Phl Navy to join Brunei International Defense Exhibition

By Jell E Guzman
PIA, Wednesday, June 29, 2011

MANILA, June 29 (PIA) –- The Philippine Navy will be joining the naval forces from Brunei, Pakistan, Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States for the 3rd Brunei International Defense Exhibition (BRIDEX) on July 2, 2011.

Navy Flag officer in command Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama said the activity will help the participants gain insights, at the same time appreciate the technology advancements and industry developments particularly on defense warfare.

The Philippine Navy contingent will be composed of the crew of the participating ships from the Naval Education and Training Command, Fleet Training Center, Philippine Navy Auxiliary Reserve Unit, Naval Modernization Office, Naval Doctrines Office, and the Naval Special Operations Group. A medical team from the Manila Naval Hospital will also join the group to provide medical assistance.

Likewise, the Navy will be sending two of its vessels, the Jacinto Class Patrol Vessel (BRP Apolinario Mabini – PS36) and Cyclone Class Vessel (BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez – PS3838).

BRIDEX 2011 is a week-long event which highlights fleet review. It is also an excellent platform in building alliances, forging partnerships and capturing new business opportunities in a fast growing South East Asian region, as well as for networking, sharing ideas and knowledge, discussing technology advancements and industry developments.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam will grace the event.

The premier defense and security exhibition in South East Asia brings together the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of defense and security equipment.

The upcoming event also serves as an exclusive marketplace to showcase the latest, innovative and value enhancing technology solutions in land, sea, air, and security systems to address the wide spectrum of security challenges. (PN/RJB/JEG-PIA NCR)

pia.gov.ph

Asian war feared over Spratlys row

By Redempto Anda

Philippine Daily Inquirer, Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Puerto Princesa—Longtime allies the Philippines and the United States launched naval exercises on Tuesday amid warnings that growing incidents at sea involving China could lead to war in Asia.

Two state-of-the-art US missile destroyers sailed into Philippine waters to kick-start the 11 days of training, being held in the wake of regional tensions caused by territorial rivalries in the West Philippine (South China) Sea.

The exercises, called Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Carat), will actually take place in the Sulu Sea.

Both the Philippines and United States emphasized the training was an annual one aimed at strengthening defense ties, and not linked to the rising concern in Manila about allegedly aggressive Chinese actions in the potentially resource-rich Spratly Islands.

“Carat was planned in advance… the issue in the South China Sea started in February,” Philippine Navy vice commander Rear Adm. Orwen Corez said at the opening ceremony. “Carat has nothing to do with the issue.”

Nevertheless, the exercises were portrayed as a show of unity between the Philippines and its former colonial ruler.

‘Enduring commitment’

“The US and the Philippines are allies and that is the strongest and most enduring commitment the two nations can make,” the commander of the US 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, said.

“Our alliance is underpinned by a deep and abiding US interest in the freedom and security of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Buskirk stressed the exercise “has nothing to do with the Spratlys.”

He said it was the second such exercise held by the two allies “but this situation is more complex.” He did not elaborate.

Tuesday’s opening ceremony took place at a military base in Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan province, a narrow island that divides the West Philippine Sea and the Sulu Sea.

About 800 US sailors are involved, as well as the two guided missile destroyers and a salvage ship. They will join a Philippine fleet of mainly World War II-era ships.

newsinfo.inquirer.net

Nakabantay ang isang Philippine naval personnel sa missile destroyer USS Chung Hoon (DDG-93)

Photo by AFP

Abante, Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Nakabantay ang isang Philippine naval personnel sa missile destroyer USS Chung Hoon (DDG-93) na dumating sa bansa para sa US-Philippines joint naval military exercise na ‘C­ooperation Afloat Readiness Training’ (CARAT). Idadaos ang pagsasanay sa katubigan ng Puerto Princesa, Palawan, malapit sa tensyunadong Spratly Islands.

abante.com.ph

US Senate hits China action in territorial row

By AFP Photo

Manila Times, Wednesday, June 29, 2011

A Philippine Navy personnel stands guard during the arrival of missile destroyer USS Chung Hoon ahead of the Philippine-US joint naval military exercises near the disputed Spratly Islands on Tuesday.

manilatimes.net

Marine dies in Pasig mishap

By Non Alquitran

Philippine Star, Wednesday, June 29, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - A Marine was killed when the motorcycle he was riding hit the rear of a six-wheeler truck in Pasig City yesterday.

