Phl Navy acquires new vessel

By Jaime Laude

Philippine Star, Monday, September 12,2011

Manila Philippines- The Philippine Navy is commisioning the construction of a 579-ton Landing Craft Utility (LCU) that will be launched in the last quarter of the year.

The engine and propulsion system of the ship will be craeted by PROMPMECH whila its hull and fixtures will be made by Philippine Iron Construction and Marine Works (PICMW).

The construction of the ship is funded by the Navy's P176-million LCU acquisition project.

The acquisition of the Philippine-made LCU will provide for a readily available watercraft for combat support missions such as logistic transport and amphibious operations," Navy spokesman Omar Tonsay said.

This month, the Navy has received the weather endurance cutter BRP Gregorio del Pilar acquired from the United States Coast Guard for P450 million.

Local shipbuilders configured the LCU to transport combat personnel,tanks, vehicles, artillery, and cargo.

www.philstar.com

Navy, PAF in crucial tiff

By Kristel Satumbaga

Manila Bulletin, Saturday, September 3, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force collide in a crucial match Sunday as they press their semis bids in the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference quarters at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Sailors (1-3) and the Airwomen (1-2) tangle at 4 p.m. before the Maynilad Water Dragons (0-3) fight for dear lives against early semifinalists Philippine Army Lady Troopers (4-0) at 2 p.m.

Navy faces a must-win situation against Air Force to stay in the semis hunt after dropping its last two games – the last against Ateneo, 13-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19, last Thursday.

Air Force, on the other hand, is determined to avenge its 25-18, 25-23, 25-21 prelims loss last Aug. 11 against the same squad while also seeking for its second straight win.

Playing coach Nene Ybanez leads the Lady Sailors and will be backstopped by power-hitting Nene Bautista and Suzanne Roces, who combined for 42 points in their last match.

Air Force will be bannered by Aiza Maizo and Jennifer Manzano with Iris Patrona and Amy Guanco expected to provide additional firepower.

With a 0-3 record, Maynilad needs to sweep its last two assignments and hope that Ateneo (2-2), Air Force and Navy won’t go over two wins to force a playoff for the last semis seat.

But the Water Dragons will have to thread through the eye of the needle against the Lady Troopers, who are looking for a sweep of the single-round robin phase after winning their first four matches.

www.mb.com.ph

Think-tank cites PH commitment to upgrade its territorial defense

By Roy Mabasa

Manila Bulletin, Wednesday, August 31, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — A United States (US)-based think-tank Wednesday said that US officials can learn two important lessons from the enthusiasm generated by the recent introduction of the Philippine Navy’s newest flagship, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which was acquired through the US Foreign Military Sales program.

Robert Warshaw, Research Assistant in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation, said that firstly, the Philippines is fully committed to improving its territorial defense.

Secondly, he said, the US–Philippines alliance remains extremely relevant in preserving stability across the Asia-Pacific.

Warshaw stressed that US policymakers would do well to heed the recommendations raised by The Heritage Foundation, as contained in its report, “US–Philippines Partnership in the Cause of Maritime Defense,” released early August.

He said that beyond the pressing need to fully fund its own Navy, the US should prioritize the Philippines to receive excess defense articles.

“The fanfare that greeted a Vietnam War–era Coast Guard vessel should remind the Pentagon that the Philippines operates an aging fleet of less than 80 ships; therefore, any excess ships would have a tremendous effect on ensuring regional stability,” Warshaw stated in his paper, “US Ship for Philippines a Good Start, But Much More to Be Done.”

He said the US should also explore various lend-lease programs to provide the Philippines’ armed forces with the hardware it needs to maintain a sufficient defense capability.

In continuing to provide the Philippines with the means to protect its territorial integrity, the US should ensure that the alliance can continue to flourish for the next 60 years, Warshaw said.

“The US should continue to offer support to the Philippines by reaffirming our mutual defense obligations and ensuring freedom of navigation across the region,” he said.

Last week, President Benigno Aquino III personally welcomed the arrival of BRP Gregorio del Pilar at Pier 13 of the South Harbor in Manila.

President Aquino said the docking of the 378-foot Hamilton class cutter represents the renewed strength of the country’s Armed Forces towards protecting its coastlines and assets.

In his speech during the welcoming ceremony, the President also assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines that the government will not stop in the acquisition of ships, helicopters and patrol crafts.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar replaced the Raja Humabon, a Cannon-class destroyer escort, which is probably one of the world’s oldest warships.

Warshaw said the changeover in flagships points to the Philippines’ urgent need for maritime defense capability. “It has to start its modernization somewhere, and developing an ability to regularly patrol Philippine-claimed waters in the South China Sea is the best place to start,” he said.

Warshaw pointed out that “despite historically dedicating its security policies toward countering domestic separatism, President Aquino’s government now realizes the danger posed by continued Chinese adventurism in the South China Sea.”

