U.S., Philippine navies join for 17th CARAT Exercise in Palawan

By Hookele Staff
Hickman News, Saturday, July 2, 2011

Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Public Affairs

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (NNS) Three U.S. Navy ships arrived in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, to launch the 17th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines on June 28.

Guided-missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, USS Howard (DDG 83) and diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) are the U.S. Navy’s centerpieces for the exercise, which features 11 days of training exchanges with the Philippine navy, both ashore and at sea.

This year marks the second time in recent years that CARAT has been held in Palawan. The exercise was held in Puerto Princesa in 2008, in 2009, the exercise was held in Cebu and in 2010 at Subic Bay.

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. Additionally, there will be symposia on operations planning, search and rescue practices, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, interagency cooperation and public affairs.

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, plus antipiracy and anti-smuggling exercises.

“The U.S. 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,” said Capt. David Welch, Commander, Task Group 73.1 and the commander for the exercise.

Approximately 800 U.S. Navy personnel are participating in CARAT Philippines 2011. In addition to the three ships, other participants include U.S. Navy Seabees, a U.S. Coast Guard maritime safety and security team (MSST), U.S. Navy Mobile Security Squadron, U.S. Navy Riverine Forces, medical support personnel, and P-3C Orion and SH-60 Seahawk aircraft.

CARAT is a series of annual bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The CARAT series began in 1995 with six partner nations; Cambodia joined the series in 2009 and Bangladesh joined in 2010.

hookelenews.com

U.S. Navy Teams Up with Philippine Navy for CARAT Exercises

Defense, Maritime Security, Friday, July 1 2011

Three ships of the United States Navy arrived in Puerto Princesa, in the island of Palawan, the Philippines, on June 28: guided-missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USS Howard (DDG 83) and diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50). The ships were in the Southeast Asian archipelago to team up with the Philippine Navy for the 17th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), a series of annual bilateral military exercises.

A feature on the Navy website shared that this is the second time that the island of Palawan played host to the exercises in the Philippines. Last year’s CARAT was held at Subic Bay, while Cebu hosted CARAT in 2009. The last time Palawan hosted the exercises was in 2008. CARAT consists of eleven days of training exchanges, both ashore and at sea.

Capt. David Welch, Commander of Task Group 73.1, shared: “The U.S. 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.”

Among the training activities are Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises; diver training; salvage operations; joint medical, dental and civic action projects, and aircrew familiarization exchanges, as enumerated by the Navy feature. There will also be symposia conducted on the following topics: operations planning, search and rescue practices, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, interagency cooperation and public affairs.

Aside from the Philippine Navy, the U.S. Navy also teams up with the Armed Forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand for CARAT exercises.

maritimesecurity.asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

PN-US SEACAT exercise 2011

Zamboanga Today, Friday, June 24, 2011

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao participated in the conduct of PN-USN exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT 2011) together with other Naval Forces and Philippine Navy units in Mindanao area of operation from 14-24 June 2011 in the vicinity of Sulu Sea and Zamboanga Peninsula area of responsibility.

The purpose of the SEACAT 2011 training exercise is to give equal opportunity to both nations’ navies in dealing with maritime cooperation at sea. The exercise SEACAT is a scenario driven fleet training activity which focuses on real time information exchange, coordinated surveillance operations, tracking, and eventual conduct of actual vessel board search and seizure (VBSS) to the maritime contact of interest (COI). For this year, the exercise was conducted at the AORs of Naval Forces West, (NFW), Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), and Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) respectively. The activity also involved PN surface, air and special operations units in the conduct of surveillance, tracking, and boarding of the contact of interest (The USS Safeguard Ship). One maritime Interdiction operations (MIO) scenario was conducted at each Naval Forces area of operation. The Naval Task Force 61 under NFWM took part in the PN-USN exercise SEACAT2011 in the vicinity of NFWM AOR utilizing PN assets particularly PG 117, PG390, DF333 and Naval Special Operation Unit 6 personnel (SEAL Teams) upon arrival of the Contact of Interest (COI)at the designated boarding area specifically in Basilan Strait on 22 June 2011. Boarding opportunity during the exercise was conducted by one (1) SEAL team aboard their two (2) 11- meters (RHIBS) with PG390 as support vessel in the said scenario.Likewise, Coast Watch South Center and all available CWS stations of all Naval Forces West, Western Mindanao and Eastern Mindanaowere utilized in order to test their capabilities in surveillance, tracking, and communications and operations activities. The end state of the exercise SEACAT 2011 is to promote regional coordination, combined inter-operability and also enhance the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) capabilities in its mandate to fight global terrorism, transnational crimes, and other maritime treats in the region as well. The exercise SEACAT 2011 was culminated after the completion of the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) and upon signal from NFWM Exercise Battle Staff aboard Naval Forces Western Mindanao Operation Center.

zamboangatoday.ph

‘Falcon’ merges with LPA, gains strength

By Katherine Evangelista

Philippine Daily Inquirer, Thursday, June 23, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—Tropical Storm Falcon (international name: Maeri) gained strength on Thursday after it merged with a low pressure area that was earlier spotted off Catanduanes, according to the country’s weather bureau.

