (PMA) exam because that time, hindi ko maintindihan yung grades ko. namemeligro (I was in danger of failing),” he says.

He was initially not accepted (his grade in Math was sa few points short of the cutoff), but was delighted when he was asked to take the physical exam – which he almost flunked.

“When it came to pull-ups, I could only do four. The minimum requirement was six. It happened that my uncle, a Marine, was there and he threatened to punch me if I failed to make it,” he says.

Needless to say, he made it. “When the results came out, I passed both the academic and physical tests.”

Pama was a diligent student who was active in their school paper The Corps Magazine. But during his second year, he was recommended for dismissal when he was implicated in a fight that his squadmates engaged in. Pama appealed the recommendation and the school administrators decided to keep him.

When it came to filling the slots for the major services, it was again a close call for Pama. Three slots were allotted to the Army, three for the then Philippine Constabulary, two for the Navy, and one for the Air Force.

“You will be assigned numbers depending on your grades. It was by order of merit. For example, if you are the valedictorian, you are the number one in your group. You will be the first to choose your major service,” he explains. “In our group, I was number nine. Only the Army slot was left.”

Fortunately, a classmate who was the number two in their group agreed to swap places with him. “He knew that I am a die-hard Navy.”

The Navy chief graduated from the PMA in 1979 and is a member of the Matapat (honest) class.

There was a time in his military career when he no longer wanted to be assigned to ships. “I was enjoying my assignments in the GHQ (General Headquarters). I was chief of operations of a division in J2 (office of the deputy chief for intelligence),” he says.

But he changed his mind after learning that none in their batch had been given a ship assignment.

“In 1995, our class talked. None of us was interested to go back to ship. I told them I would go back to the ship. I was already a commander then,” he recalls.

Pama had to work under lower-ranking officers to comply with the regulations of the Navy on shipping assignments. “I don’t mind doing that. That was for the sake of professionalism and going through the mill, going through ropes of billets or position. If I did not do that, what credibility do I have to command?”

He adds, “If you resort to shortcuts, you lose your credibility, and more important, the knowledge and experience.”

Pama’s persistence and positive attitude paid off as he was assigned to vital positions in the armed forces, including commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command and head of Task Force Trillium, a joint military and police group formed to address kidnapping in Basilan.

Pama was also leader of the anti-terror unit and commander of Navy task groups operating in the critical areas of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan. He was also designated as the commanding officer of six Navy vessels, Navy inspector-general, and Navy vice-commander.

Pama’s efforts were not unnoticed as he received numerous military honors and civilian awards, including the Philippine Legion of Honor, five Distinguished Service Stars, two Distinguished Navy Crosses, and a host of others.

While he takes his job as a navy man seriously, equally important to Pama are his family and his faith. Pama is a loving husband to wife Carmela and father to teenaged sons Gorby and Archie.

“I want to spend whatever precious free time I can wiggle out of my schedule with my family. I want to spend time with my two teenage boys,” he says.

Pama said he also engages in recreational activities when his schedule allows. He reads, plays golf, bikes or jogs, and watches historical DVD movies. He is a devotee of St. Pio de Pietrelcina, a Capuchin monk known for miraculous healings and stigmata.

“Spirituality plays a significant role in my personal life,” he says. “After going through lots of unexplainable things, I can say there is divine providence who directs all things.”

Philstar.com

Rescue Operations

By Elena Aben
Manila Bulletin, Monday, March 28, 2011

Elements of the 3rd Marine Brigade and the Philippine National Police (PNP) jointly conducted rescue operations to bring to safety residents of several villages in Jolo that were hit by flashfloods brought about by heavy rains last weekend. Navy Spokesman, Capt. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, quoting reports reaching the Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard, Manila, said that the flashfloods happened at the villages of Austrias, Alat, Tulay, Takut-Takut, Chinese Pier, Waleld and San Raymundo in the municipality of Jolo. According to reports, the floods in some parts of the town went as high as neck-deep. The flooding was reported caused by heavy rains that started Friday afternoon.

