All set for Independence Day

Photo by Ali Vicoy

Manila Bulletin, Sunday, June 12, 2011

Philippine Marines raise the Philippine flag Saturday in a rehearsal for Philippine Independence Day on Sunday, June 12, 2011.

mb.com.ph

Tell it to the Marines

Photo By Sonny Espiritu

Philippine Star, Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Female marines in full battle gear take part in the celebration of the 113th anniversary of Philippine Navy at its headquarters on Roxas Boulevard, Manila

JI's presence being monitored

By Alexis Romero

Philippine Star, Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Marines stand on the deck of the BRP Emilio Liwanag during the 113th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy yesterday. The refurbished gunboat will be deployed to Zamboanga to boost internal security operations. Photo By JONJON VICENCIO MANILA, Philippines - Security forces are closely monitoring the movements of three members of terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and are bracing for possible military action against them. Marine Brig. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo, commander of the Sulu-based 2nd Marine brigade, said they have managed to restrict the movements of the terrorists. “We are closely monitoring the activities of the three JI members for possible military action,” Tanalgo said on the sidelines of the 113th anniversary of the Navy in Manila. He said one of the JI members believed to be in the south is Marwan, whose real name is Zulkifli Bin Hir. Marwan, reportedly a member of the JI’s central command, has a $5 million bounty for his capture. Tanalgo did not identify the two other JI members believed to be operating in Mindanao. He said they are continuously stepping up their anti-terror operations to thwart the plans of lawless groups. Meanwhile, the Navy sent off yesterday its newly refurbished ship BRP Emilio Liwanag to boost its internal security operations. The ship, which was provided by the South Korean Navy in 2006, will be deployed to Zamboanga and other critical areas, Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said. It is expected to provide support to Marine forces deployed in the south, in line with the so-called Fleet Marine concept. This concept seeks to enhance the interoperability among Navy troops. Pama said the deployment would intensify the drive against the Abu Sayyaf and other security threats in the country. “It would be all-inclusive. It is for the ISO (internal security operations). If positioned in the south, this (ship) would support the Fleet Marine concept,” he said. The military has vowed to remain vigilant despite the death of Osama bin Laden, the founder of international terror group al-Qaeda, which has links to JI and the Abu Sayyaf.  Bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 US attack, was slain by US Navy Seals in his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Some sectors have raised concerns that bin Laden’s death could prod his supporters to launch retaliatory attacks. Military officials, however, have given assurance that they are ready to repel such atrocities. Earlier reports said Saif al-Adel, a former Egyptian military officer, will serve as interim leader of the al-Qaeda until bin Laden’s successor has been named. Al-Adel is reportedly connected with the Egyptian Islamic Jihad, the group tagged in the killing of former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Philippine defense officials are unfazed by the new al-Qaeda leader as they vowed to enhance intelligence gathering to ensure that the Philippines would remain safe.

Philstar.com

Plot to bomb Cotabato lodging houses foiled

By John Unson

The Philippine Star, Friday, April 29, 2011

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 (MBLT-7) and the local police foiled on Wednesday night a plot by suspected extremists to bomb lodging houses in this city.

Lt. Col. Dorotheo Jose Jalandoni, commanding officer of MBLT-7, said policemen and Marines, acting on information from barangay officials, found the improvised explosives after an extensive search using bomb-sniffing dogs in one of the rooms of the N.D. Avenue Lodging House.

Authorities said the bombs were apparently hidden there as part of a bigger plot to bomb two lodging houses in the city’s main commercial district.

Jalandoni said the improvised explosives, fashioned from an 81-mm and two 60-mm mortar projectiles rigged with trip wire, were immediately detonated outside the lodging house.

Jalandoni said two handguns were also found in a bag in the same room at N.D. Avenue Lodging House.

Police intelligence sources said they have been receiving persistent but unverified reports that the group behind the bombing plot is composed of newly trained followers of foreign-trained bomber Basit Usman.

Usman was tagged as the mastermind in more than a dozen bombings in public places and buses in Central Mindanao from 2003 to 2009.

Usman, an ethnic Maguindanaon, was said to have undergone training in handling and fabrication of explosives in Kandahar, Afghanistan and Peshawar, Pakistan in the 1990s. – With Roel Pareño, Jaime Laude

Philstar.com

For more news visit Inquirer.net and zambotimes.com

Ogie Alcasid doing a Bob Hope

By Victor Reyes

Malaya, Tuesday, April 19, 2011

SINGER-actor Ogie Alcasid will be doing a Bob Hope through the Bayanihan Peace Caravan 2011 that will hold musical concerts for soldiers in a bid to boost their morale amid allegations of high-level corruption in the military.