Public storm signal No. 1 was raised in Quezon, Aurora, Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Isabela, Batanes Group of Islands and Cagayan, including Calayan and the Babuyan Group of Islands.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Falcon was expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and would bring rains over Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Pagasa said residents in low-lying and mountainous areas should watch out for flashfloods and landslides. Fisherfolk in western Luzon, Visayas and eastern Mindanao should also refrain from venturing out to sea, it added.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, Falcon was 420 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora. It had maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

It was moving northwest at 15 kph.

The low pressure area was spotted 550 km northeast of Virac, Catanduanes earlier Thursday .

Because of its interaction with this low pressure area, Falcon had slowed down.

Forecaster Rene Paciente also said that with the merging of the LPA and Falcon, more rains are expected in the country.

Falcon is expected to be out of the Philippine area of responsibility by Sunday. Its projected rainfall is 15 to 20 millimeters per hour, according to Paciente.

By Friday afternoon, Falcon is expected to be 270 km east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, and 320 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes, by Saturday afternoon. By Sunday afternoon, it is expected to be 740 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes or 140 km northwest of Okinawa, Japan.

Meanwhile, seven fishermen were confirmed missing in Virac, Catanduanes. In its latest situation report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that the seven fishermen were from San Vicente village in Virac, Catanduanes. They were reported missing early Thursday afternoon and were reportedly aboard three fishing boats.

The missing fishermen were identified as Antonio Avila Bailon, Nestor Tapit Mandasoc and Vicente Rodriguez Tapit, who were on board a white-green-and-yellow-colored boat; Prosperos Tabios and Paquito Tabuzo who set sail on a yellow-colored boat; and Rolando Sarmiento Tabor and Denver Sta. Ines who were also on another yellow boat.

The Region 5 Office of Civil Defense has requested assistance from the Naval Forces Southern Luzon and Philippine Coast Guard-District Bicol in the search and rescue operations for the missing fishermen. The Philippine Navy will be deploying a PG112 boat and an Islander Aircraft as soon as weather condition improves, the NDRRMC said.

The PCG District Bicol has also issued a no sailing advisory for all motor boats, and passenger and cargo vessels within the region.

As of 6 a.m. Thursday, 210 passengers, 15 trucks, three passenger buses and a private car were reported stranded in the ports of Tabaco, Pio Duran and Rapu-Rapu, all in Albay. Six motor boats and nine other vessels were also confirmed marooned on the ports, the NDRRMC said.

Likewise, the Air Transport Office said it had also cancelled 30 international flights and 26 domestic flights due to the bad weather brought by Falcon.

The provincial disaster council in Albay also issued Advisory No. 2, which suspended classes on all levels in the province; instructed city and municipal mayors to evacuate residents living near flood-prone areas; ordered that no one shall cross flooded roads and bridges and swelling rivers; and warned those living near river banks and mountain slopes to take precautionary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides.

The Department of Public Works and Highways have prepositioned two stake trucks in Albay while the Philippine Army has readied six trucks in Polangui, two in Libon, and two more in Oas, all in the province of Albay, for any possible evacuation.

Ipo dam remained to be nearing critical spill level with 100.3 meters of water level as of 7 a.m. Thursday, the state-run disaster management council said.

newsinfo.inquirer.net

9 fishermen missing in Catanduanes

By Jorge Carino

ABS-CBN News, Thursday, June 23,2011

MANILA, Philippines – Nine fishermen have gone missing after sailing on 3 boats off Barangay San Vicente in Virac, Catanduanes Thursday morning.

Seven of the fishermen were identified as:

· Antonio Avila Baylon

· Nestor Tapit Mandazo

· Vicente Rodriguez Tapit

· Prospero Tabios

· Paquioto Tabus

· Rolando Sarmiento Tabor

· Denver Sta. Ines

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is tracking the joint efforts of local government units in Bicol, Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard in searching for the fishermen.