He claimed that since February, Chinese military vessels on several occasions have allegedly harassed Philippine fishing boats and energy survey ships in waters “mere miles from Philippine territory.”

“President Aquino, in unveiling his new flagship before his state visit to Beijing is sending a message to Beijing that the Philippines is ready to protect its own shores,” he added.

www.mb.com.ph

Submarine for Navy? Noy bares AFP shop list

By Alexis Romero

Philippine Star, Saturday, August 24, 2011

The Manila Philippines- President Aquino yesteday enumerated a list of military equipment to be acquired in fulfillment of his promise of modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during his term.

Aquino said among the equipment to be purchased are jet trainers that would enhance the skills of pilots and radars to monitor the country's territorial waters.

"With regard to the equipment I want...I want everything. But what we will acquire, we have lead-in jet trainer...to keep the skills of the jet pilots, especially the fighter pilots still active. we won't have the fighter jet but we will have these lead-in jet trainers to keep their skill levels," Aquino told reporters at arrival ceremonies for the BRP Gregorio del Pilar at Pier 13 in Manila.

Aquino said the government pans to acquire surface attack aircraft, air defense radars, long-range patrol aircraft and closed air air support aircraft for the Air Force.

'For the Navy, strategic sea lift vessels, off-shore patrol vessels, naval helicopters-there are at least three of them, coast watch stations, similar weather-heavy endurance cutters,"he said.

Aquino said the Army would be provided with new assault rifles, armor assets, tanks, armored personnel carriers, force protection equipment like helmets and bulletproof vests, night-fighting equipment and radios.

Aquino said the Navy is still studying whether it needs to purchase a submarine to secure the country's territory.

"The (acquisition of a) submarine is being studied by our Navy, whether or not practical, whether or not it meets our needs," he said.

Aquino said a country in Southeast Asia bought a refurbished submarine for a bargain price of $12 million but ended up spending more to refit the vessel for tropical conditions.

They ended up spending the same as if they bought it brand-new," Aquino said.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said they are cautious on the plans to purchase submarines to beef up their capabilities.

"This is a complicated matter," Pama said. "We don't want to commit a mistake by jumping into something. As i said, we don't want to buy something which eventually we cannot chew and swallow," he said.

When asked if the purchase of submarines is possible under Aquino's term, Pama said: " I cannot second guess the president.. there are several factors (to be considered)...it starts from our capacity, in terms of resources and second, our readiness.

Pama said they are also eyeing to acquire two Hamilton-class ships from the US.

The government has allotted P11 billion this year to bankroll the military's capability upgrade program.

Of this, P8 billion will come from proceeds from the Malampaya natural gas project in Palawan while P3 billion will be sourced from the military's modernization funds.

Budget secretary Florencio Abad earlier said the government would implement a P40-billion military modernization project over the next five years, starting in 2012.

Abad said the government would allot P8 billion annualy over the next five years for the Armed Forces' modernization program.

Aquino vowed to exercise good governance to enable the government to upgrade the military's capabilities.

"Through our responsible governance, through the straight path, we can do more...we won't stop with ships. We won't be contented with helicopters," he said.

"We can offer modern weapons, faster patrol craft and more effective equpment to our soldiers and police without wasting money from our state coffers...We will buy these new equipment at the right price."

www.philstar.com

12 Vietnamese fishermen rescued by Filipino in Palawan

By Rafael Alonso

PNoy News, Tuesday, August 27, 2011

The Philippine Embassy in Hanoi reported that Philippine fishing vessels rescued 12 Vietnamese fishermen on July 28 on the watres of Palawan. Their boat had capsized previously while fishing.

Philippine Navy Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Edgar Abogado informed Vietnam People's Navy Commander Chief Vice Admiral Nguyen Van Hien that the rescued fishermen were taken to Camp General Artemio Ricarto Station Hospital for medical check-up and treatment. Four of the 12 Vietnamese fishermen obtained minor injuries while the rest are in good health.

At present, the 12 Vietnamese fishermen are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Immigration, the government agency in charge of their disposition.

The Philippine Navy is coordinating with the said agency and the Vietnamese Defense Attache to the Philippines for whatever necessary assistance which can be provided for the fishermen and for their repatriation.

www.pnoynews.com

Aquino vows to fight for Manila sea claims

By Maria Nikka A.Garriga

Manila Times, Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar arrives at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila, on Tuesday. A Philippine Navy officer tours President Benigno Aquino 3rd and other officials during an inspection of the facilities of the Hamilton-class cutter. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino on Tuesday vowed a stronger military defense of the country’s West Philippine Sea claims as the Philippine Navy’s newest warship sailed into Manila Bay from the United States.

www.manilatimes.com

President Aquino: Ship symbol of our defense

By Donna Pazzibugan

PDI, Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - The Philippines newest warship, which sailed on Tuesday into Manila Bay after a 14,679-kilometer voyage from the United States, was hailed by President Benigno Aquino III as a symbol of the countrys determination to defend its claims in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

This is just the beginning. Expect more good news because we will not stop at one ship," Mr. Aquino said as the refurbished Hamilton-class cutter BRP Gregorio del Pilar dropped anchor, ending a 33-day voyage across the Pacific Ocean.