Private First Class Joel Ramirez, 31, a resident of Tipas, Taguig City, sustained head and body injuries. Doctors declared him dead on arrival at the Rizal Medical Center.

Police said Ramirez was on his way home when he lost control of his motorcycle (1386 NO) at the corner of Elisco and Villa Concio streets in Barangay San Joaquin at about 12:20 a.m. yesterday.

philstar.com

Navy joins Brunei defense show

By Genivi Factao

Malaya, Wednesday, June 29, 2011

A Philippine Navy contingent left for Brunei Darussalam yesterday to join the fleet review in the Brunei International Defense Exhibition (BRIDEX) Conference 2011, a premier defense and security event in Southeast Asia.

The 3rd BRIDEX will be also be attended by navy units from Pakistan, Brunei, Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States.

They will conduct a traditional fleet review on July 2 as a highlight of the event.

Navy flag officer in command, Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama, said "this activity will enable the crew of the two patrol vessels and the members of the organized task group to gain insights and appreciation on technology advancements and industry developments particularly on defense warfare."

Codenamed BRIDEX 2011, the fleet review will be participated in by navy men from the Jacinto class patrol vessel BRP Apolinario Mabini and the Cyclone class BRP Gen Mariano Alvarez.

The Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF) will be designated as the unit primarily responsible for the activity and all designated navy vessels will be under the operational control of the FMRF commander for the duration of the activity.

A send-off ceremony for the contingent was held at the FMRF Landing in Sangley Point, Cavite.

BRIDEX brings together the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of defense and security equipment and systems from across the entire supply chain, and high-level international government and defense and security officials.

The exhibit exclusively showcases the latest, innovative and value-enhancing technology solutions in land, sea, air and security systems to address the wide spectrum of security challenges being faced by countries in the region and around the world.

It aims to provide an excellent platform for building vital alliances, forging partnerships and capturing new business opportunities in the region, as well as for networking, sharing ideas and knowledge, discussing technology advancements and industry developments.

The Philippine contingent is composed of the crew of the participating ships from the Naval Education and Training Command, Fleet Training Center, Philippine Navy Auxiliary Reserve Unit, Naval Modernization Office, Naval Doctrines Office, and the Naval Special Operations Group.

A medical team from the Manila Naval Hospital also joined the contingent to provide medical assistance to the contingent.

malaya.com.ph

US, Philippines start joint naval drills

By Mynardo Macaraig, AFP
China Post, Wednesday, June 29, 2011

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines -- The United States pledged on Tuesday its “enduring commitment” to helping the Philippines, as the longtime allies began naval exercises amid a simmering maritime row with China.

Two state-of-the-art U.S. missile destroyers sailed into Philippine waters to kick-start the 11 days of training, which will take place close to the much-coveted South China Sea that is the focus of the regional tensions.

Both sides emphasized the event was an annual one aimed at deepening defense ties, and not linked to the rising concern in Manila about allegedly aggressive Chinese actions in the strategic and potentially resource-rich South China Sea.

“The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) operation was planned in advance ... the issue in the South China Sea started in February,” Philippine Navy vice-commander Rear Admiral Orwen Cortez said at an opening ceremony for the event, referring to it by its acronym.

“CARAT has nothing to do with the issue.”

Nevertheless, the exercises were portrayed as a show of unity between the Philippines and its former colonial ruler.

“The U.S. and the Philippines are allies and that is the strongest and most enduring commitment the two nations can make,” the commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk, said at the opening ceremony.

