2nd year Sta. Cruz Islands fiesta eyed

By Bong Garcia

Sun Star Zambaonga, Thursday, May 05, 2011

PLANS are now underway for the possible conduct of “Fiesta na Isla de Sta. Cruz,” a summer outing at the Sta. Cruz Islands, Zamboanga City.

The Sta. Cruz Islands, known for its “pink sand”, take 10 to 15 minutes boat ride from Zamboanga City.

Mayor Celso Lobregat and Naval Forces Western Mindanao (MFWM) Commodore Armando Guzman on Thursday broached the idea of holding the second summer excursion at the Sta. Cruz Island, which was first conducted on April 20, 2008 during the time of former NFWM chief Admiral Emilio Marayag.

The 2008 “Fiesta na Isla de Sta. Cruz” capped live music, beach games and free tours around the islands. It was organized by the Tourism Association of Zamboanga, DOT, and the City Government of Zamboanga.

Lobregat and Guzman are set to meet with the Tourism Association of Zamboanga and the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office to iron plans for the “Fiesta na Isla de Sta. Cruz.”

Lobregat and Guzman also discussed strengthening coordination between the City Government and the Navy Forces on activities that involve the Peace and Order Council, the Crisis Management Committee and other special bodies where the Navy plays an important role.

Guzman took over Commodore Orwen Cortez, who has been promoted to Vice-Commander of the Philippine Navy.

Guzman is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1980 and was commander of the Naval Forces Central.

Sun Star Zamboanga

Military's Bayanihan has new head

By Donna Pazzibugan

Philippine Daily Inquirer, Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has a new chief for civil military operations, three months into the implementation of a new counter-insurgency plan, Bayanihan, which gives equal importance to community projects in "winning the peace."

Navy Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez, assumed office as deputy chief of staff for civil military operations (J7) on Friday, the AFP announced over the weekend.

Rodriguez replaced Army Brig. Gen. Nonato Peralta Jr. who was named Philippine Military Academy (PMA) superintendent following the retirement of Vice Adm. Leonardo Calderon on March 11.

A member of PMA Class 1980, Rodriguez was commander of the Fleet-Marine ready Force, before being appointed J7.

"CMO (civil military operations) is where my heart belongs,"he said during the turnover ceremonies.

He described Peralta as his mentor with whom he worked in the commemoration of the Battle of Sibuyan.

Rodriguez said the Filipino tradition of bayanihan or community spirit "is what civil military operations is about."

Rodriguez had served as assistant chief of staff for CMO for the AFP Western Command (Wescom) and chief of the evaluation and research branch of the Office of the Secretary of the AFP joint staff.

Rodriguez assumes post

By Elena A. Aben

Manila Bulletin, Monday, March 21, 2011

Navy Commodore Miguel Jose S. Rodriguez has formally assumed as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 39th Deputy Chief of Staff Civil- Military Operations (J7), succeeding Bring. Gen Nonato Alfredo T. Peralta Jr., who is now the Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Rodriguez, a member of the PMA Class of 1980 was Fleet Marine Ready Force commander prior to his assumption of the J7 post. In assuming his post, Rodriguez vowed to help bring in to the national consciousness the spirit of "bayanihan", which is what the Civil-Military Operations is about.

New AFP deputy chief of staff installed

By Jaime Laude

The Philippine Star, Sunday, March 20, 2011

A senior Navy officer was installed yesterday as the Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief of staff for Civil Military Operations, a key military position left vacant, as a result of the continuing changes triggered by the recent reteriment of AFP chief and now Immigration Commisioner Ricardo David.

In a simple turn-over rites, Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez, commander of the Navy’s Fleet-Marine Ready Force, assumed command of the AFP’s J-7, from its outgoing J-7 commander, Brig. Gen. Nonato Alfredo Peralta Jr.

Peralta was literally kicked up following his official designation as the new superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) replacing Vice Admiral Leonardo Calderon who retired from the military service March 11.

The Philippine Navy has already recommended four names of senior officers to choose who among them would replace Rodriguez as commander of the Navy’s fighting force.

“The AFP welcomes Commodore Rodriguez as its 39th deputy chief of staff for Civil Military Operations,” AFP Public Information Office chief, Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said.

Rodriguez was a member of the PMA Class of 1980. Aside from being designated as commander of the Navy Fleet-Marine Ready Force, he has commanded several Navy ships.

He is also aholder of Public Management and Law degrees from the University of the Philippines and Baguio Colleges Foundation, and a recipient of awards and decorations to include numerous military merit medals and the Gold Cross Medal.

In his assumption speech, after being installed by Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on behalf of AFP chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban, Rodriguez vowed that he will do his best so that his new position will become an instrument of peace and will focus his command efforts on the implementation of Oplan Bayanihan.

