By: Audrey Morallo
Malaya Tuesday, May 18, 2010
SOLDIERS yesterday r covered 13 ammonium-nitrate type
improvised explosive devices (IEDs) , blasting caps and electrical
wirings on Saturday afternoon after a firefight with suspected
Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Talipao town, in Sulu.
Brig. Gen. Rustico Guerero, commander of the Armed Forces
Joint Task Force Comet, said there were no troop casualties.
"The marines were on patrol and site survey for a road project
when this encounter happened," he said.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Navy eyes new vessel to boost Visayas sea patrol
By ELENA L. ABEN
Manila Bulletin Monday, May 17, 2010 page 8
Security in the Visayas seaboards, as well as the rest of the archipelago,
is expected to be beef up once the Philippine Navy (PN) gets its wish of
acquiring a multi-role vessel (MRV), which costs around P5 billion.
This, after Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales committed to
complete within his remaining 45 days in office government-to-government
contracts for the acquisition of equipments needed for the Armed
Forces modernization program. President Arroyo herself has
expressed full support to the Navy's intention to procure an MRV, which
will help enhance the naval fleet's capability in territorial defense and
internal security operations, as well as humanitarian missions.
The need for a strong Philippine Navy has always been emphasized
in order to secure the country's maritime domain that spans 37,652
kilometers or 10.6 percent of the total 356,000kilometers of the world’s coastline.
Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said the Navy undoubtedly
faces a specially challenging gargantuan task with most of its
ships, as no less than former Navy Flag Officer in Command, Vice Admiral
Ferdinand Golez admits, are even older than him and most of the
naval fleet's officers. "That has long been an open secret. To the pundits, external aggression
is remote at this time," said Arevalo, adding, "If the Philippines
wants to regain the respect of its neighbors and restore pride in the
hearts of its people, a strong navy is imperative."
In one interview, Golez told the Bulletin that the Navy at present
has obsolescent equipment, some of which are already 50 to 60-yearsold,
eyen pointing at the dock beside the Navy headquarters 'along Roxas
Boulevard, which he said has seen action during World War II and the
Vietnam War. Information obtained by this writer
also showed that one of the ships owned by the Navy
was commissioned way back in 1943 in the United States,
where its sister-ship is now displayed in a museum.
Yet despite its weakness in terms of naval capability due to obsolete,
inefficient, and ageing equipment, some of which have already reached
or are reaching the end of their lifespan, the Philippine Navy still
manages to serve well the nation and even deliver tremendous accomplishments.
Manila Bulletin Monday, May 17, 2010 page 8
Security in the Visayas seaboards, as well as the rest of the archipelago,
is expected to be beef up once the Philippine Navy (PN) gets its wish of
acquiring a multi-role vessel (MRV), which costs around P5 billion.
This, after Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales committed to
complete within his remaining 45 days in office government-to-government
contracts for the acquisition of equipments needed for the Armed
Forces modernization program. President Arroyo herself has
expressed full support to the Navy's intention to procure an MRV, which
will help enhance the naval fleet's capability in territorial defense and
internal security operations, as well as humanitarian missions.
The need for a strong Philippine Navy has always been emphasized
in order to secure the country's maritime domain that spans 37,652
kilometers or 10.6 percent of the total 356,000kilometers of the world’s coastline.
Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said the Navy undoubtedly
faces a specially challenging gargantuan task with most of its
ships, as no less than former Navy Flag Officer in Command, Vice Admiral
Ferdinand Golez admits, are even older than him and most of the
naval fleet's officers. "That has long been an open secret. To the pundits, external aggression
is remote at this time," said Arevalo, adding, "If the Philippines
wants to regain the respect of its neighbors and restore pride in the
hearts of its people, a strong navy is imperative."
In one interview, Golez told the Bulletin that the Navy at present
has obsolescent equipment, some of which are already 50 to 60-yearsold,
eyen pointing at the dock beside the Navy headquarters 'along Roxas
Boulevard, which he said has seen action during World War II and the
Vietnam War. Information obtained by this writer
also showed that one of the ships owned by the Navy
was commissioned way back in 1943 in the United States,
where its sister-ship is now displayed in a museum.
Yet despite its weakness in terms of naval capability due to obsolete,
inefficient, and ageing equipment, some of which have already reached
or are reaching the end of their lifespan, the Philippine Navy still
manages to serve well the nation and even deliver tremendous accomplishments.