“Our alliance is underpinned by a deep and abiding U.S. interest in the freedom and security of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Philippine President Benigno Aquino this month called for U.S. help in containing China's South China Sea ambitions, saying his country was too weak to stand up to the Chinese alone.

Aquino made his plea to the United States after accusing China of inciting at least seven recent incidents in the disputed waters, including one in which a Chinese vessel allegedly opened fire on Filipino fishermen.

Aquino also accused China of breaking international law by entering the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile economic exclusion zone.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week offered the Philippines' some comfort, pledging that the superpower would help to modernize the cash-strapped Philippine military.

“We are determined and committed to supporting the defense of the Philippines,” vowed Clinton.

China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea, which is believed to have vast oil and gas deposits, while its shipping lanes are vital for global trade.

Vietnam as well as the Philippines have in recent months accused China of taking increasingly aggressive actions in staking its claim to the disputed waters and its archipelagos.

In response, China has insisted it wants to resolve the territorial dispute peacefully but remained firm in its claims to most of the South China Sea, even waters within the Philippines' economic exclusion zone.

Tuesday's opening ceremony for the naval exercises took place at a military base in Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, a narrow island that divides the South China Sea to the west and the Sulu Sea in the east.

The exercises will take place in the Sulu Sea.

About 800 U.S. sailors will be involved, as well as the two guided missile destroyers and a salvage ship. They will join a Philippine fleet of mainly World War II-era ships.

chinapost.com.tw

PH Navy pilots board US warship for training

By Abigail Kwok
Interaksyon, Wednesday, June 29, 2011

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan -- Philippine Navy pilots boarded early on Wednesday morning a US warship docked off Sulu Sea, for training by American pilots in a joint exercise that entered its second day and is seen as heightening tensions arising from China’s warning to the United States to refrain from taking sides among claimants in the South China Sea, which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea.

US pilots on the USS Howard were very pleased with how Philippine soldiers performed during the exercise.

"They're very eager, very knowledgeable," said Lt. Commander Ron Martin, one of the US pilots.

The USS Howard is one of the three United States Navy warships docked here for the 11-day joint naval exercises with the Philippine Navy off Sulu Sea. Packed with anti-sub and anti-air capabilities, the USS Howard is definitely a force to reckon with, a stark contrast to the ageing naval warships of the Philippines.

Several journalists got a chance to tour the USS Howard, named after Medal of Honor awardee Gunnery Sergeant Jimmie Howard.

The US destroyer is the 33rd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the US Navy. It was commissioned only last October 20, 2001 and is docked in San Diego, California. The ship has over 200 crew members, including a few of Filipino descent.

The SH-60 Seahawk

On the flight deck of the US destroyer are two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters with anti-submarine capabilities. These can detect foreign submarines in the ocean through sound waves and acoustics and, once detected, they relay this information to the headquarters.

"Each submarine of each country has its own unique sound wave and we are able to detect that," Martin said.

The helicopters only have the ability to detect and not to destroy. Towards the tail of the helicopter, a magnetic detecting system is attached and can be unlatched up to 180 feet, which is mainly used to detect submarines. While these helicopters do not have an air defense capability, they have a built-in infrared system, self-defense maneuver system, and flair.

The USS Howard also has an Mk-45 5"/62 caliber lightweight gun, two Mk-41 VLS for Standard missiles and Tomahawk missiles, two 20mm Phalanx CIWS, two Mk-32 triple torpedo tubes for Mk-50 and Mk-46 torpedoes.

Philippines needs bulking up

The USS Howard is just one of the many US warships, something which the Philippines' own military sorely lacks. But while equipment and armament are definitely major issues to be addressed, the Philippine Navy believes it can make up for this through training and information sharing.

