Most of AFP members honest: Navy officer

By Elias O. Baquero

Sunstar Cebu, Wednesday, April 6, 2011

THE Philippine Navy yesterday said majority of the men and women in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are still honest in their mandate to protect the people.

Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, the Philippine Navy flag officer in command, said the public should understand that just because there are four or five military officers who illegally amassed wealth at the expense of the military budget does not mean the entire AFP is corrupt.

The officer made the remark amid a Senate investigation of alleged corruption in the service.Pama, who presided the change of command of the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) from Commodore Armando Guzman to Commodore Zyril Carlos, said reports of anomalies in the AFP hurt them because they have unblemished records in public service.Guzman will assume as commander of the Zamboanga City-based Western Command that covers part of Mindanao, from Lanao to Tawi-Tawi.

Hurt

“We are hurt by these bad reports. We pity those who give up their lives just to defend this country because of the public perception that the entire Armed Forces are corrupt. Let me clarify, that if four or five people have committed corruption, majority of the officers and men in the military are still honest,” Pama said.

Pama is hoping that the Senate investigation will result to the filing of charges against those who committed crimes, so servicemen and officers who are sincere in their mandate to protect the people will be cleared.

Pama is concerned about the latest public opinion wherein the AFP is perceived to be the most corrupt government agency.

“The result of the recent (Social Weather Station) survey showing that the AFP as most corrupt is definitely untrue and unfair for the officers and soldiers who have sacrificed for this country,” Pama said.

Challenging

Meanwhile, Carlos told Sun.Star Cebu that his new assignment as Nav-forcen commander is challenging because the Visayas is an eco-tourism area, which contributes much to the country’s economy.

“We will ensure the security of tourists and at the same time support the role of the (Philippine) Army against dissidents,” Carlos said.

Carlos said they will enhance the capability of Navforcen in Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City, especially since it is considered a strategic area in the country, wherein it can immediately respond to emergencies in the Visayas, Luzon and Mindanao.

“If you look at the geography, Navforcen is located at the center of the Philippines.

It can respond quickly if something happens in Eastern Visayas or in Sulu,” Carlos said.

Sunstar.com

PH-designed amphibious vehicle set to be launched

By Jason Ang

Philippine Daily Inquirer, Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The Philippines, as one of the world’s largest archipelagos, also has one of the longest combined coastlines on the planet. Patrolling them requires a well-trained military force and, just as importantly, an appropriate fleet of vehicles.

Enter the Coastal-Riverine-Overland Craft (CROC). The CROC is a locally developed, Filipino-designed amphibious vehicle that combines the abilities of an all-terrain vehicle and a high-speed jet boat. CROC reportedly incorporates lightweight but rugged materials and breakthrough hull design. It is designed to be equally adept at running on land and cruising in the water.

The CROC starts out as a 4x4 land vehicle and by retracting its wheels, transforms into a high-speed powerboat capable of navigating in deep and shallow water.

On land, the CROC is projected to be capable of speeds up to 120 km/h, and with a 200-liter dual fuel tank, could attain a range of 1000 km. Its specs include independent double-wishbone suspension at the front, and a rear torsion bar with coil-over-Eibach springs. It is even equipped with four-wheel steering, providing maneuverability in tight spaces such as the infamous U-turns along C5. It’s equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.

A centralized tire-pressure control system, like the Humvee’s, can be included as an option. A front winch and a portable winch will help in its varied missions, as will a steel-reinforced back rest, that, used as a bridge, will enable the truck to traverse a one-meter canal or trench.

Its optimum land speed could exceed 120 kph and with a 200-ltr dual tank, the range could be more than 1000 kms on paved roadways.

In the water, CROC’s tri-hull design and 23-foot length provide stability, and also lessen the shock transmitted to the interior. In the water, it is powered by a marine jet drive, allowing it to perform spins, slides and full stops in high-speed runs. Virtually unsinkable, the CROC stays afloat even if its compartments are filled with water. The four tires help provide buoyancy. Its design includes self-righting capability in the event that it flips over.

The model that will be on display at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), from April 7 to 10 at the World Trade Center, is dubbed the CROC-X, as it is an experimental model. Powering the CROC-X is a 5.2-liter Magnum V8 water-cooled engine, sourced from Chrysler. Power is coursed through a four-wheel drive automatic-transmission, with a five-speed manual transfer case for the marine jet.

The basic CROC tips the scales at 2.5 metric tons, and can carry a payload of two metric tons, with suspension modification. CROC-X is a collaboration between civilian and military innovators, and was prototyped in a just six months.

The designers envision production models to be powered by any of a variety of engines, including diesels or hybrids. For sea-going CROCS, such as those to be used for coastal patrols, a marine engine would be preferable.

The CROC is also reportedly ideal for rescue operations, particularly during floods and other natural calamities. The designers also foresee applications in the tourism industry, as it can be used as in a combined 4x4 vehicle and jet boat adventure ride, taking off from popular beach resorts.

The CROC can carry 10 passengers, including driver and navigator, and can be equipped with mounting for various types of weapons, radio sets, external fuel tanks and other equipment.

Ballistic protection will be incorporated in future iterations. The prototype model already includes an anti-landmine feature—detachable chimneys above the front wheels to direct blasts upwards.

To provide quick egress, not to mention a touch of drama, the doors open gullwing style.

The vehicle is designed by OPCENTEC, a local company specializing in designing and prototyping unique technology solutions for defense, security and disaster response.

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.

New Navy chief vows to improve defense capability

By Caroline J. Howard, ANC

ABS-CBN News, Tuesday, April 5, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - New Navy Chief Alexander Pama vows to improve the capability of the Philippine Navy to secure the country's coastlines.

Speaking on ANC's "The Rundown" on Tuesday, Pama, who succeeded Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez, says he plans to implement training programs to enhance the competence of Navy personnel.

"We envision to build the capability and are trying to get modern equipment, but you need people who will be able to handle the new equipment. Comparatively our assets would not be at par with our neighbors. That's exactly why we have this program, to be able to make a Navy that's credible in performing its functions and duties."

While set on improving the Navy's skills, Pama, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class '79, remains circumspect about the Navy's hardware needs.

Navy modernization

He says any upgrade will depend on proposed strategies for dealing with disasters and various threats facing the country.

"We have different kinds of threats. The bigger requires millions, we definitely can't afford it, yet we hope to afford it someday."

"We don't aspire for a blue water Navy, we just need assets to address the crying needs of security requirements" Pama says.

Among these needs are protecting fishermen, the country's marine and natural resources, conducting search and rescue operations, and watching the country's borders from intrusions.

The Navy is currently drawing up a list of priority acquisitions as it sets out to share resources with the rest of the country's armed forces.

During Navy turnover ceremonies on Tuesday, President Aquino expressed confidence in the competence of the Philippine Navy in securing the country's coastal waters, and assured government's full support in its operations.

The Chief Executive also acknowledged the Navy's valuable efforts in disaster relief operations.

Planned sale, lease of Navy headquarters

In the course of modernization, meantime, Pama reveals one scenario being explored is bringing back the Navy to Fort Bonifacio. This comes amid ongoing discussions to either sell or lease the Navy headquarters in Roxas Boulevard.

"That's part of the study being undertaken now. It's not just in the realm of the possibility but probability. It involves economic matters, legal matters, and we're in active consultation with other agencies of government."

He says some camps have also expressed interest in acquiring the Bonifacio Naval Station.

"We want to optimize the benefits the Navy, in part, and the Armed Forces, in general, generate from these activities," Pama says.

ABS-CBN News