RP's first line of defense vs external security threat almost done
By JAIME LAUDE
The Philippine STAR NEWS SUNDAY, MAY 16,2010 page 10
The country's first line of
defense against external security
threats is already 60 percent complete with just a few
adjustments to make it fully operational, Navy chief Rear
Admiral Danilo Cortez announced
yesterday. Dubbed Coast Watch Philippines,
Cortez said this first line of defense is envisioned
after Coast Watch South now in full operation and monitoring
major activities in the sea lanes, particularly in southern
Mindanao. Coast Watch South is a combined anti-terror under-.
taking by the United States, Australian and Philippine
governments to monitor and intercept local and foreign terrorists
leaving and entering the country through the southern
backdoor, The US and British governments
have installed monitoring systems at various key points in the country.
"Our Coast Watch Philippines is 60 percent complete
and I intend to pursue this project under my watch as
Navy chief," Cortez said. Cortez took over the reign
of the more than 20,000-strong Navy yesterday, succeeding
Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez who retired from the service.
After installation of these radar monitoring systems are
completed, Cortez said technical people will be working
to "harmonize and integrate operations" of the two systems
to be fully operational. Cortez declined to elaborate
on the details of the project for security reasons.
It was learned, however, the project involved key government
and private agencies that are sending out actual time
information on what is happening in the country's major
sea lanes. "We will endeavor to enhance
the connectivity of the existing and newly-built radar
stations with the Coast Watch Center. Once fully operational,
we can monitor all significant activities in all of the country's
major sea lanes," Cortez said. A Naval officer added Coast
Watch Philippine will function
just like the US's 911,wherein people will be manning its
nerve center and relay all significant events monitored via
installed radar stations in key points of the country.
"This will not only involve the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) but other government agencies. If they see
something illegal like smuggling and illegal fishing activities,
the center will immediately relay this to the nearest
Naval or Coast Guard st1tion for immediate action," the official
said. The same procedures will also be followed if there are air
or sea intrusions by unfriendly military forces or unidentified
vessels or aircraft, "So this is our first line of defense. If the threat is
monitored on the country's airspace, the Air Force will
be immediately informed for appropriate action. If it is on
the sea, then our Navy will be dispatched," the officer said.
The Philippine STAR NEWS SUNDAY, MAY 16,2010 page 10
The country's first line of
defense against external security
threats is already 60 percent complete with just a few
adjustments to make it fully operational, Navy chief Rear
Admiral Danilo Cortez announced
yesterday. Dubbed Coast Watch Philippines,
Cortez said this first line of defense is envisioned
after Coast Watch South now in full operation and monitoring
major activities in the sea lanes, particularly in southern
Mindanao. Coast Watch South is a combined anti-terror under-.
taking by the United States, Australian and Philippine
governments to monitor and intercept local and foreign terrorists
leaving and entering the country through the southern
backdoor, The US and British governments
have installed monitoring systems at various key points in the country.
"Our Coast Watch Philippines is 60 percent complete
and I intend to pursue this project under my watch as
Navy chief," Cortez said. Cortez took over the reign
of the more than 20,000-strong Navy yesterday, succeeding
Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez who retired from the service.
After installation of these radar monitoring systems are
completed, Cortez said technical people will be working
to "harmonize and integrate operations" of the two systems
to be fully operational. Cortez declined to elaborate
on the details of the project for security reasons.
It was learned, however, the project involved key government
and private agencies that are sending out actual time
information on what is happening in the country's major
sea lanes. "We will endeavor to enhance
the connectivity of the existing and newly-built radar
stations with the Coast Watch Center. Once fully operational,
we can monitor all significant activities in all of the country's
major sea lanes," Cortez said. A Naval officer added Coast
Watch Philippine will function
just like the US's 911,wherein people will be manning its
nerve center and relay all significant events monitored via
installed radar stations in key points of the country.
"This will not only involve the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) but other government agencies. If they see
something illegal like smuggling and illegal fishing activities,
the center will immediately relay this to the nearest
Naval or Coast Guard st1tion for immediate action," the official
said. The same procedures will also be followed if there are air
or sea intrusions by unfriendly military forces or unidentified
vessels or aircraft, "So this is our first line of defense. If the threat is
monitored on the country's airspace, the Air Force will
be immediately informed for appropriate action. If it is on
the sea, then our Navy will be dispatched," the officer said.
Cortez assumes command of Navy
By ELENA L. ABEN
Sunday, May 16, 2010 page 1
Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez Saturday
assumed as the transition Flag
Officer-in-Command of the Philippine
Navy, taking over from Vice Admiral
Ferdinand Golez, who has reached
the mandatory age of 56.