This ship symbolizes our newly acquired ability to guard, protect, and if necessary, fight for the interests of our country," the President said.

The 3,390-ton, 115-meter Gregorio del Pilar, a decommissioned US Coast Guard vessel, is 46 years old. It replaces a World War II-era destroyer as the country¿s flagship vessel.

Mr. Aquino said the ¿new¿ flagship vessel would help protect the country¿s exclusive economic zone and its oil and gas exploration activities in the contested sea.

This will upgrade our capability to guard our exclusive economic zone as well as the service contract areas," he said in a welcoming speech.

Many of those areas are claimed by China, which insists it has sovereign rights to almost all of the disputed territory, even waters approaching the coasts of Southeast Asian countries.

Other parts of the West Philippine Sea, including a cluster of isles and reefs called the Spratly Islands, are believed to be rich in oil and mineral resources and straddle vital sea lanes. They are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Revival of Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy chief, Vice Adm. Alexander Pama, hailed the Gregorio del Pilar as a timely boost to the Philippines military power.

"[It] now symbolizes the revival of the Philippine Navy," Pama said at the welcoming ceremony.

¿The Gregorio del Pilar¿s ability to operate in adverse conditions¿ will be vital in securing our maritime nation¿s territory and asserting our sovereignty in areas where our capability is now seriously needed, he added."

US Navy impressed

Officials said the 95 crew members of the Gregorio del Pilar impressed the US Navy with how quickly they learned how to operate one of the largest ships ever built for the US Coast Guard.

Led by Capt. Alberto Cruz, the 13 officers-three of them women-and 82 enlisted personnel trained rigorously in the United States from February before setting out for the Philippines.

They were quite impressed with our troops," Pama said.

An initial batch that included Cruz and 20 other officers and enlisted personnel underwent rigorous training on board the USCG Boutwell, a sister ship, for two months.

The 21-member team then trained the next batch of 74 crew members.

The ship was acquired under the Mutual Defense Treaty that gives the Philippines access to decommissioned US defense equipment.

The Philippine military¿s budget of about $2.5 billion this year is just a fraction of China¿s published defense spending of about $90 billion.

China warning

Manila clinched the deal to acquire the Gregorio del Pilar-named after the youngest Philippine revolutionary general who fought the Spanish and died in combat against American forces-early this year before the tensions with China flared.

The United States has since promised to help upgrade the Philippine military further, but no details have been released.

China¿s state-run media this month warned the Philippines it could pay a high price for building up its military presence in the West Philippine Sea.

But bilateral ties remain strong in other areas, and Mr. Aquino will pay a state visit to China next week.

Jets, armored carriers

Mr. Aquino spent nearly two hours in a tour of the vessel. A select group of reporters were also allowed to tour the ship.

I want everything.But what we will acquire(are)lead-in jet trainers to keep the skill(levels) of the fighter pilots,"Mr Aquino said.

The President has set his sights on acquiring more ships, trainer fighter jets and armored personnel carriers.

He also mentioned acquiring for the Philippine Air Force defense radars, a long-range patrol aircraft and support aircraft.

He also cited the need for amphibious vessels, offshore patrol vessels, at least three naval helicopters and Coast Watch stations.

For the Army, the Philippines plans to buy new assault rifles, armored assets and force protection equipment such as helmets, bulletproof vests, night-fighting equipment and radios, Mr. Aquino said.

Theres a whole list of modernization items for the (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and also the (Philippine National Police) and the Coast Guard," the President added.

Defenseless in airspace

The country has been defenseless in its airspace since 2001, when the Philippine Air Force last flew a fighter jet. The obsolete F-5 jets were decommissioned in 2005.

Mr. Aquino said the country had to carefully weigh whether acquiring a submarine is ¿practical, whether or not it meets our needs."

He cited the experience of a Southeast Asian country, which he did not name, that bought submarines from Eastern Europe for a ¿bargain¿ price of $12 million.

But the buyer discovered that the submarines had to be refitted for tropical purposes so it ended up spending the same amount it would have spent had it bought new submarines.

Pama said the Navy planned to acquire at least two more decommissioned ships from the US Coast Guard.

The Philippine Navy has an old and badly equipped fleet of fewer than 80 ships to protect its coastline and vast marine interests. The fleet is mostly made up of aging World War II vessels.

ph.news.yahoo.com

Hamilton icon of AFP’s capability upgrade

By William Depasupil
The Manila Times, Monday, August 22, 2011

THE Philippine Navy’s largest and most modern ship, the Hamilton class US Coast Guard cutter, now known as the BRP (Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas) Gregorio del Pilar, symbolizes the country’s resolve and determination to defend its territorial integrity, according to Navy flag-officer in command Vice Admiral Alexander Pama.