"It is our humble submission that ours is a military establishment that does not measure its vitality and its strength in terms of arms alone. Whatever deficiencies we may have in our equipment and supplies, it is our sheer resolve that we shall make up for such deficiencies through training," said Commodore Edgardo Tamayo of the Naval Forces West during the opening ceremonies of the joint naval exercises, called CARAT.

interaksyon.net

US, Philippine navies kick off 11-day joint exercise

By Xinhua

Philippine Star, Tuesday, June 28, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Navies from the United States and the Philippines kicked off an 11-day joint exercise this afternoon in waters off the southwestern Philippine island province of Palawan, showcasing the ties and interoperability between the two allies.

Dubbed the 17th "Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training" (CARAT), the exercise was held in the Sulu Sea east of Palawan and is expected to wind up on July 8, both navies said.

Guided missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon, USS Howard and the diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard are the US Navy's centerpieces for the exercise, US navy said earlier in a statement, adding that in addition to the three ships, other participants include P-3C Orion aircraft, SH-60 Seahawk aircraft, US Navy Seabees, a US Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team, US Navy Mobile Security Squadron, US Navy Riverine Forces and Medical Support personnel.

On the Philippine side, patrol ships BRP Pangasinan and BRP Rizal are dedicated for the exercise, according to Lt. Noel Cadigal, spokesman of the Philippines' Naval Forces West.

The at-sea phase of the exercise focuses on developing maritime security capabilities in areas such as maritime interdiction, information sharing, combined operations at sea, patrol operations, gunnery exercises, as well as anti-piracy and anti-smuggling exercises.

Ashore training includes such specialties as Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises; diver training; salvage operations; joint medical, dental and civic action projects, aircrew familiarization exchanges, etc.

"The main purpose of the activity is to strengthen the ties and cooperation between the two navies by the exchange of knowledge and skills in the field of navigation and naval operations, particularly maritime defense, port security, resource protection and disaster response," said Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay, noting the exercise is among the bilateral trainings conducted under the auspices of the Mutual Defense Treaty, which was signed between the Philippines and the United States in 1951.

In a statement issued prior to the exercise, New Patriotic Alliance, known as Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in Filipino, said the fact that the joint naval exercise will be between modern US warships and ageing Philippine patrol ships shows the entire concept of US military assistance is a failure.

However, the exercise and the Mutual Defense Treaty were bombarded by a left-wing group in the Philippines.

"After 60 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty, several decades of US military bases and 12 years of the Visiting Forces Agreement, our AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) has not modernized. We were promised the same in exchange for approving all these one-sided agreements and yet here is our navy, still employing World War II- era ships," said Renato Reyes, Jr., secretary general of the New Patriotic Alliance.

philstar.com

Noy thanks US for Spratly aid commitment

By Delon Porcalla

Philippine Star, Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The joint Philippine-US naval exercises begin today in Palawan, where most of the disputed islets, shoals and reefs are located.

The joint naval maneuver called CARAT 2011 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2011) would be held near the Sulu Sea.

Two Philippine Navy ships with 300 sailors – BRP Rizal (PS 74) and BRP Pangasinan (PS 31) – will take part in the drill together with the USS Chung-Hoon, USS Howard and USNS Safeguard.

Chung-Hoon and Howard are guided missile destroyers while Safeguard is a dive and salvage

warship of the US 7th Fleet.

US Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mike Morley, CARAT’s point of contact, said the 11-day naval exercise will train the sailors in dealing with different operational problems both in land and at sea.

“Ashore training includes such specialties as Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises; diver training; salvage operations; joint medical, dental and civic action projects, and aircrew familiarization exchanges,” he said.

“The at-sea phase of CARAT focuses on developing maritime security capabilities in areas such as maritime interdiction, information sharing, combined operations at sea, patrol operations and gunnery exercises,” he said.

US servicemen are also set to visit Hulugan Bay in the West Philippine Sea for a scheduled tour of the world renowned Underground River.

“Highlights of CARAT 2011 are the personnel exchange between the two ships for the effective communication of information between the PN and USN; friendship games; and PN-hosted and USN-hosted reception dinners to further strengthen the relationship between the two parties involved,” the Philippine Navy said in a statement.