Comedian-actor Hope used to headline shows with other celebrities and stars, including Marilyn Monroe, to entertain US servicemen deployed overseas through United Service Organizations (USO) tours. He made some 60 USO tours to various destinations, including Vietnam at the height of the Vietnam war, for which he was honored by the US Congress as the "first and only honorary veteran of the US armed forces."

Alcasid, president of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), signed a memorandum of understanding with the AFP for the holding of the Rockrakan para sa Kapayapaan concert which kicks off on April 27 at the military’s general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.

Alcasid will be accompanied by singers Noel Cabangon, Cookie Chua, Syato Banda and Mitch Valdes. Cabangon is the OPM’s vice president for external affairs while Valdes is the group’s chairman of the board. Chua, vocalist of the disbanded Color it Red band, is a member of the 500-man organization.

Performing with them are the Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Navy Seabees and Philippine Air Force 710th Special Operations Wing and Ltjg. Chat Alvaro, singer of the song "Bayanihan" that was inspired by the military’s internal peace and security plan Bayanihan.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said the concert will be held in selected areas nationwide. He said they are now finalizing the dates and venues.

Alcasid said the activity is meant to show support for the troops. "We feel for the soldiers. You know, when all these things (allegations of corruption) came out, we thought that the morale of the soldiers went down. This is meant to restore (their morale). It’s just our way of showing that we’re for you, we are behind you," he said.

Alcasid, recently appointed by President Aquino to the People Power Commission, said his organization is also supporting the peace initiatives of the 120,000-strong military establishment. He said his group’s concerts have nothing to do with his post which pays him nothing. "I’m doing this as an ordinary citizen. You know, all of us can complain about many things that are going on in our society, even in government. But if you’re not gonna do anything about it (that’s useless)…I’d rather do things that can be of help and these (concerts) are one of them."

Malaya.com.ph

RP-US Balikatan exercise sinimulan na

By Debra Bellosillo

Police Files Tonite, Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Isinapinal na kahaponb ang pormal na pagsimula ng taunang RP-US Balikatan war exercises sa pamamagitan ng simpleng seremonya na isinagawa sa Camp. Gen. Emiliio Aguinaldo sa Quezon City.

Ipinahayag kinatawan ng U.S. Embassy na limitado lamang ang mga U.S servicemen na lalahok ngayon sa nasabing war exercise dahilan sa marami sa mga sundalo ang umasiste sa relief efforts sa Japan.

Ayon kay Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Victor Emmanuel Martir, 2011 RP-US Balikatan war exercise Executive director, higit kailanman mahalaga ngayon ang kahandaan hindi lamang sa digmaan kundi sa mga trahedya, sakuna at mga uring kalamidad.

Sentro ng Balikatan exercises ngayong taon ay mapanatili ang kahandaan ng mga tropa ng dalawang bansa lalo na sa mga natural disasters at iba pang mga krisis na banta sa seguridad at kalusugan ng mamamayan.

Ang ika-27 RP-US Balikatan exercises ay magtatapos sa Abril 15 na liban sa ilang field training exercises tampok din ang medical at construction activities lalo na sa bahagi ng Tarlac at Zambales.

BALIKATAN EXERCISE 2011

Photo By Candice Reyes

Manila Bulletin, Sunday, April 3, 2011

Philippine Navy Marines gear up on aHumvee during their sendoff ceremony for the 'Baliktan Exercise 2011' at the PN headquarters on Roxas Blvd., Manila yesterday, April 2, 2011. The exercise will be held from April 5 to April 15, 2011.

Marines on Board

Photo By Candice Reyes

Tempo, Sunday, April 3, 2011

Marines on board a Humvee are among those participating in this year's Balikatan military exercises with American Soldiers from April 5 to 15 in various parts of the country.

Show of Force

Photo By Luzviminda Lacbo

The Manila Times, Saturday, April 2, 2011

Members of the Philippine Marines get ready with their equipment ahead of the coming Balikatan 2011 military exercises with their counterparts from the United States.

Off to war exercises

By Ey Acasio

Manila Standard Today, Saturday, April 2, 2011

Philippine Marines march towards the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila for their deployment in the annual Balikatan joint military exercise this year in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog regions. t least 6,000 US troops are expected to be in the country this month for the war exercises to join the 2,000 Filipino troops for the 10-day exercise. This year's exercise include a "unilateral planning exercise" at the Armed Forces' Western Command headquarters in Puerto Princesa City.

'Balikatan 2011' is all about regional cooperation, friendship, Navy chief says

By Joel C. Atencio

Zambotimes, Saturday, April 2, 2011

Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama said Friday the "Balikatan 2011" exercise between the Philippines and United States military forces is all "about regional cooperation and friendship among allies."