Noy to choose AFP deputy chief of staff

By Mario J Mallari

The Daily Tribune, Saturday, March 19, 2011

The military’s Board of Generals (BoG) has already submitted its recommendation to the Commander in Chief, President Aquino, for the appointment of the deputy chief of staff (TDCS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines vacated by newly installed AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr.

Oban said that the BOG’s recommendation was submitted for the approval of the President.

“That would be dependent on the approval of the President. We already have recommended the full time deputy chief of staff and it will have to go through the process,” said Oban as he refused to reveal the names of those short-listed by the BOG.

Reliable sources, however, said that Navy Fleet commander Rear Admiral Luis Alano is among the strongest contender for the number three post of the AFP.

Alano is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1979 where Oban also belonged.

A battle-tested Navy officer Alano was appointed Navy Fleet commander late last year after serving to various command and administrative positions in the military. He led the successful Navy operation against a group of rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels who sow terror in an island-town in Masbate also last year.

Meanwhile, AFP deputy chief of staff for operations or J3 Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista was tapped as acting TDCS while awaiting the President’s approval.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said that as the most senior J-staff, Bautista was named as acting TDCS.

“J3 (Bautista) has been designated acting TDCS while higher authorities are still in the process of formally designating one for the position. Selection of key positions in the AFP goes through a tedious process where merits, professional competence and service reputation are among the criteria,” said Mabanta.

Mabanta said that Bautista will remain acting TDCS until the President makes his choice for the AFP’s number three position.

Pama, new Navy FOIC, seen as doer and planner

By Victor Reyes
Malaya, Monday, january 3, 2010

PRESIDENT Aquino has designated Rear Adm. Alexander Pama as Navy chief, replacing Rear Adm. Danilo Cortez who is reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Tuesday.

Cortez has been acting Navy chief since May last year. He will turn over the post to Pama tomorrow in rites at the Navy headquarters on Roxas boulevard, which will be led by President Aquino.

Pama, PMA ’79, assumed the post of Navy vice commander just last November.

With his appointment as Navy chief, Pama is due for a third star.

PMA Class ’79 now has three members who are three-star generals -- Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Gaudencio Pangilinan, and AFP deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban.

More movements are expected in the coming months with the retirement of ranking officers, including AFP chief Gen. Ricardo David, in March.

Pama, before being named Navy vice commander, served as the Navy’s inspector general also for two months. Prior to that, he commanded the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command and the military’s Task Force Trillium for two years in concurrent capacity, fighting the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.

He also served as senior military assistant to former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro until the latter resigned to run for president. He also served as assistant AFP deputy chief of staff for plans and programs.

Pama also headed the Navy’s ask Force Group Stingray, an anti-terrorism unit, and the Navy’s task groups 61.1 and 61.2 operating in the Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi area. He also commanded a total of six ships, including the presidential yacht BRP Ang Pangulo.

"He is an operator," said Navy spokesman Capt. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo of Pama. "He is also a strategic thinker."

Pama vowed to continue implementing the Navy’s Sail Plan, a concept launched in 2008. The plan’s vision is to have a strong and credible Navy by 2020.

Pama bested a number of contenders for the top Navy post, including his PMA classmate, Rear Adm. Jose Luis Alano, commander of the Navy’s Philippine Fleet.

There are several two-star and three-star flag officers but most of them are retiring. These include PMA superintendent Vice Adm. Leonardo Calderon (Class ’76) and AFP Inspector General Vice Adm. Mario Catacutan (Class ’77) who are due for retirement in March and September this year.

Under the law, no officer can be appointed as permanent commander of the major services – Army, Navy, and Air Force – if he has less than a year in service left.

The controversial Rear Adm. Feliciano Angue (Class ‘78) was reportedly left out of the race because of his pending case in connection with statements denouncing the military’s promotion system and alleged politicking by some senior officials in the May 2010 presidential elections.

He is under pre-trial investigation, preparatory to possible court martial, for alleged insubordination and violation of the military’s Code of Ethics.

Pama to assume as new Navy FOIC

By Elena Aben
Manila Bulletin, Monday, January 3, 2010

The Philippine Navy will have a new Flag Officer-in-Command (FOIC) in the person of Rear Admiral Alexander Pama when its present commander, Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez, retires Tuesday, January 4.

A change of command ceremony at the Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard will be led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commander-in-chief President Aquino. It will be followed by the first AFP command conference for the year, where the President will announce his instructions and command guidance in line with the implementation of the new Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.

The appointment of Pama, member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1979, signals the start of a major reshuffle in the Armed Forces, especially as the Chief of Staff, Gen. Ricardo A. David Jr. is due to retire in March.

Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., AFP spokesman, explained the reshuffle comes as there will be vacancies to be created with coming retirement of several top armed forces officials. Thus, he said, as the effect cascades down below, there will be movements upwards.