6 Intsik tiklo sa illegal fishing

By M. Obleada/D. Bellosillo
Police Files, Saturday, March 26,2011

Inaresto ang anim na Chinese national ng mga otoridad dahil sa illegal na pangingiisda sa karagatan malapit s aBalabac Palawan kamakalawa ng hapon.

Kinilala ang 6 na dayuhan na nahuli na sina Li Yin Chi, 17, Li Yin Chin, 56, Lia Tong Win, 14, Pai Chong Kwe, 56, Pang Lung So, 31 at Tsung Biao, 17.

Ayon kay MGen. Juanchi Sabban, Commander ng Western Mindanao Command, dakong 5:30 ng hapon nang masabat ng pinagsanib na puwersa ng Marine Battalion Landing Team, Bureau of Fisheries at Aquatic Resources, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources ang mga dayuhan sa karagatan na sakop ng Ramos Island Balabac, Palawan.

Ang 6 na dayuhan ay gumagamit sa isang speedboat na may 60 horsepower engine na nanghuhuli ng mga sea turtle na kabilang sa mga endager species.

Tinangka pa umanong tumakas ng mga nasabing dayuhan nang makita ang mga paparating na mga otoridad ngunit naabutan din ito nga mga oyoridad.

Nasamsan sa mga dayuhan ay 7 buhay na sea turtle at 2 patay na sea turtle, net at isang uri ng kemikal na pinaghihinalaan ginagamit ng mga dayuhan sa paghuhuli ng mga pawikan.

Sa kasalukuyang ang mga nasabing dayuhan ay itinurn-over sa Balabac Police Station at inihahanda ang kaukulang kaso laban sa mga ito.

6 Chinese poachers tiklo

By Joy Canto
Philstar, Satuday, March 26, 2011

Anim na Chinese nationals ang inaresto ng mga awtoridad matapos na maaktuhan ang mga itong illegal na nanghuhuli ng pawikan, isang endangered species sa karagatan ng Balabac, Palawan kamakalawa ng hapon. Sinabi ni AFP-Western Command Chief Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, kasalukuyan pang sumasailalim sa dokumentasyon ang 6 Chinese na hindi marunong mag-English. Kinilala ang mga ito na sina Li Yin Chi, 17; Li Yin Chin,56; Lia Tong Win, 14; Pai Chong Kwe,56; Pang Lung So, 31 at Tsung Bia, 17 taong gulang. Bandang alas-5:30 ng hapon ng mahuli sa akto ng nagpapatrulyang mga elemento ng Philippine Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 8, Philippine Navy, Police Maritime Group, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, ang naturang mga Intsik na naghuhuli ng pawikan sa reef area may 300 metro ang layo sa dalampasigan ng Sitio Timbayan, Brgy. Ramos sa bayan ng Balabac. Nakumpiska mula sa mga suspek ang pitong buhay na pawikan, dalawang patay na pawikan, lambat at mga kemikal na gamit ng mga ito sa illegal na panghuhuli ng yamang dagat.

6 Sino poachers nabbed

By Zaida delos Reyes-Palanca
Tonight, Saturday,March 26,2011

Six suspected Chinese poachers were arrested off Balabac, Palawan Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said the identities of the foreign nationals were not yet available as of press time.

He said the suspects were arrested at around 5:30 p.m. while on board a green speed boat loaded with undetermined sea turtles at the vicinity of North West of Ramos Island, Balabac, Palawan.

Confiscated from the six were a 23 footer speedboat powered by three 60 HP Yamaha OBM and equipped with navigating equipment such as GPS, UHF radio, a compressor, fish nets for catching sea turtles and other parapgernalia.

The suspects were brought to the Balabac Police Station for custody and filling of charges.