Pama disclosed Sunday that the 3,390-ton warship is now anchored at the Manila Bay after a 45-day journey from Coast Guard island in Alameda, San Francisco, California.

“This will be an icon to the revival of the capability upgrade of our Armed Forces,” he said. “This is the symbol of our resolve and determination to protect what is ours.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr., earlier said that the cutter would be used for multi-mission operations such as search and rescue, and maritime security patrols, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) to protect the country’s interests that include the Malampaya Gas Project in the waters of Palawan near the dispute Spratly group of islands.

The ship, even at 46 years old, is now the biggest and most modern in the Philippine Navy’s inventory. It was launched on December 18, 1965, commissioned to the US Coast Guard March 18, 1967 and decom-missioned on March 28, 2011.

It was acquired by the Philippine government at a transfer cost of P450 million, minus the air surface search radar, close-in weapons system and secondary 25-mm gun system.

But Pama said that even if the Hamilton is already old, it is still well-maintained and capable of enduring high weather that can make it sustain longer patrolling at sea.

“It’s not a question of age but the capability of the ship. One of our problems before is our lack of patrol ship that could endure high weather and can sustain longer patrolling at sea,” he said.

“This ship has proven its capability of crossing the Pacific Ocean and I think there’s no other place in the Philippines that has bigger waves [than the Pacific Ocean],” Pama added.

According to him, the ship is now going through the usual customs, immigration and quarantine inspection before it would be dry-docked for at least a month for repainting from white to the Navy’s official gray color. Some minor repairs and fitting of additional facilities and equipment will also be done.

Pama said that the ship has not been formally commissioned yet to the Navy and its name BRP Gregorio del Pilar is not yet final pending approval from the Office of the President.

“The name BRP Gregorio del Pilar is only a provisional name. It still needs to pass through proper procedure until it is approved by the President. It is only then that it can be commissioned and given its final name,” Pama added referring to President Benigno Aquino 3rd.

www.manilatimes.net

‘BRP Gregorio del Pilar’ makes port

By Victor Reyes
Malaya, Monday, August 22, 2011

THE Navy’s largest and newly acquired ship arrived from the United States yesterday morning and will be formally welcomed by President Aquino tomorrow.

Navy chief Vice Adm. Alexander Pama boarded the ship at the Manila Bay anchorage and had lunch (boodle fight) with the 95 officers and men, led by Capt. Alberto Cruz, who sailed the Hamilton cutter from San Francisco on July 18.

Pama said the ship had to undergo "customs, quarantine and immigration" inspection as part of procedures for ships coming from abroad.

After the arrival ceremony on Tuesday, the ship to be named BRP Gregorio del Pilar will undergo dry-docking and repainting. Its color will be changed from white to gray which is the official color of the Navy.

The ship will be deployed at the West Philippine Sea where the country has a vast maritime interest to protect.

The 44-year-old ship was acquired from the US Coast Guard through the US Excess Defense Articles program.

President Aquino, accompanied by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, will lead the formal welcome ceremony for the ship and its crew at the South Harbor. Guests will have the chance to tour the ship.

Pama said the ship will be an "icon to the revival of the capability upgrade of the Philippine Navy."

"This will be a symbol of our seriousness (in upgrading the Navy capability). Because we are a maritime nation, this will jumpstart our revival of our Navy’s capability," he also said.

www.malaya.com.ph

PH warship heads for port

By Dona Z. Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer,Thursday,August 18,2011

THE PHILIPPINE Navy’s newly-acquired warship, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, arrived in the country yesterday ahead of schedule after a month-long voyage from the United States.

The refurbished former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class weather high endurance cutter will be deployed to protect the country’s natural gas and oil exploration projects off Palawan amid reported incursions in Philippine-claimed territory in the West Philippine Sea.

Manned by 13 officers and 82 enlisted personnel under the command of Capt. Alberto Cruz, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar entered Philippine territory at 1 p.m. yesterday, a Navy spokesman said.

Around 2:30 p.m., the ship was 273 nautical miles east of Samar and was expected to pass the San Bernardino Strait off the Bicol region, said Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay.

The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is expected to anchor drop at Manila Bay on Aug. 21 at 8 a.m. to undergo customs, immigration and quarantine inspection.

www.pressdisplay.com

Newest Navy Ship enters P.A.R.

By Elena Aben
Manila Bulletin, Thursday, August 18, 2011

The Philippine Navy's newest and biggest ship, Hamilton cutter class BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, has entered the country's waters, a Navy spokesman announced yesterday Lt.Col Omar Tonsay, Navy spokesman, said the PN frigate BRP Gregorio del Pilar, manned by 13 officers and 82 enlisted personnel under the command pf Capt.Alberto A. Cruz, entered the Philippine area of reponsibility at around 1 p.m. yesterday. The ship is expected to enetr to enter the Manila Bay on August 21."As a multi-mission vessel, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar will be primarily important for the Philippine Navy's maritime security and sovereignity patrols especially upon its deployment at the Malampaya projects west of Palawan,"said Tonsay.