“Civil military operations are also scheduled to be able to reach out to the residents of Palawan, particularly medical and dental civic action at Barangay Tagabinet; engineering civic action at Barangay Mangingisda Elementary School; and community relation activity at Tagburos Elementary School and Gregorio Oquendo Memorial Elementary School,” the Navy’s press statement said.

Naval show

Meanwhile, naval forces from the Philippines and more than 20 other countries will join a fleet review that will highlight the 3rd Brunei International Defense Exhibition (BRIDEX) in Brunei Darussalam on July 2.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay said they will join their counterparts from countries including China, Malaysia and Brunei in the activity to learn more about innovations in defense warfare.

A fleet review is a ceremonial gathering of different navies. Other countries that will send naval personnel and equipment to the review are the US, Pakistan, Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand.

Tonsay said the Philippine Navy will send the BRP Apolinario Mabini and BRP Mariano Alvarez to the event. The vessels, with combined crew of 105, will leave Sangley Point, Cavite on June 28.

“This activity will enable the crew of the two patrol vessels and members of the organized task group to gain insights and appreciation on technology advancements and industry developments, particularly on defense warfare,” Navy chief Vice Adm. Alexander Pama said.

“BRIDEX also provides an excellent platform for building vital alliances, forging partnerships and capturing new business opportunities in a fast growing South East Asian region,” Tonsay said.

philstar.com

Palawan: CARAT 2 kicks off

By Fernidand F. Castro

Manila Bulletin, Tuesday, June 28, 2011

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Philippines — The second Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Philippine and US Navies started Tuesday.

Major Neil Anthony Estrella, Western Command spokesperson said some 1,000 sailors from the United States will participate in the CARAT's ashore training and at-sea phase.

This year's exercises would be more relevant for the participating Navies and strengthen the relationship of the two countries. The seven day military exercises will end on July 4.

mb.com.ph

RP-US naval exercises start Tuesday

By Elena Aben

Manila Bulletin, Tuesday, June 28, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — The annual Philippines-US bilateral military exercises dubbed Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training or CARAT Philippines 2011, where some 800 American servicemen will join their Filipino counterparts, will kick off Tuesday at Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

Three US Navy ships — guided missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and USS Howard (DDG 83) and the diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) — will participate in CARAT Philippines 2011. The ships are the US Navy’s centerpieces for the exercise, which features 11 days of training exchanges between the two navies, both ashore and at sea.

The bilateral military exercise, which will take place starting Tuesday up to July 8, will be held at Puerto Princesa City and in the Sulu Sea.

CARAT is part of the two nations’ military cooperation under the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 and is held every year.

Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay, Philippine Navy spokesman, said the main purpose of the activity is to strengthen the ties and cooperation between the two navies through the exchange of knowledge and skills in the field of navigation and naval operations, particularly maritime defense, port security, resource protection and disaster response.

Highlights of CARAT 2011 are personnel exchange for the effective commutation of information between the Philippine Navy (PN) and the US Navy (USN); friendship games; and PN-hosted and USN-hosted reception dinners to further strengthen the relationship between the two sides.

Civil military operations are also scheduled with the aim of reaching out to the residents of Palawan. These include the Medical and Dental Civic Action at Barangay Tagabinet; Engineering Civic Action at Barangay Mangingisda Elementary School; and Community Relation Activity at Tagburos Elementary School and Gregorio Oquendo Memorial Elementary School. A Community Service and Public Affairs activity is also set in the form of free music lessons at Palawan State University Laboratory High School and Palawan National School. To cap off the activity, there will be a free band concert by the Philippine Marine Corps and the US 7th Fleet Band at the Puerto Princesa City Ampitheater and at the NCCC Mall.

Tonsay said members of the US Navy are also scheduled to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the city’s biggest and most popular tourist destination.

"This is an opportunity for the Naval Forces West, the city of Puerto Princesa and the province of Palawan to showcase its beauty and its natural resources," he added.