6 Chinese arrested in Palawan

By Florante S. Solmerin
Manila Standard Today, Saturday, March 26,2011

Six Chinese nationals ere arrested on Thursday for poaching off Balabac Island in Palawan by a joint team of the military, police and marine authorities.

The arrest was made at the culmination of the joint military exercises of the Philippine Navy and the Malaysian Royal Navy conducted in Sulu Sea.

Lt. Gen Juancho Sabban, commander of the Western Command, said six suspects were aboard a green 25-foot speedboat equipped with Global Positioning System-aided navigation and UHF Radio.

Recovered from the suspects were 16 turtles, ten of which were dead, and fishing equipment, Sabban said.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Philippine navy arrests six suspected Chinese poachers

Monster and Critics, Friday, march 25, 2011

Manila - The Philippine navy arrested six Chinese nationals suspected of poaching off a western province, a regional military commander said Friday.

Patrolling navy personnel caught the suspects Thursday off Balabac town in Palawan province, 600 kilometres south-west of Manila.

Lieutenant General Juancho Sabban said the navy seized the suspects' speedboat, which was loaded with an undetermined number of sea turtles and fishing paraphernalia.

Sabban said the suspects were detained at Balabac police station pending the filing of illegal fishing charges against them.

monsterandcritics.com

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Navy cites Filipinos in sailing tilt

By Elena L Aben
The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online, Thursday, March 24, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — The Navy takes pride in the feat of its four personnel who are members of the Philippine sailing team which recently garnered the championship crown in the recent Subic-Boracay Race that also saw teams from the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, a Navy spokesman said last Tuesday.

Capt. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said First Class Petty Officer (PO1) Rico V. Albeso, Seaman First Class (SN) Joel Mejarito, 3rd Class Petty Officer (PO3) Ridgely Balladares and Third Class Petty Officer (PO3) Rommel Chavez sailed to victory in the IRC Cruiser/Racer Class and IRC Racing Class, respectively in the February 19-21, 2011 races.

Bacordo said Albeso and Mejarito belonged to the IRC Cruiser/Racer Class joining six other individuals in this category, while Balladares and Chavez joined 12 others in their Racing Class category.
The four are assigned with the Philippine Fleet in Sangley Point, Cavite City.

Except for Mejarito, the rest are veteran sailors who have competed in races both here and abroad. The four are the only AFP personnel in the Philippine Sailing team.

Bacordo said the four were also members of the Philippine team that topped the 1st Australian Nationals in Albany in 2010. Following this race, the team placed 2nd in the World Mirror Championship, also in Australia.

"The Subic-Boracay Race is one of the “exposure” races before the Philippine Team competes for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Palembang, Indonesia in November this year," said Bacordo.

The Navy spokesman added that the “exposure” races put the team in high gear as they aim for gold medal in the SEA Games. The Philippine team’s lone gold medal came during the 1991 SEA Games in Manila. Albeso was already part of the winning team.

"Next stop for the four and the Philippine team is the Commodore’s Cup in Subic in April. The sailing team is also slated to compete in Singapore in June, Hong Kong in August, and Japan in October," said Bacordo.

The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

AFP chief, 20 pa aprub sa CA

By C.Martin/N.Aclan
Hataw, Thursday, March 24, 2011

KINOMPIRMA na ng panel ng Commission on Appointments ang appointments ni Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Eduardo Oban at 20 iba pang opisyal.

Walang tumutol na mga miyembro ng CA’s committee on national defense nang irekomenda para sa plenary action ang nominasyon kay Oban para maging heneral.