OCD Acting Chief for Operations Melchito Castro said 10 fishermen were loaded on 3 boats but only one fisherman made it back to shore.

Islander aircrafts of the Philippine Navy will be utilized in the search and rescue effort as soon as weather allows flight.

Since Thursday morning, 13 domestic flights have been cancelled in Albay. Albay and Catanduanes are the provinces in the Eastern Seaboard that have been badly hit by Tropical Storm Falcon.

"Actually ang apektado ngayon ay dito sa Eastern Seaboard, especially dito sa may Albay, Catanduanes at binabantayan din natin itong Region 2, itong Cagayan Valley at Babuyan Island. Dahil itong bagyong si Falcon ay ‘yun ang tinatahak nito," said Castro.

Maritime navigation is also on hold, leaving people stranded in the ports of Tabaco, Pioduran and Rapu-Rapu in Albay.

Nine vessels were not allowed to leave ports, stranding 201 passengers and 19 vehicles in the three ports.

Pre-emptive evacuation was ordered by Governor Joey Salceda to all mayors in the province, while suspension of classes in all levels has been in effect since morning.

abs-cbnnews.com

Thousands evacuated in Albay as 'Falcon' passes Bicol

By Phil Star, Thursday, June 23, 2011

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) in Albay has evacuated a total of 68,886 persons or 14,552 families as of noon today, who are all threatened by flooding brought by tropical storm Falcon.

PDRRMC chairman and Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the number of evacuees might increase depending on the weather condition.

The provincial government has initiated all necessary contingency measures specially in flood and landslide prone areas.

The PDRRMC also confirmed that due to floods, roads in Barangays Masarawag, Guinobatan, Sitio Paclas, Isidro, Libon and Sua-Quirangay are impassable. As of 12:00 noon, the upland roads in Polangui are also impassable because of a landslide.

Governor Salceda said the Philippine Army has prepositioned six trucks in the municipalities of Polangui, Libon and Oas, all in Albay, for the immediate evacuation of other flooded threatened residents.

The Philippine Navy has been tasked to distribute relief goods in the island of Batan, Rapu-rapu.

The PDRRMC of Albay reiterated its call to all mayors to evacuate immediately those residents located in the flood prone areas.

On the other hand, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional office in Bicol reported that 11 persons are missing in Albay and Catanduanes.

OCD regional director Raffy Alejandro said the missing persons have been identified as Rose Belga, 54, believed to have been swept away by ranging waters in Sitio Buga, Barangay Basag, Ligao City; Antonio Bailon, 40; Nestor Tapit Magdasoc, 50; Vicente Rodriguez Tapit, 40; Prospero Tabios; Paquito Tabuzo; Rolando Sarmiento Tabor; Denver Sta Ines; Pedro Balingit, 37; Jason Balingit; and Jonsy Rodriguez, all fishermen and residents of Bato and Virac, Catanduanes.

Alejandro said that Philippine Navy and the Coast Guard are now conducting search operation.

Meanwhile, 210 persons have been stranded in the sea ports of Tabaco City and Pioduran, Albay as of press time. (PNA)

PhilStar

'Di kami namimili ng top of the line na gamit - AFP

By Bombo Radyo, Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Nanawagan ng suporta sa publiko ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa harap ng umiinit na tensyon sa West Philippine Sea.

Sa panayam ng Bombo Radyo kay Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, muling binigyang diin ng opisyal na sa kabila ng maliit na pondo ng AFP at kakulangan nito sa gamit ay nakahanda umano ang buong hukbong sandatahan na ipaglaban ang sobereniya at kalayaan ng bansa.

Una rito, inakusahan ng mga militanteng grupo na ginagamit lamang ng gobyerno ang isyu sa Spratly Islands para maidepensa ang P40-billion additional budget para sa AFP modernization program.

"Kami po ay gagampanan po namin ang aming trabaho, kahit ano pa man ang kagamitan na mayroon tayo. Hindi po pinag-uusapan kung makakaya o hindi, gagawin po namin iyan. Ang aming sinusumamo lang ay sana po kami po ay mabigyan ng suporta ng ating taumbayan," panawagan ni Pama.

Samantala, muli ring ipinaliwanag ng opisyal na masyadong maliit kung tutuusin ang P40-billion na pondo para sa modernisasyon ng AFP.

Paliwanag ng officer-in-command, hindi naman sila naghahabol ng mga "top of the line" na mga kagamitan, kundi ang mga dapat lamang kakailanganin para magampanan nila ang kanilang tungkulin.