New Navy combat vessel enters country’s waters

By William Depasupil
Manila Times, Thursday, August 18, 2011

THE country’s largest and most modern combat sea vessel, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, has arrived in the country after a 42-day journey from the United States.

The Philippine Navy spokesman, Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay, disclosed that the vessel, formerly the US Coast Guard cutter Hamilton, entered the country’s territory around 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

“The ship will anchor in Manila Bay anchorage area on August 21 [Sunday] for Customs, immigration and quarantine inspection prior to arrival and welcome ceremony at Manila South Harbor, “ he said.

The ship is manned by 13 officers and 82 enlisted personnel under the command of Capt. Alberto Cruz, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988.

As of 1 p.m. yesterday, the vessel was some 273 nautical miles off the baseline of Samar in Eastern Visayas.

It left the United States on July 5.

The deputy spokesman of the Philippine Navy Fleet, Lt. Jr. Grade Rommel Rodriguez, said that Gregorio del Pilar arrived more than a week ahead of its original schedule.

According to him, the ship would be repainted and installed with additional facilities and capabilities, which are cheaper to be done here than in the US.

The Armed Forces chief of staff, Gen. Eduardo Oba Jr., has said that the former US Coast Guard cutter would be used for multi-mission operations such as search and rescue and maritime security patrols, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) to protect the country’s interests that include the Malampaya Gas Project in the waters of Palawan near the disputed Spratly group of islands.

Oban said that the Hamilton was designed to endure high-sea weather and can sustain longer patrolling at sea.

“It has better and wider range radars to be able to cover a larger scope and has a fire control system that enables it to fire accurate shots even if the ship is in up and down motion, and even if the target is shaking,” he added.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that the acquisition of the “new man-of-war” would certainly be a big boost to the Navy’s fleet, considering its multi-role capability.

www.manilatimes.net

Hamilton ship arrives from the US

By Alexis Romero
Philippine Star, Thursday, August 18,2011

MANILA, Philippines - The Hamilton-class ship acquired by the Philippine Navy from the US arrived in Philippine territory yesterday after almost a month of voyage from California.

The vessel, which has been renamed BRP Gregorio del Pilar, entered the Philippines Sea at about 1 p.m., Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay said.

It passed through waters off Samar and the San Bernardino Strait off the Bicol region yesterday afternoon.

Once the ship becomes part of the Navy inventory, it would be deployed to the West Philippine Sea to secure energy projects in the area.

“As a multi-mission vessel, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar will be primarily important for the Philippine Navy’s maritime security and sovereignty patrols especially upon its deployment at the Malampaya project west of Palawan,” Tonsay said in a text message.

“Due to its classification as a weather high endurance cutter, its secondary roles will be in support for search and rescue,” he added.

A total of 95 Navy personnel are manning the ship that will dock on Manila Bay on Aug. 21. The ship will undergo customs and immigration quarantine and inspection before it will be presented in a welcome ceremony in the Manila South Harbor.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar is classified as a cutter, a high-speed vessel that can cut through waves.

The ship would be the Philippine Navy’s first Hamilton-class cutter and is now its largest vessel. It was acquired through the United States Excess Defense Act using proceeds from the Malampaya project funds.

The transfer cost has been pegged at P450 million while the operational cost for two years is estimated at P120 million.

The Hamilton-class cutter was largely used by the US Coast Guard for drug and migrant interdiction, law enforcement, search and rescue, living marine resources protection, and defense readiness.

The 380 feet-long cutter was turned over by the US Coast Guard to Philippine officials in California last May 13.

The vessel started its voyage on July 18 when it sailed for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from California on July 18.

www.philstar.com

Sink or Swim with Navy

By Jullie Yap Daza

Manila Bulletin, Tuesday, August 16, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — Repeat 110 times: “We are a maritime nation.”

Now you’re in the good graces of the Philippine Navy chief, Vice Admiral Alexander Pama. (It’s vice because his equivalent in the Army is a four-star, not five-star, general.)

When he had lunch at Sofitel with “Bulong Pulungan” last week, the Admiral was bent on getting his mantra across, that if you don’t buy it hook, line, and sinker, then “we will never have the strong and credible navy” that this maritime nation deserves.

The Navy serves 67 percent of the population who live in coastal areas, in a country with a coastline longer than the USA’s, where in the midst of a grouping of 7,107 islands is the center of the center of marine biodiversity and fishing is a major source of livelihood.

Our waters are a rich source of marine life, yet they are also the graveyard of thousands of boat passengers who have gone down to the bottom of the sea.

What a shame that our Navy has 66 ships and boats, of which only 33 are in ship-shape condition, alas. What can we islanders and the Admiral or his successors do but sink or swim with the Navy?