Bukod kay Oban, ang 20 military officials na inaprubahan ng komite ay sina Marlon Cosue, Colonel (Medical Corps); Cheston Valencerina, Colonel (Corps of Professors); Nestor Losbanes, Read Admiral (Armed Forces of the Philippines); Arnel Dorado, Colonel (Philippine Army); Ernesto Aradanas, Brigadier General (AFP); Ramil Roberto Enriquez, Captain (Philippine Navy); Nelson Dancel, Colonel (Medical Corps); Fernando Gomez, Colonel (Philippine Navy-Marines); Hilario Vicente Lagnada, Colonel (Philippine Navy); Marjorie Filoteo, Colonel (Veterinary Corps); Wilfredo Ona, Brigadier General (AFP); Antonino Gascon Jr., Commodore (AFP); Alexander Pama, Vice Admiral (AFP); Roberto Morales, Major General (AFP); Nicanor Dolojan, Brigadier General (AFP); Eduardo Lacanienta, Brigadier General (AFP); Ramon Tan, Colonel (Medical Corps); Edwin Leo Torrelavega, Colonel (Medical Corps); Angelita Larin, Colonel (Medical Corps); at Fred Payawan, Brigadier General (AFP).

Monday, March 21, 2011

Military's Bayanihan has new head

By Donna Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has a new chief for civil military operations, three months into the implementation of a new counter-insurgency plan, Bayanihan, which gives equal importance to community projects in "winning the peace."

Navy Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez, assumed office as deputy chief of staff for civil military operations (J7) on Friday, the AFP announced over the weekend.

Rodriguez replaced Army Brig. Gen. Nonato Peralta Jr. who was named Philippine Military Academy (PMA) superintendent following the retirement of Vice Adm. Leonardo Calderon on March 11.

A member of PMA Class 1980, Rodriguez was commander of the Fleet-Marine ready Force, before being appointed J7.

"CMO (civil military operations) is where my heart belongs,"he said during the turnover ceremonies.

He described Peralta as his mentor with whom he worked in the commemoration of the Battle of Sibuyan.

Rodriguez said the Filipino tradition of bayanihan or community spirit "is what civil military operations is about."

Rodriguez had served as assistant chief of staff for CMO for the AFP Western Command (Wescom) and chief of the evaluation and research branch of the Office of the Secretary of the AFP joint staff.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Rodriguez assumes post

By Elena A. Aben
Manila Bulletin, Monday, March 21, 2011

Navy Commodore Miguel Jose S. Rodriguez has formally assumed as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 39th Deputy Chief of Staff Civil- Military Operations (J7), succeeding Bring. Gen Nonato Alfredo T. Peralta Jr., who is now the Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Rodriguez, a member of the PMA Class of 1980 was Fleet Marine Ready Force commander prior to his assumption of the J7 post. In assuming his post, Rodriguez vowed to help bring in to the national consciousness the spirit of "bayanihan", which is what the Civil-Military Operations is about.

New AFP deputy chief of staff installed

By Jaime Laude
The Philippine Star, Sunday, March 20, 2011

A senior Navy officer was installed yesterday as the Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief of staff for Civil Military Operations, a key military position left vacant, as a result of the continuing changes triggered by the recent reteriment of AFP chief and now Immigration Commisioner Ricardo David.

In a simple turn-over rites, Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez, commander of the Navy’s Fleet-Marine Ready Force, assumed command of the AFP’s J-7, from its outgoing J-7 commander, Brig. Gen. Nonato Alfredo Peralta Jr.

Peralta was literally kicked up following his official designation as the new superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) replacing Vice Admiral Leonardo Calderon who retired from the military service March 11.

The Philippine Navy has already recommended four names of senior officers to choose who among them would replace Rodriguez as commander of the Navy’s fighting force.

“The AFP welcomes Commodore Rodriguez as its 39th deputy chief of staff for Civil Military Operations,” AFP Public Information Office chief, Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said.

Rodriguez was a member of the PMA Class of 1980. Aside from being designated as commander of the Navy Fleet-Marine Ready Force, he has commanded several Navy ships.

He is also aholder of Public Management and Law degrees from the University of the Philippines and Baguio Colleges Foundation, and a recipient of awards and decorations to include numerous military merit medals and the Gold Cross Medal.

In his assumption speech, after being installed by Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on behalf of AFP chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban, Rodriguez vowed that he will do his best so that his new position will become an instrument of peace and will focus his command efforts on the implementation of Oplan Bayanihan.