Set on April 5-15, it is the 27th bilateral exercise conducted annually to serve as a venue for joint and combined training between the Philippines and U.S. military forces.

"On a much larger scale, let me emphasize that this annual exercise endeavors to enhance regional cooperation, promote friendship and strengthen mutual relationships between the participating countries, as well as sustain professional skills of participants from both forces at every level," Pama said.

The Navy FOIC was the guest of honor during Friday afternoon's send-off ceremonies of the "Philippines-United States Balikatan 2011" at the Navy headquarters along Roxas Blvd. in Manila.

Pama said this is the huge value-added imperative that "Balikatan exercises have provided both our countries through the years of its existence."

The Navy chief specifically acknowledged the various programmed activities designed to develop the country's maritime security capabilities by conducting series of symposia, practicals and other at-sea events that focus on anti-insurgency and terrorism activities.

"It is my great honor to join all of you here today, as we send-off all members of the PN contingent to the second phase of the Balikatan 2011 exercises," he said.

The Navy will send the destroyer escort Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the flagship of the PN which will ferry two company-sized personnel composed of sailors and marines, a team of navy sea, air and land (SEAL) team and a group of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) as participants of the activity.

Two teams of Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) equipped with an 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), M-35 and Humvee trucks and other equipment that will be used for the Balikatan exercise were displayed during the send-off ceremony.

Also present during the event was Commodore Joseph Rostum Peña, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy commander of the Philippine Fleet and the PN exercise director of the Balikatan Exercise 2011.

Pama further said this year's Balikatan Joint Exercise aims to improve US-Phl combined planning, combat readiness, and interoperability while enhancing security relations between the Philippines and the U.S.

"Balikatan" is a Filipino word which means "shoulder-to-shoulder" that characterizes the philosophy and intent of the exercise.

For this year, the military exercises will focus on revitalizing the interoperability of the Philippines and U.S. militaries in post-conflict response through the conduct of disaster rehabilitation and rural development projects.

Activities will include Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP), Medical Action Program (MEDCAP), Dental Civic Action Program, Veterinary Civic Action Program (VETCAP), and Community Relations (COMREL) activities which will be conducted in Central Luzon.

Five barangays in Central Luzon will benefit from the ENCAP activities. The combined engineering forces will construct two-room school buildings in each barangay while MEDCAP, VETCAP, and COMREL activities will also be conducted in these areas.

The Balikatan Exercise 2011 also aims to formulate and assess concepts for the Unilateral Defense Plan (UDP) through a Staff Exercise and Command Post Exercise (STAFFEX/CPX) at the Western Command in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Further, it will also evaluate concepts of transition from UDP to Bilateral Defense Plan (BDP), and to a post-conflict response in a STAFFEX/CPX that will be held at the Northern Luzon Command in Camp Aquino, Tarlac City, Tarlac.

A Field Training Exercise (FTX), a core component of Balikatan 2011, will also take place to help stimulate the capabilities of the major services of the AFP.

The FTX, including ground forces, sailors, marines, and airmen from different AFP units and U.S. forces, will hold simultaneous field training exercises in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija; Basa Air Base, Pampanga; Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga; Crow Valley Range, Tarlac; Naval Station L. Gantionqui, Zambales; Sangley Point, Cavite City; Marine Base Ternate, Cavite; and Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Zambotimes.com

RP cracks down on Chinese poachers

The Daily Tribune, Friday, April 1, 2011

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

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

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

told Agence France Presse.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tribuneonline.org

General vows long jail term for 6 Chinese poachers

Philippine Daily Inquirer, Friday, April 1, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rising anger

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

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

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

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

Rule of law

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

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

inquirer.net

Navy cracks down on Chinese poachers

Abs-Cbn News, Friday, April 1, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

abs-cbnnews.com

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

By Elena Aben

Manila Bulletin, Tuesday, March 29,2011

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

Balikatan Exercise 2011 set in April

Sunstar, Monday, March 28, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

sunstar.com

6 Intsik tiklo sa illegal fishing

By M. Obleada/D. Bellosillo

Police Files, Saturday, March 26,2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Chinese poachers tiklo

By Joy Canto

Philstar, Satuday, March 26, 2011

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

Philstar.com

6 Sino poachers nabbed

By Zaida delos Reyes-Palanca

Tonight, Saturday,March 26,2011

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

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

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

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

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

6 Chinese arrested in Palawan

By Florante S. Solmerin

Manila Standard Today, Saturday, March 26,2011

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

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

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

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