Coming soon, BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a $10-million, 30-year-old “new” Hamilton cutter, so “big and fast” she “can be deployed anywhere.” (More on Thursday)

www.mb.com.ph

Navy tossers advance

Manila Standard Today, Monday, August 15,2011

BIG SERVING Philippine Navy routered Air Force with its vaunted attacking game, cruising to a 25-18, 25-15,25-17 victory and joining San Sebastian in the quarterfinal round of the Shakey's V-League Open Conference at The arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Navy tossers unloaded 39 kills as against Air Force's 22 and scored 10 points off the serve to dominate the one-hour, 12-minute encounter and post their third straight win since dropping a four-setter to unbeaten Army in the league sponsored by Shakey's Pizza.

Former most valuable player Nerissa Bautista unleashed five power-packed serves and finished with 16 points, while Suzzane Roces, a former two-time MVP, had four service aces and wound up with 15 hits as the Navy ladies cut the Air Force side down to size in the absence of ace hitter Cherry Rose Macatangay.

Air Force tried to mount a rally in the third, winning four straight points to close within 16-21 but Bautista and Rose Prochina came through with a pair of hits and Navy held Air Force to just one point to wrap up the match.

"We cashed in our offense, which has so many variations and our defense also held up," said Roces, who bagged the Player of the Game award after finishing with 110 kills and one block.

Macatangay, who normed 14 hits in the first four games, sat out the game with a knee injury, but former UST star Aiza Maizo failed to draw solid support from the rest of the team, which took its third loss against two wins in the league backed by Accel, Mikasa and Maynilad Water.

Pama-steering the PH Navy Through Rough Seas

Yahoo, Saturday, August 13, 2011

"A morning Prayer: Open my heart so I can see the truth around me, When I am shown anger, Help me see the hurt that sparked it. When I am shown arrogance, let me see insecurity. When I am shown aggression, Help me recognize the fear beneath it. And when I am confronted with hate, Give me the strength and wisdom to respond with love. Amen."

Chito Bertol, Manila Seedling Bank Foundation

"An officer and a gentleman..."

MANILA, Philippines - That sums up my and the "Bulong Pulungan sa Sofitel" crowd's impression of Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama, AFP, the Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy when he was our guest at our weekly forum.

Looking trim and fit in his light brown daily uniform ("We wear white to gala affairs"), he answered all questions forthrightly and injected his own witty humor which put everyone at ease. There to break bread with us too was his lovely and brainy "commander-in-chief," his banker wife, Carlette, who works at the PNB, just a few minutes away from the PN headquarters on Roxas Boulevard.

From her we learned that they are both from Iloilo and in fact met at the UP campus there in their freshman year. They separated ways when he entered the PMA in Baguio and she continued her studies in UP Diliman. Their paths crossed again and they eventually married. They now have two boys, both students at the De La Salle University.

Alex has an M. A. in Business Administration from Ateneo while Carlette also has her masters from UP. His well-rounded naval career include commanding six navy vessels and other sea commands, holding various shore assignments in the headquarters and is concurrently the Commander of the naval Intelligence Security Force. He was also Superintendent of the Naval School Center, Naval Education and Training Command and in the Naval Operational Command as Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao and concurrently Commander, Joint Task Force "Trillium" (Zamboanga -Basilan). His stint at the headquarters of the AFP took him through intelligence and planning and at the DND, he was both the senior military assistant and chief of staff to the secretary.

The reality of the Philippines being a maritime nation is not fully appreciated by our people, Pama noted. Even some of our national leaders tend to overlook the facts-the Philippines is an archipelago made up of some 7,100 islands bounded by the Pacific Ocean, the West Philippine Sea, and the Celebes Sea. We are also in the middle of major international navigation routes with the Coral Triangle within our waters which is why we are blessed by being the "center of the center of marine biodiversity," Pama reminded us. And we thought sailors weren't knowledgeable and dedicated environmentalists!

Being a maritime nation, we have unique challenges-sea piracy, poaching, repatriating stranded OFWs from overseas, kidnapping, trafficking of narcotics, arms, explosives, even people! And now of course, the hunt for oil deposits and China's interest in the disputed Spratlys. The Navy has been tasked to secure offshore oil drilling explorations, and it maintains personnel in the Spratlys. Not to worry, the sighting Marines, who are also all within the PM Command are there also to safeguard this maritime nation, assured Pama.

Developing and implementing a responsive naval system with the limited resources available to the Navy is not lost on Pama. He realizes that equipment vital to securing our patrimony is sorely lacking, but he is certain that with P-Noy's "walangwang- wang" governance, the Navy will be able to reach its goal of being credible and strong.

"Why, this month alone, the navy will be welcoming the newest and biggest PN vessel, a Hamilton-class vessel acquired from the United States.

It has been re-named BRP Gregorio del Pilar, and 90 men trained in a California naval base to man it." Pama sounded euphoric about this newest addition to the navy's tiny fleet of ships and vessels.