Leyte, Bohol placed under state of calamity

By Mario J Mallari
The Daily Tribune, Saturday, March 19, 2011

The provinces of Leyte and Bohol were placed under the state of calamity after massive flooding hit the areas due to continuous heavy rains in the Visayas region that already claimed the lives of nine persons.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that the two additional fatalities came from Leyte and Bohol provinces where widespread flooding was reported, prompting local officials to declare state of calamity.

Reports from the NDRRMC identified the two latest fatalities as 65-year-old Armando Buticarlo, who died of drowning in Bohol, and Leo Espina, of Palo, Leyte who was electrocuted.

The NDRRMC said that some 3,130 families or 15,398 people from Bohol, Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Misamis Oriental, and South Cotabato.

Of these numbers, 2,878 families or 14,138 people have been evacuated.

Last Thursday, a landslide buried alive seven members of a family in Barangay Cabalawan, Tacloban City, they were couple Marlon and Jenita Jordan, both 35, and their children Marieta, 16; Angelica, 14; John Paul, 13; John Rey, 4; and Heyrex, 3.

NDRRMC executive director and Office of the Civil Defense Administrator Benito Ramos said that local disaster management councils are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further rise in casualty figures.

In a related development, the Navy reported yesterday the rescue of 80 residents in two barangays in Palo, Leyte at the height of heavy rains and strong winds since last Wednesday.

Naval Forces Central Command, through its Naval Station Dioscoro Papa, based in Tacloban City dispatched a team of Disaster Rescue and Response Unit after report of massive floods from the provincial coordinating council.

Last Wednesday evening, the Navy team rescued 19 children and seven adults from Barangay San Antonio, Palo town and brought the victims to an evacuation center.

The following day, at about 6 a.m., the Navy team proceeded to Barangay Cangumbang and rescued an infant, 29 children, and 24 adults. Among those rescued was a woman who just gave birth.

Noy to choose AFP deputy chief of staff

By Mario J Mallari
The Daily Tribune, Saturday, March 19, 2011

The military’s Board of Generals (BoG) has already submitted its recommendation to the Commander in Chief, President Aquino, for the appointment of the deputy chief of staff (TDCS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines vacated by newly installed AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr.

Oban said that the BOG’s recommendation was submitted for the approval of the President.

“That would be dependent on the approval of the President. We already have recommended the full time deputy chief of staff and it will have to go through the process,” said Oban as he refused to reveal the names of those short-listed by the BOG.

Reliable sources, however, said that Navy Fleet commander Rear Admiral Luis Alano is among the strongest contender for the number three post of the AFP.

Alano is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1979 where Oban also belonged.

A battle-tested Navy officer Alano was appointed Navy Fleet commander late last year after serving to various command and administrative positions in the military. He led the successful Navy operation against a group of rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels who sow terror in an island-town in Masbate also last year.

Meanwhile, AFP deputy chief of staff for operations or J3 Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista was tapped as acting TDCS while awaiting the President’s approval.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said that as the most senior J-staff, Bautista was named as acting TDCS.

“J3 (Bautista) has been designated acting TDCS while higher authorities are still in the process of formally designating one for the position. Selection of key positions in the AFP goes through a tedious process where merits, professional competence and service reputation are among the criteria,” said Mabanta.

Mabanta said that Bautista will remain acting TDCS until the President makes his choice for the AFP’s number three position.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Akyat, Gapang, Talon


By Jonas Sulit
Abante, Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Ito ang naransan nang mga sumabaksa isang pagsasanay ang mga babaeng bagong recruit ng Philippine Marines sa kanilang Marine base camp sa Ternate, Cavite. Ayon sa nasabing pamunuan, dumadami na ang mga kababaihang pumapasaok sa kanilang hanay sa ngayon.

