Phl-US joint naval exercises a success, says Navy

By Jaime Laude
Philippine Star, Thursday, July 7, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - The joint naval exercise of the Philippines and the United States in Palawan near disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea ending tomorrow was hailed a success.

Dubbed as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2011, the joint naval exercise is the yearly naval event between the Philippine and US navies in line with the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the two allies.

“The event was a success because we have accomplished all plans and programs for the event,” said Maj. Niel Estrella, spokesman of the Western Command (Wescom) based in Puerto Princesa City.

Estrella said the troops at Wescom are hoping that next year’s CARAT would again be held in Palawan since the island province offers the best training ground for naval exercises.

He said that aside from Filipino sailors and Marines, at least 800 US servicemen who took part in this CARAT have also gained additional experience on the intricacies of a joint naval operation.

Two Philippine Navy ships, the BRP Rizal and BRP Pangasinan, two US Navy guided-missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon, USS Howard and US Navy’s dive and salvage ship USN Safeguard took part in this year’s 11-day Naval drill within the Sulu Sea area.

The joint naval war games started last June 28 at a time when tension over territorial disputes in the nearby West Philippine Sea have been mounting due to the aggressive behavior of China to assert its claim over the entire South China Sea, part of which is also being claimed by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Taiwan.

Aside from the routine civil-military operations, Filipino and US troops also took part in various naval drills on the high seas, which include maritime security and interdiction operations to further enhance interoperability among the two naval forces as well as target acquisition or live fire exercises.

“We are hoping that CARAT would again be held here next year as this will open more opportunities for training our own Navy personnel,” Estrella said.

Estrella brushed aside reports that condoms were distributed to US servicemen before disembarking from their warships that docked at the Puerto Princesa City port.

He said that most health and wellness products, including condoms, are always available in all US ships for crewmembers but not for distribution by their officers as reported.

“Of all the health and wellness products located along strategic areas of the ship’s hallway, mediamen on a guided tour on the US warships only reported the condoms and did not mention other health and wellness products like sun blocks that are always available to all crewmembers on board,” Estrella said.

He denied that condoms were distributed to the US soldiers.

“Optional ito to all US servicemen as well as other militaries around the globe,” Estrella said.

philstar.com

Aquino okays new designation of five generals, flag officers

By PNA

Zamboanga Times, Wednesday, July 6, 2011

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has approved the designation of five Generals and Senior Officers to key-positions in the military, effective last June.

Upon the recommendation of the Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, two Brigadier Generals, two Colonels and a Navy Captain were appointed to key-positions in the AFP by the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8186, as amended by R.A. No. 9188, otherwise known as the Act Strengthening the Professionalism in the AFP.

Brig. Gen. Cipriano D. Gundao, the former Acting Commander Philippine Air Force Air Logistics Command, now formally holds the said position.

Brigadier General Joel C. Marayag, previously the Commander of the 1st Air Division, is now the Deputy Chief of Staff for the AFP Reservist and Retiree Affairs, J9.

Colonel Luis C. Vinoya Jr., former Chief Army Management Information Center from the Philippine Army, is now the Chairman of the AFP General Headquarters Bids and Awards Committee. Col. Danilo H. Peñafiel, prior to being the Deputy Commander of the Air Education and Training Command of the Philippine Air Force was the Deputy Wing Commander, 355th Aviation Engineering Wing.

Captain Abraham F. Celzo of the Philippine Navy, previously the Deputy Commander is now the Commander of the Naval Forces in Southern Luzon.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines is committed in further strengthening professionalism within its ranks. The designation of new positions is part of the dynamics of the organization which is vital in carrying out our mission effectively. We shall expect great things from these newly appointed officers in order to make our goals happen," AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Eduardo SL Oban Jr. said. (PNA)

zambotimes.com

CARAT 2011 holds medical mission, community services

PIA, Wednesday, June 6, 2011

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, July 6 (PIA) –- Community services like medical missions remain part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2011 in Palawan as participants embark on strengthening United States’ and Philippines’ military capabilities.

In a press release, the 6th Civil relations group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that recently the United States naval servicemen, with their Filipino counterpart who are participating in the CARAT, conducted a medical and dental mission in Bgy Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa City last June 29, benefiting hundreds of residents of the village.

Free medical check-up and tooth extraction were offered in the said civic activity. Medicines were also handed out to patients.

The medical mission was part of the annual bilateral military training exercise between the US and the Philippine navies that aim to further strengthen cooperation between, and improve the capabilities of, the two countries’ naval forces.

It was among the several community service activities of CARAT 2011 lined up to reach out to the Palaweňos.

Other activities include the holding of community relation activities in Bgy Tagburos Elementary School and Gregorio Oquendo Memorial Elementary School. Free music lessons were also offered at the Palawan State University Laboratory High School and Palawan National School.

A week before the joint military training officially kicked off, CARAT participants have already started the construction of a social hall and comfort rooms at West Elementary School in Bgy Mangingisda, Puerto Princesa City.

CARAT 2011 opened on June 28 with the arrival of three US navy ships that will be part of the 10-day military training. The exercises will be held in the Sulu Sea.

Moreover, the Philippine Marine Corps and the US 7th Fleet Band will hold a free band concert at the People’s Amphitheater in Mendoza Park, Puerto Princesa City and at the NCCC mall to cap off the activity.

This year’s CARAT will focus more on enhancing both countries’ naval capabilities in maritime defense, resource protection and disaster response operations through actual exercises and information exchanges.

Approximately 800 US navy servicemen and 457 Philippine Navy personnel is participating in this year’s bilateral military training. (6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)

pia.gov.ph

Plane 'buzzes' Philippine boat in South China Sea

By AFP

Asiaone News, Tuesday, July 5, 2011

MANILA - An unidentified foreign plane harassed a group of Philippine fishermen in the South China Sea last month in the latest incident in the disputed waters, the Philippine navy said Tuesday.

The fishermen reported the jet flew low over their boat early last month off the Investigator Northeast Shoal, said navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama.

"An unidentified jet buzzed our fishing boat some 20 to 30 feet (6-9 metres) from the top of the mast of the fishing boat," Pama told reporters.

"They were unable to identify the jet; they just said it was noisy and it made them nervous," he said, adding: "Definitely it's not ours."

Asked about the plane's motive, Pama said it was not usual for an aircraft to fly so low over a boat, "so initially it's some sort of a warning, like, 'What are you doing here?'"

The navy said the incident occurred near a shoal claimed by the Philippines that lies between the major western Philippine island of Palawan and the disputed Spratly islands, which are believed to sit on vast mineral resources.

It was the second report of foreign aircraft activity in Philippine-claimed areas of the South China Sea this year.

In May two Philippine air force turboprop planes on patrol near the Spratlys reported two unidentified jets streaking high above them.

Tensions in the strategic and resource-rich South China Sea have escalated in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam voicing alarm at what they say are increasingly forceful Chinese actions there.

They include Philippine accusations of Chinese forces opening fire on Filipino fishermen, shadowing an oil exploration vessel employed by a Philippine firm, and putting up structures in areas claimed by the Philippines.

Aside from the Philippines, China and Vietnam, the Spratlys are also wholly or partially claimed by Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Philippine foreign department spokesman Raul Hernandez declined to comment on the navy's allegation, telling AFP he had yet to see the formal report.

asiaone.com