He recounted how overwhelmed he was with the enthusiasm of the Fil-Am community in the American naval base from where the Hamilton sailed to the Philippines. That kind of support for the Navy only makes him more resolute in doing his responsibility in steering the "ship" of the PN where it should be going.

It was a very educational and thought-provoking session, thank you, V. Admiral Pama and your officers, Capt. Danilo Rodelas, Capt. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo and Col. Omar Tonsay! And thank you too to Sofitel's Executive Chef, Marko Rankel for that delicious buffet you prepared for our special guest on our Bulong "budget!"

So, "Sail on" Philippine Navy and V.Admiral Pama! We stakeholders wish you success and you have our support!

Meanwhile, if there is any good that has come from the "blasphemous" art work of one Mideo Cruz and exhibited at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (until it was closed down due to P-Noy's urgings and the public indignation) it is the closing of ranks among us Catholics and other denominations as well.

The outrage against the desecration of the symbols of the faith-Jesus Christ, Mary, the Crucifix-augurs well for the Catholic Church in this country. It showed us that we have not been desensitized by some scandals in our Church and that we will defend it when it is attacked.

I talked to Raul Sunico a week after the first storms loomed over the exhibit and he was of the opinion that it was "sanctioned" by UST since Cruz is from that institution. Turns out, UST, in a statement, denied any kind of approval of the exhibit and that Cruz is an undergraduate.

Raul was already bothered about the exhibit but he could not unilaterally decide. There was to be a discussion on it in the coming days and the board appeared to be in favor of allowing the exhibit to continue for the sake of freedom of artistic expression.

Would the President have intervened if the offending art exhibit was held in a private gallery? Would we have reacted with the same passion? I would guess not. The fact that the CCP is funded by our taxes and expected to showcase the best of Philippine art, culture and theatre made all the difference.

Thank you, Mr. President, for reminding the CCP board of their responsibilities.

ph.news.yahoo.com

Marines march onboard

Photo by Jonjon Vicencio

Philippine Star, Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Marines march onboard a transport ship at the Philippine Navy headquarters yesterday for deployment to Mindanao.

www.philstar.com

Lady Eagles seek No. 2; Army, Navy clash

Daily Tribune, Tuesday, August 2,2011

Ateneo hopes to sustain the momentum of its big opening day victory in the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference as it takes on Perpetual Help today even as Army and Navy make their debut at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Eagles, chasing a second straight championship after toppling the Adamson spikers in the first conference, held off the Maynilad tossers in three tough sets, pulling off a 25-23, 25-17, 25-22 victory in Sunday’s opener of the league’s inaugural Open tournament.

Alyssa Valdez fired away 20 hits, including 16 kills and three blocks, while Fille Cainglet added 14 kills and wound up with 15 points to help power the Loyola-based team past the fancied Maynilad squad.

The power-hitting Valdez and Cainglet are again expected to lead the Lady Eagles’ charge against the Altas in their 4 p.m. encounter and give the team a big headstart in the seven-team tournament featuring three regular member schools, three military teams and one commercial squad.

Perpetual will pin its hopes on guest player Giza Yumang, Arianne Argarin, April Sartin, Nheray de la Cruz, Sandra de los Santos, Kath Bulatao, Janice Abar and Royse Tubino.

San Sebastian College, winner in the 2008 second conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza, also posted a straight-set win over Philippine Air Force, 25-15, 25-21, 25-22.

Focus will also be on the 2 p.m. match between Army and Navy, two teams backstopped by former MVPs of the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Mikasa, Accel and Maynilad Water.

Rachel Daquis and Maiah Manukay head the Army side that includes 2005 first conference MVP Michelle Carolino and sister Mayeth, Dahlia Cruz and MJ Balse, the first MVP winner in 2004.

Navy, on the other hand, will be led by former two-time MVP Suzanne Roces and Nene Bautista, the top player in 2008 first conference, along with Micmic Laborte, Janet Serafica, Joan Carpio and Daphne Mata making the “military” teams encounter a game to watch.

www.tribuneonline.org

Navy Seabees constructing 'starshell' on Patag Island

By Jaime Laude
Philippine Star,Sunday, July 31, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy (PN) is about to finish construction of a second star shell-like structure on Patag Island in the Spratlys, which is intended to shelter and protect troops guarding and securing the country’s maritime domain in the hotly-contested West Philippine Sea from inclement weather.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in the meantime, is eagerly awaiting the US Hamilton-class ship acquired by the PN, which stopped in Hawaii yesterday for refueling before continuing its voyage to Manila.

The Navy’s 3rd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion is now nearing completion of the “Star Shell,” construction of which was started in late May, according to the the PN’s Naval Construction Brigade.

Once completed, Patag Island, the sixth largest among the nine islands being occupied by Filipino troops in the West Philippine Sea, will complement another star shell facility constructed by the Navy for the troops deployed in the area.

The islet has a land area of 5,700 square meters and is also being claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The construction is aimed at improving the living conditions of the troops and was done way ahead of the brewing tensions among Spratlys claimant-countries.