Navy opens PPPO to leaseits assets for AFP modernization

By Mario J Mallari
The Daily Tribune, Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Navy leadership yesterday formally opened its Public-Private Partnership Office (PPPO) as part of the efforts to lease out some of its assets, which was supported by no less than the Commander in Chief President Aquino, to generate funds for its modernization.

Commodore Edgar Abogado, chief of the Naval Staff, presided over the formal activation of the PPPO, Naval Human Rights Office (NHRO), and the Navy’s Protocol Office (PNPO). Representatives from the Department of Finance joined the Navy command team during the ceremonies.

Navy spokesman Capt. Giovani Carlos Bacordo said that the PPP Office is in line with the Navy’s initiative of leasing out some properties at the Navy Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio and other real estate in naval bases and stations in the country, to generate funds for its modernization.

It can be recalled that during his first State of the Nation Address in July 2010, President Aquino advocated the Navy’s plan for public-private partnership.

“Funds generated from this venture will finance the acquisition of modern ships and equipment for sailors and marines,” said Bacordo.

On the other hand, Bacordo said that cognizant of the importance of human rights and its preservation, the Navy also activated the HRO as called for by the military’s internal peace and security plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” for the promotion of human rights.

“The office aims to safeguard and ensure that human rights of the people and Navy personnel, as well as of its stakeholders are well-respected and preserved,” said Bacordo.

Before yesterday’s ceremony, Bacordo said that the HRO has already distributed copies of the HR handbook among PN personnel to educate them on human rights issues.

Meanwhile, the PN Protocol Office will be handling protocol and etiquette matters. It is envisioned to preserve customs, traditions, and ideals of the Navy.

“The discipline and high character it promotes will ensure precision in personal habits and daily living worthy of naval profession,” said Abogado.

In his keynote speech, Abogado congratulated the new heads of the three offices and expressed his confidence on their performance.

“I know there will be difficulties and birthpains in handling these offices but with the managerial expertise and competence that you embody, I am certain that you will surpass them all,” he said.

Abogado also exhorted Navy personnel to accord their support and coordination to the newly created offices. “Let us all remember that we are all working for the attainment for a similar goal, which is to have a strong and credible Navy that our maritime nation can be proud of.”

Navy activates 3 new offices

By Alexis Romero
The Philippine Star, Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Navy activated yesterday three new offices including a body that will study proposals on how to tap the private sector to fund its modernization program.

Navy spokesman Capt. Giovanni Bacordo said activated were the Public-Private Partnership Office (PPPO), the Naval Human Rights Office, and the Philippine Navy Protocol Office.

Bacordo said the PPPO is in line with the government’s plan to lease some of its properties to support its capability upgrade program.

“The PPPO will study the proposals of the proponents. It will assess the plans related to the public-private partnership,” he told The STAR in a phone interview.

Bacordo said the PPPO will be led by the Navy vice commander, a post currently held in an acting capacity by Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Jose Luis Alano.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act, which took effect in 1995, has given the military the opportunity to modernize in 15 years with a total fund of P331 billion.

More than 16 years have passed since the law was enacted but critics said the AFP is not even close to a modern battle force. The delay in the implementation of the law has been attributed to lack of state funds.

During his first State of the Nation Address last July, President Aquino said he is studying a proposal to lease military lots to support AFP modernization.

He said this will allow the military to procure equipment without bloating the deficit, which is expected to hit P290 billion this year.

At least six firms have expressed interest in the project, including Malaysian Resources Corp. Berhad, which submitted a proposal that would involve the lease of a 33-hectare property at Fort Bonifacio.

Navy data showed that out of the 53 patrol ships in the inventory, only 25 are operational. These patrol ships are of the average age of 36.4 years old. The bigger of these vessels like the minesweeper frigates and patrol craft escorts are 66 and 67 years, old respectively.

Only two of the seven Navy transport vessels are operational and are already 15 years old. The non-operational vessels are 64 years old.