The Navy official further stated, “This exercise will certainly prove its worth as all aspects of naval operations are being integrated as the two navies further their interoperability.”

Capt. David Welch, Commander, Task Group 73.1 and the US commander for the exercise, meanwhile said, "The US and Philippine navies have a long history of working together, and exercises like CARAT provide a great venue for us to hone our skills and increase our interoperability."

mb.com.ph

Philippine-US navies unite amid China tensions

By Mynardo Macaraig

Maritime Security Asia, Tuesday, June 28, 2011

PUERTO PRINCESA, June 28, 2011 (AFP) – The Philippines and the United States will launch naval exercises on Tuesday close to the South China Sea, which is the focus of a simmering regional territorial row.

The longtime allies have emphasised the event is an annual one aimed at deepening defence ties, and not linked to rising concern in Manila about allegedly aggressive Chinese actions in the much coveted seas.

“The US and Philippine navies have a long history of working together, and exercises like (these) provide a great venue for us to hone our skills,” said the US commander for the 11-day exercises, Captain David Welch.

Nevertheless the exercises are being seen in Manila as a timely show of unity between the Philippines and its former colonial ruler.

Two state-of-the-art US missile destroyers, along with the host’s World War II-era warships, will patrol the Philippine waters of the Sulu Sea.

The Sulu Sea is separated from the South China Sea only by the narrow Philippine island of Palawan.

China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea, which is believed to have vast oil and gas deposits, while its shipping lanes are vital for global trade.

Vietnam as well as the Philippines have in recent months accused China of taking increasingly aggressive actions in staking its claim to the disputed waters and its archipelagos.

In response, China has insisted it wants to resolve the territorial dispute peacefully but remained firm in its claims to most of the South China Sea, even waters within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile economic exclusion zone.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino this month called for US help in containing China’s South China Sea ambitions, saying his country was too weak to stand up to the Chinese alone.

Aquino made his plea after accusing China of inciting at least seven recent incidents in the disputed waters, including one in which a Chinese vessel allegedly opened fire on Filipino fishermen.

Aquino also accused China of breaking international law by entering the Philippines’ economic exclusion zone.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week offered the Philippines some comfort, pledging that the superpower ally would help to modernise the cash-strapped Philippine military.

“We are determined and committed to supporting the defence of the Philippines,” Clinton said.

No specifics were immediately announced but Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario later said the US government had vowed to boost the Philippines’ intelligence capabilities in the South China Sea.

The Philippine-US exercises, called Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), officially begin at 3:00pm (0700 GMT) on Tuesday with an opening ceremony on Palawan island.

The first of the US vessels, the USS Chung-Hoon arrived at a pier in Palawan’s capital, Puerto Princesa, on Tuesday morning, greeted by a Philippine Navy band playing marching tunes.

US sailors in dress uniforms stood to attention as their vessel was guided into place by tugboats. The second destroyer, the USS Howard, will arrive later in the day said Lieutenant Commander Mike Morley, spokesman of the US forces.

About 800 US sailors and 450 Philippine seamen will be involved in the exercises.

The United States is scheduled to stage similar exercises with Vietnam next month, although it has insisted they too are unrelated to the South China Sea tensions.

maritimesecurity.asia

3 US Navy ships to join PHL-US war games in Palawan

GMAnews, Monday,July 27, 2011

Three United States Navy ships are expected to take part in this year's Philippine-US "Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training" (CARAT) bilateral exercises in Palawan.