The island is considered highly strategic, as it is located within the vicinity of Recto Bank where local and foreign partners have been conducting oil drilling exploration operations.

Recto Bank, which is within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEC), is believed to be sitting on huge natural gas and oil deposits.

At present, a 25-man strong Seabees groups headed by Lt. Armelito Alcazar are still in Patag Island building the structure, using pre-fabricated materials brought in by the Navy’s BRP Laguna (LT 501) from Cavite.

The AFP has also programmed the repair and rehabilitation of the Rancudo Airfield in the Pag-Asa Island, the biggest island in the Kalaayan Island Group (KIG), to be able to accommodate C-130 military planes and other civilian aircraft.

AFP spokesman Commodore Miguel Rodriguez said the US Hamilton-class ship will proceed to another port in Guam before proceeding to the Philippines.

“According to the Filipino community in the area, they are giving BRP Gregorio del Pilar a warm reception. We are excited about this,” Rodriguez said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“It is not a voyage per se so there are a lot of trainings. Even the crew members want to familiarize themselves with the ship,” he added.

Rodriguez said the ship would complement the skills of Navy personnel, whom he described as “among the best in the world.”

A total of 95 Navy personnel are manning the US Hamilton-class cutter that will arrive in Manila in three weeks.

The ship would be used to secure the natural resources and the Malampaya energy projects in the West Philippine Sea. The transfer cost has been pegged at P450 million while the operational cost for two years is estimated at P120 million. A cutter is a high-speed vessel that can cut through waves.

The newly acquired ship is the Navy’s first Hamilton-class cutter and would become its largest vessel.

www.philstar.com

Newest Philippine Navy Ship Gets Aloha Welcome

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico
Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs, Thursday, July 28, 2011

PEARL HARBOR (Jul. 27, 2011) - Members of the Hawaii Filipino community welcome Philippine navy Capt. Alberto Cruz, commanding officer of the Philippine navy frigate BRP Gregorio del Pilar which arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Mark Logico)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - More than a hundred Filipino-Americans and other well-wishers welcomed the Philippine Navy's newest ship, BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), as it arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), July 27 for a brief port visit.

Commanded by Capt. Alberto A. Cruz, Gregorio del Pilar left Alameda, Calif. on July 18 to make its maiden voyage to the Republic of the Philippines where it will join the Philippine Fleet. Gregorio del Pilar is a former U.S. Coast Guard cutter, USCGC Hamilton (WHEC 715). As a multi-mission surface combatant ship, it becomes the first gas-turbine jet engine-powered vessel in the Philippine Navy Fleet.

"This is very historic moment," said Col. Restituto Padilla, the Filipino military liaison assigned at U.S. Pacific Command. "That's why we have the Filipino community here in force. This is the first time a Philippine Navy ship pulls into historic Pearl Harbor. Coupled with that, this is the first Philippine Navy ship that is gas-turbine. In these two instances, they are milestones. I hope this will be followed through by many more ship visits to historic Pearl Harbor in the months and years to come."

Navy Region Hawaii Command Master Chief Marc Sibal rallied the Filipino-American community in Hawaii to the JBPHH piers to greet the ship. Members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marines and Coast Guard also attended the event.

"I feel proud, very proud of it," said Sibal. "Even if I'm serving in the U.S. Navy, I'm still Filipino by culture and by heart. It's nice to see the Philippine Navy modernize their fleet. We are very uplifted, and I think everybody is very honored to have this ship pull into Pearl Harbor, to a historic place like Pearl Harbor."

Sibal, who previously served as Seventh Fleet Command Master Chief, said that the relationship between the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines remains strong and that the ship is an example of the well-built relationship between the two countries.

Prior to taking command of the ship, 74 members of the Philippine Navy underwent two months of intensive hands-on training aboard USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719), the sister ship of the Hamilton. While aboard Boutwell, the crew traveled to Colombia, Ecuador and El Salvador, participating in multiple missions including the interdiction of drug smugglers.

"Our partnership with the United States has been here for so many years," said Padilla. "It's getting stronger through the years. I hope this will mark a new era, as we embrace new challenges. As new security environments emerge, our partnership with the United States would get even stronger and become more relevant in the years to come."

Deputy Consul General Paul Cortes, of the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu; Capt. Jeffrey James, commander of JBPHH; and Capt. William Johnson, commanding officer of USS Lake Erie (CG 70), host ship during the port visit, were also at the pier to welcome the ship.

During the three-day port visit, Gregorio del Pilar will take on supplies and fuel, hold a reception hosted by the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu and the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH), and visit the USS Arizona Memorial. A social media "tweetup" is being planned during the ship's visit. A Catholic Mass will be conducted prior to their departure.

Gregorio del Pilar and USS Reuben James (FFG 57) are scheduled to conduct a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) off the coast of Hawaii next week. PASSEX is an exercise designed to increase interoperability between the two navies, while enhancing the strong cooperative relationship.

United States Pacific Command