On the other hand, only four of the 10 Navy auxiliary ships are operational. From among the 32 small crafts, 23 are operational and are of an average age of 21.3 years old.

The Navy also activated its Human Rights Office in compliance with the military’s policy to educate troops about existing humanitarian laws.

“The office aims to safeguard and ensure that human rights of the people and Navy personnel, as well as of its stakeholders are well-respected and preserved,” Bacordo said.

The office will be headed by Lt. Col. Jesulito Calimag.

On the other hand, the Protocol Office will be tasked “to preserve customs, traditions, and ideals” of the Navy.

The office, which aims to promote discipline among Navy personnel, will be led by Cmdr. Carlos Sabarre.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Aquino leads WWII bombs disposal exercise in Tarlac

Manila Bulletin, Saturday, March 5, 2011

President Benigno S. Aquino III led Saturday the culmination of the joint explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) exercise for World War II ordnances in Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac.

President Aquino detonated the last two pallets of 287-pound Mk 6 depth charges and two pallets of 190-pound Mk 9 depth charges using radio firing device. He led the last phase of the exercise triggering the explosion of 2,000- pound explosive composed of antisubmarine explosives. Also present during the exercise was United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas.

Saturday’s event was part of an agreement between the Philippines and the U.S. government after President Aquino met U.S. President Barack Obama last year. The President asked the U.S. leader to assist the Philippines in getting rid of the bombs that puts civilian population at risk.

The ordnance disposal exercise was spearheaded by the Philippines Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) in collaboration with the U.S. military.

Representatives from other services of the Philippine armed forces also joined the Navy in disposing the bombs.

The President commended the Armed Forces and all the personnel involved in the activity for safely disposing of the ordnances, completing the job way ahead of schedule.

The target date for completion was March 26, but they managed to complete it on March 5.

The exercise is the last phase of the ordnance disposal that started February 9 in Crow Valley in Tarlac where more than 4,000 pieces of World War II ordnances were detonated.

President Aquino said the safe disposal of the World War II leftover was very important to ensure public safety. The vintage ordnances were originally stored in Caballo Island in Cavite and experts said a detonation could trigger a domino-effect type of explosion that could be very destructive within 32-kilometer radius.

“There was a danger that an unattended explosion could detonate roughly about 400,000 pounds of explosives. I was told that the blast area for that would be something like 30 square kilometers that would affect portions of Cavite, Bataan and even the NCR [National Capital Region]. Hence, the need to adequately dispose of the same materials,” the President said.

The ordnance disposal had three phases: stabilization and rendering of the ordnances, segregation and pallet placements at Caballo Island from January 20 to February 4, 2011.

Under the second phase, the U.S. government hired a commercial landing craft tank to transport the bombs from Caballo Island to Crow Valley. The third phase was the safe detonation of the bombs.

The Philippines still suffers from environmental damage from World War II and the post-war U.S. military presence in the country aside from the unexploded munitions as a result of conflict in Mindanao and the communist insurgency.

Until now there are occasional reports on discoveries of these bombs and deaths appear to occur from time to time from such incidents.



Detonation of World War II bombs


The Philippine Star, Sunday, March 6, 2011

President Aquino uses a radio firing device to detonate World War II bombs and other explosives at the Crow Valley Range in Capas, Tarlac yesterday.

Noy leads detonation of 4,000 vintage bombs at Crow valley

By Aurea Calica

The Philippine Star, Sunday, March 6, 2011

President Aquino led yesterday the remote detonation of more than 4,000 World War II-era US bombs and other explosives and expressed relief that the American government finally granted his request for assistance in the cleanup of unexploded ordnance that had lain idle on Caballo Island near Corregidor.

The detonation was done in Crow Valley Range in Capas, Tarlac, as part of the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise. US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. was also at the event.

Aquino had requested US President Barack Obama to help the Philippines in the cleanup effort when they met in New York in September during the United Nations General Assembly and in Yokohoma in November at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

The President pushed a button on a radio firing device, triggering a series of explosions that destroyed the vintage bombs.