A report by radio dzBB's Palawan affiliate Monday said the three ships will be the counterparts of Philippine vessels taking part in the exercise, which starts Tuesday.The same radio report by radio dzBB's James Viernes said the ships have arrived in Palawan.But Lt. Noel Cadigal, spokesperson for the Naval Forces West, said the US vessels — guided missile destroyers USS Chung Hoon and USS Howard and USNS Safeguard, a diving and salvage ship — will be arriving Tuesday morning.Cadigal identified the two participating Philippine Navy ships as BRP Pangasinan and BRP Rizal, both patrol ships. In Viernes' report, Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban reiterated that the bilateral exercises have nothing to do with the ongoing territorial row with China over the Spratly Islands.Sabban maintained that the CARAT exercises had been planned long ago, and should not be taken as a provocation of sorts, the dzBB report said.The Philippines and China, which had engaged in a word war of sorts following some incidents in the disputed area earlier this year, are two of six claimants to the Spratlys. The other claimants include Brunei, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Malaysia.Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy said its Naval Forces West and the US Pacific Fleet are all set for the CARAT 2011."The activity is part of the RP-US Defense Treaty of 1951 and is being executed every year," the Navy said in a news release posted on its website.It said the main purpose of the activity is to strengthen the ties and cooperation between the two Navies by the exchange of knowledge and skills in the field of navigation and naval operations, particularly maritime defense, port security, resource protection and disaster response.

gmanews.tv

Phl, US set maritime exercise in Palawan

Philippine Star, Monday, June 27, 2011

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines – Philippine and United States Navy will start tomorrow the annual bilateral maritime exercise here, the state media said today.

Dubbed as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), the joint military exercise will be conducted at the height of the tension between the Philippines and China over the Spratlys row.

In an interview, Major Neil Anthony Estrella, spokesperson for the Western Command, said about 1,000 US sailors are expected to participate in the ashore and at-sea phases of the CARAT.

He also said that this year’s exercise promises to be meaningful and relevant for the two navies, and will further strengthen the relationship of the two countries.

He said two destroyer and one salvage ships are to be used by the United States Navy as their centerpieces for the exercise. The Philippines will utilize all the patrol ships deployed under the Naval Forces West.

Apart from the military exercise, there will also be symposia on search and rescue practices and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the United States Navy and the Naval Forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The exercise in Puerto Princesa City will end on July 4th.

philstar.com

By Jonjon Vicencio

Philippine Star

A military rescue team inspects houses damaged by a mudslide in Barangay Gitnang Bayan in San Mateo, Rizal yesterday. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes due to floods caused by tropical storm ‘Falcon.’

philstar.com

MVP, AFP to rescue V-L

By Francis Santiago

Manila Bulletin, Sunday, June 26, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the massive pullouts of collegiate teams, the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 second conference hostilities will push through starting July 17 featuring squads from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and corporate teams owned by business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan.

The country’s premiere league was left with only three school-based squads – Ateneo, University of Perpetual Help and San Sebastian College – after six regular squads begged off from competition due to the players’ academic work loads.

But V-League commissioner Tony Liao said there was nothing to fret about as they have found equally competitive teams that could fill the slots for an eight-team competition.

He said the heads of three AFP volleyball teams – the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy – expressed their willingness to join the league during a meeting with the organizing Sport Vision last week.

Ricky Palou, the Sports Vision president, has also convinced Maynilad Waters president Ricky Vargas to field in a team. They are also courting Meralco – also owned by MVP.

mb.com.ph

US, Philippines to hold joint navy exercise

By Bong Garcia

Sun Star, Sunday, June 26, 2011

ALL is set for the holding of the 11-day joint Philippines and United States Navy exercise, a top Philippine Navy official announced Sunday.

The bilateral exercise dubbed as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Carat) 2011 will be held from June 28 until July 8, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and along the Sulu Sea.

The participants are the Naval Forces West (NFW) of the Philippine Navy (PN) based in Palawan and the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy (USN).

NFW chief Commodore Edgardo Tamayo said the 11-day joint naval exercise is part of the Philippines-US Defense Treaty of 1951 that is being executed every year.

Tamayo said the main purpose of the activity is to strengthen the ties between the two Navies through exchanges of knowledge and skills in the field of navigation and naval operations, particularly maritime defense, port security, resource protection and disaster response.

Highlights of Carat 2011 are the personnel exchange between the two ships for the effective commutation of information between the PN and USN; friendship games; and PN-hosted and USN-hosted reception dinners to further strengthen the relationship between the two parties involved.