"Matagal na pong kailangan ito para mapangalagaan ang ating seguridad. Hindi naman natin hinahabol ang mga top of the line, 'ika nga, kundi kung ano iyong mga bagay, alinsunod doon sa ating ginagawang stratehiya na makakayanan natin," dagdag ng opisyal.

Bombo Radyo

Phl sending more troops to Spratlys

By Jaime Laude, Aurea Calica, Pia Lee-Brago, Delon Porcalla and Evelyn Macairan, Tuesday, June 21, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine Navy supply ship has reached Pag-Asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group in the Spratlys and has unloaded troops and fresh provisions.

The BRP Benguet (LST 507) dropped anchor off Pag-Asa Island the other day but has yet to complete unloading its cargo of food and other supplies due to bad weather, according to a source.

“Our Navy supply ship arrived there the other day but it is still unloading supplies,” the Palawan-based source told The STAR yesterday.

The ship will return to its base in Palawan today if it completes its delivery. The source did not say how many troops were brought in or if some had been pulled out after completing their one-month tour of duty.

Nine civilian residents of Pag-Asa, including an infant, were among the passengers of the ship.

Pag-Asa, also called Isla, is home to 60 civilians. It is the biggest of the seven islets occupied by Filipino troops in the Kalayaan group. A retired administrator of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Palawan, Eugenio Bito-onon Jr., is mayor of Kalayaan.

The arrival of the Benguet came amid increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea stoked by reports of intrusions by Chinese vessels and aircraft into areas within Philippine jurisdiction.

Aside from China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also have claims in the Spratly Islands. The area is believed to contain huge deposits of oil and gas.

The Philippines has deployed its biggest warship, World War II-era BRP Rajah Humabon, “for routine patrol within the country’s territorial waters” near Palawan.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay declined to comment if the Benguet had indeed already reached Pag-Asa.

PhilStar.com

AFP readies P40-B shopping list

By Alexis Romero with Jess Diaz, Tuesday, June 21, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - The military is preparing its shopping list for a P40-billion equipment upgrading program over the next five years, with the Philippine Navy expected to receive a huge chunk of the funds because of high equipment cost.

Brig. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, chief of the Armed Forces Modernization Program Management Office, said in an interview yesterday that the military has identified priority projects for the next five years, which are awaiting approval. He said that in procuring new equipment, it would be considered that the military’s focus is still internal security operations.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said they are still discussing the proper allocation of funds for each major service but confirmed that the Navy will get a huge share of the funds,

“We cannot deny that some of our equipment are old. We need them to fulfill our mandate as provided by the constitution,” Pama said in an interview with radio station dzRH.

Out of the 53 patrol ships in the Navy’s inventory, only 26 are operational. These patrol ships are aged at an average of 36.4 years old. The larger vessels— like the Mine Sweeper Frigates and patrol craft escorts— are 66 and 67 years old respectively.

Only three of the seven Navy transport vessels—all 15 years old— are operational. The non-operational vessels are 64 years old.

Only four of the 10 Navy auxiliary ships are operational while only 23 of the 32 small crafts—all of which are 21.3 years old— are operational.

On Sunday, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the government is prepared to implement a P40-billion military modernization project over the next five years starting in 2012 to secure the country’s territory in the West Philippine Sea.

He said the government plans to allot P8 billion annually for the next five years for the modernization program to protect the country’s territorial integrity. The P8 billion annual funding for 2012 to 2016 is higher than the current modernization outlay of P5 billion.

Deveraturda said the higher modernization budget would fasttrack their capability upgrade program.

“It would be a big help (to our modernization efforts). We can assure you that these funds would be used properly. Our records are open and anyone can participate in the procurement process,” he said.

AFP chief Gen Eduardo Oban said the military’s baseline capability should be improved because of the developments in the West Philippine Sea.

The AFP Modernization Act, which took effect in 1995, has mandated the military to modernize its assets in 15 years with a total fund of P331 billion. 16 years later, the military is still suffering from lack of equipment and ageing assets. Of the P331 billion mandated by the law for expenditure, only about P33 billion have been spent. Earlier, President Aquino said more than P11 billion had been allotted for the purchase of modern equipment for the military this year.

\The funding for these assets would come from the P8 billion proceeds from the Malampaya natural gas project in Palawan while P3 billion would come from the modernization outlay.

The AFP expects the implementation of 13 military capability upgrade projects worth more than P5 billion this year.

PhilStar.com