The Philippine Navy said the safe transport of the unexploded ordnance from Caballo Island in Manila Bay and their detonation in Crow Valley through US help was a great achievement in itself.

Detonating the shells on Caballo Island, the Navy said, could have created “a destructive blast lethal to humans within a 32-kilometer radius and the catastrophic effect would have endangered nearby populated areas and ships plying Manila Bay and can be felt up to Sangley Point, the Philippine Navy Headquarters and the US embassy.”

Aquino said the danger posed by the unexploded shells had been one of the major problems faced by his administration.

“More than anything, I feel that this was really one of my first nightmares upon assuming office – that there was something left over from (the Second World War),” he said.

He commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the timely disposal of the explosives.

“The target date for completion was March 26. They managed to complete it on March 5, three weeks ahead of schedule. It was really quite impressive,” he said.

“The transport from Manila Bay to Subic to Tarlac also was an impressive operation – no untoward incidents, nobody was harmed, no injuries whatsoever,” he added.

The US government, according to the Philippine Navy, contracted a commercial landing craft tank that transported the explosives from Caballo Island to Crow Valley. The transport was completed on Feb. 6.

The exercise spearheaded by the Naval Special Operations Group of the Philippine Navy was the last phase of the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations. This phase began on Feb. 9 in Crow Valley with EOD teams from the Army, Air Force, Philippine National Police and Coast Guard.

The Navy said an aggregate net explosive weight of 364,348 pounds had been safely detonated.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Navy activates 3 new offices

By Alexis Romero
The Philippine Star, Sunday, March 15, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - The Navy activated yesterday three new offices including a body that will study proposals on how to tap the private sector to fund its modernization program.

Navy spokesman Capt. Giovanni Bacordo said activated were the Public-Private Partnership Office (PPPO), the Naval Human Rights Office, and the Philippine Navy Protocol Office.

Bacordo said the PPPO is in line with the government’s plan to lease some of its properties to support its capability upgrade program.

“The PPPO will study the proposals of the proponents. It will assess the plans related to the public-private partnership,” he told The STAR in a phone interview.

Bacordo said the PPPO will be led by the Navy vice commander, a post currently held in an acting capacity by Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Jose Luis Alano.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act, which took effect in 1995, has given the military the opportunity to modernize in 15 years with a total fund of P331 billion.

More than 16 years have passed since the law was enacted but critics said the AFP is not even close to a modern battle force. The delay in the implementation of the law has been attributed to lack of state funds.

During his first State of the Nation Address last July, President Aquino said he is studying a proposal to lease military lots to support AFP modernization.

He said this will allow the military to procure equipment without bloating the deficit, which is expected to hit P290 billion this year.

At least six firms have expressed interest in the project, including Malaysian Resources Corp. Berhad, which submitted a proposal that would involve the lease of a 33-hectare property at Fort Bonifacio.

Navy data showed that out of the 53 patrol ships in the inventory, only 25 are operational. These patrol ships are of the average age of 36.4 years old. The bigger of these vessels like the minesweeper frigates and patrol craft escorts are 66 and 67 years, old respectively.

Only two of the seven Navy transport vessels are operational and are already 15 years old. The non-operational vessels are 64 years old.

On the other hand, only four of the 10 Navy auxiliary ships are operational. From among the 32 small crafts, 23 are operational and are of an average age of 21.3 years old.

The Navy also activated its Human Rights Office in compliance with the military’s policy to educate troops about existing humanitarian laws.

“The office aims to safeguard and ensure that human rights of the people and Navy personnel, as well as of its stakeholders are well-respected and preserved,” Bacordo said.

The office will be headed by Lt. Col. Jesulito Calimag.

On the other hand, the Protocol Office will be tasked “to preserve customs, traditions, and ideals” of the Navy.

The office, which aims to promote discipline among Navy personnel, will be led by Cmdr. Carlos Sabarre.