Cortez, who is the 31st FOIC of
the Navy, will be holding over the
post until such time that the incoming
President and Commander-in-Chief
will appoint a regular FOIC.
Golez, meanwhile, has been requested
by Defense Secretary Norberto
Gonzales to continue to serve
at least 45 days more as adviser to
the defense chief and to the Office of
the National Security Adviser. Golez
has accepted the offer.
In assuming the post, Cortez
thanked Golez for entrusting to him
the flag for acknowledging his
capability to continue the mission
which he (Golez) has started for the
Navy.
"We are truly thankful for the way
you have led the Philippine Navy. Indeed,
you are the epitome of the Navy
way of service," Cortez said in acknowledging
his predecessor's leadership.
Cortez, at the same time, vowed to
continue and aspire to complete the
programs that were started by Golez,
including the acquisition of multi-role
vessels (MRVs), all geared towards
the vision of becoming a strong and
credible Navy that the our maritime
nation deserves.
"I will guarantee that I will continue
the voyage Vice Admiral Golez has set
for us and work out of the box to hasten
its accomplishment," Cortez stated. "I
may not be able to inject new programs
during my stay as your FOIC, but I
promise to bring you closer to the attainment
of our vision," he added.
Golez on the other hand, said that
for the 22months of his stint as head of
the Navy, he led the organization
into exerting all efforts for the accomplishment
of programs that will allow
the Navy to move forward.
"I have planted seeds of commitment
and dedication to every sailor and
marine for them to grow individually
and collectively," said Golez, even as he
enjoined the officers, men and women
of the Navy to continue to pursue what
he has already started for them.
In describing what he has done in
his 22months as Navy FOIC, Golez had
this to share: Beyond the horizon of
my dreams now lie the outcome of our
efforts of today making us all aware of
the value of a Navy for the progress and
development of this maritime nation. A
commitment we will all share."
Meanwhile, Gonzales, who presided
over the turnover ceremony, said
Golez may have reached the end of
his military career but not as a public
servant. He said he has offered Golez
to serve as his adviser in the defense
department and as NSA, which the
latter accepted.
Sunday, May 16, 2010 page 1
Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez Saturday
assumed as the transition Flag
Officer-in-Command of the Philippine
Navy, taking over from Vice Admiral
Ferdinand Golez, who has reached
the mandatory age of 56.
Cortez, who is the 31st FOIC of
the Navy, will be holding over the
post until such time that the incoming
President and Commander-in-Chief
will appoint a regular FOIC.
Golez, meanwhile, has been requested
by Defense Secretary Norberto
Gonzales to continue to serve
at least 45 days more as adviser to
the defense chief and to the Office of
the National Security Adviser. Golez
has accepted the offer.
In assuming the post, Cortez
thanked Golez for entrusting to him
the flag for acknowledging his
capability to continue the mission
which he (Golez) has started for the
Navy.
"We are truly thankful for the way
you have led the Philippine Navy. Indeed,
you are the epitome of the Navy
way of service," Cortez said in acknowledging
his predecessor's leadership.
Cortez, at the same time, vowed to
continue and aspire to complete the
programs that were started by Golez,
including the acquisition of multi-role
vessels (MRVs), all geared towards
the vision of becoming a strong and
credible Navy that the our maritime
nation deserves.
"I will guarantee that I will continue
the voyage Vice Admiral Golez has set
for us and work out of the box to hasten
its accomplishment," Cortez stated. "I
may not be able to inject new programs
during my stay as your FOIC, but I
promise to bring you closer to the attainment
of our vision," he added.
Golez on the other hand, said that
for the 22months of his stint as head of
the Navy, he led the organization
into exerting all efforts for the accomplishment
of programs that will allow
the Navy to move forward.
"I have planted seeds of commitment
and dedication to every sailor and
marine for them to grow individually
and collectively," said Golez, even as he
enjoined the officers, men and women
of the Navy to continue to pursue what
he has already started for them.
In describing what he has done in
his 22months as Navy FOIC, Golez had
this to share: Beyond the horizon of
my dreams now lie the outcome of our
efforts of today making us all aware of
the value of a Navy for the progress and
development of this maritime nation. A
commitment we will all share."
Meanwhile, Gonzales, who presided
over the turnover ceremony, said
Golez may have reached the end of
his military career but not as a public
servant. He said he has offered Golez
to serve as his adviser in the defense
department and as NSA, which the
latter accepted.
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