Civil Military Operations are also scheduled to reach out to the residents of Palawan, particularly Medical and Dental Civic Action at Barangay Tagabinet; Engineering Civic Action at Barangay Mangingisda Elementary School; and Community Relation Activity at Tagburos Elementary School and Gregorio Oquendo Memorial Elementary School.

Tamayo said that a community service and public affairs activity is also set in the form of free music lessons at Palawan State University Laboratory High School and Palawan National School.

To cap off the activity, Tamayo said the Philippine Marine Corps and the US 7th Fleet Band will hold a free band concert at the Puerto Princesa City Amphitheatre and at the NCCC Mall.

Tamayo said that members of the US Navy are also scheduled to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the city’s biggest and most popular tourist destination.

“This is an opportunity for the Naval Forces West, the city of Puerto Princesa and the province of Palawan to showcase its beauty and its natural resources,” Tamayo said.

“The exercise will certainly prove its worth as all aspects of naval operations are being integrated as the two navies further their interoperability,” he added.

Tamayo added that he is confident that Carat Exercise 2011 in Puerto Princesa City will be a success.

sunstar.com.ph

Mudslide

By Art Son

Abante, Sunday, June 26, 2011

Tumulong na ang mga kagawad ng Philippine Navy sa pag-aayos ng mga kabahayang nawasak ng mudslide sa Dulong Bayan, San Mateo Rizal dulot ng pananalasa ng bagyong ‘Falcon’.

abante-tonite.com

Missing fisherman in Catanduanes found in Samar

Abs-cbn News, Saturday, Juy 25, 2011

MANILA, Philippines – One of 10 fishermen who went missing in Catanduanes for 4 days at the height of tropical storm “Falcon” was found Saturday in northern Samar.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Benito Ramos said the fisherman, identified as Prospero Tabios, was found alive after being swept ashore.

Tabios was rushed to the hospital and is under the care of the Department of Health.

“Na-recover siya at kasalukayan siyang ginagamot. Apat na araw siyang hindi nakakain at nakainom. Masyadong maalat ang tubig dagat,” said Ramos.

Ramos said the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard are now scouring Bicol's seas in efforts to find the other missing fishermen.

Ramos said that with the recovery of Tabios, the NDRRMC remains hopeful that the 9 fishermen still missing are alive.

abs-cbnnews.com

Retired general recalled to continue as head of UN team

By Victor Reyes

Malaya, Friday, June 24, 2011

PRESIDENT Aquino has called back to active duty Maj. Gen. Natalio Ecarma III so he can continue serving as commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observers Force (UNDOF) and as head of the Philippine mission in Golan Heights.

The UN requested that his tour of duty be extended.

Ecarma, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981, reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on June 3.

He was called back to active service as a "naval reservist," said 1Lt. Cherry Tindog, Marines information officer.

Tindog noted it is "very rare" that a retired officer is called back to active duty.

Ecarma became UNDOF commander and Philippine head of mission at the Golan Heights in March last year, vice Austrian Maj. Gen. Wolfgang Jilke.

UNDOF was established in 1974 to oversee the implementation of the disengagement or cease-fire agreement forged by the then warring Syrian and Israeli forces. UNDOF is composed of over a thousand troops Austria, Canada, Croatia, India, Japan and Philippines.

Tindog said that before Ecarma reached the age of 56, the UN asked the Philippine government if it could extend Ecarma’s tour.

Under the law, all military officers, except the AFP chief whose term can be extended, should retire at the age of 56.

Officers who retire from the service automatically become members of the reserve force, said Tindog.

Tindog also said the UN request for the Philippines to extend Ecarma’s tour of duty should be a viewed as a "national pride."

"It seemed that world leaders consider him as someone who should not be let go. He is seen as somebody who is the most fitting person to occupy the positions. This does not mean that there are no others from other countries who can occupy his post, but they (UN officials) insist on having him," she added.

malaya.com.ph