Bemedalled officer named new Philippine Navy chief

By Dona Z Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Monday, January 3, 2010

A veteran in the military campaigns against the Abu Sayyaf has been named the new flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy.

Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, currently the Navy vice commander, will assume the naval command on Tuesday in turnover ceremonies to be attended by President Aquino at the Navy headquarters in Manila.

He succeeds Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez who retires from service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Tuesday.

Military spokesperson Brigadier General Jose Mabanta Jr. confirmed Pama’s appointment on Sunday. He said President Aquino will attend the turnover ceremonies and preside over his first military command conference for the year 2011.

Pama belongs to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979 whose members now occupy top positions in the military. Among them are Army commanding general Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz, Northern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Gaudencio Pangilinan and Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Isafp) chief, Brigadier General Romulo Bambao.

Pama has received numerous military medals and civilian awards in the course of his naval career since graduating from the PMA.

On December 21, Pama was given the Distinguished Service Star award during the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 75th anniversary rites for gains made against the Abu Sayyaf while heading the Naval Forces Western Mindanao based in Zamboanga City for two years.

Oplan ‘Bayanihan’

Pama takes over the Navy command at a time the AFP is implementing “Bayanihan,” a new counterinsurgency plan that veers from combat operations-centered strategy and stresses “winning the peace rather than defeating the enemy.”

Pama was appointed Navy vice commander last December after having served as the Naval Inspector General for three months.

Before his appointment as the Naval Inspector General last September, he was commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao which engaged in battles with bandits, Islamic extremists and secessionist rebels in southern Mindanao. He held this post since October 2008.

Pama was also concurrent commander of the Joint Task Force Trillium which mounted offensives against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Zamboanga.

‘Stingray’ commander

Pama also served as commander of the Navy’s antiterrorism group, the Naval Task Group “Stingray” and commanded other naval task groups that operated in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Pama also successfully completed shipboard and shore assignments and has served as commanding officer of six Navy vessels including the presidential yacht, BRP Ang Pangulo.

Among the numerous staff positions in the Navy headquarters and AFP general headquarters he held were: division chief of the operations control division of the AFP Office of Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (J-2); assistant chief of naval staff for intelligence (N2); commander of the Naval Intelligence Security Force; superintendent of the Naval School Center; AFP assistant deputy chief of staff for plans (J5); and senior military assistant and chief of staff to then defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

Pama was awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer) and conferred the Distinguished Service Star by the military five times.

Adopted son

Pama received his latest service star during the AFP 75th anniversary rites on December 2 “for eminently meritorious and valuable service” as commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao from October 3, 2008 to September 2, 2010 and as head of the Joint Task Force Trillium from January 30 to September 2, 2010.

“Rear Admiral Pama effectively managed and supervised the conduct of the Navy’s Fleet-Marines operations in Western Mindanao,” the citation said.

Other awards Pama received include two Distinguished Navy Crosses, an Outstanding Achievement Medal, the Silver Wing Medal and numerous medals for merit, commendation and campaign such as the Senior Command-at-Sea Badge and the Marine Command Badge.

The Zamboanga City government has acknowledged Pama’s accomplishments by conferring him the honor of being called its “Adopted Son (Hijo Adoptivo).”

Pama was born on December 21, 1956 in Passi, Iloilo, the second of six children of Artemio Pama and Alice Patiño.

He is married to Carmela Aquino from La Paz, Iloilo. They have two sons, Gorby and Archie.

Noynoy appoints Pama as FOIC of Navy

By Mario J Mallari
The Daily Tribune, Monday, January 3, 2010

President Aquino has appointed another member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979 to a key position in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as commanding general of the Navy.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said that Navy Vice Commander Rear Adm. Alexander Pama was appointed as incoming flag officer in command (FOIC) of the Navy.

Pama, a well-rounded Navy officer, will formally assume the top Navy post tomorrow Vice Rear Adm. Danilo Cortez, of PMA Class of 1977, who will retire from the active service.

The Commander in Chief, President Aquino, is expected to attend the turn over ceremonies scheduled at the Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

“It has just been announced the new FOIC will be Adm. Alexander Pama. The turn over will be on the 4th,” said Mabanta.

“This went through the mill, it was recommended to the Commander in Chief who approved the designation,” added Mabanta.

Mabanta cited Pama’s wide experience in the field and office works. Prior to his appointment as Navy vice commander, Pama served as inspector general of the Navy and commanding general of the Naval Forces-Western Mindanao and concurrent Task Force Trillium chief.

Pama also headed other military task forces assigned to run after terrorists in Mindanao region.

According to Mabanta, the changing of the guard at the Navy will be the first of series of movements in the AFP hierarchy with the scheduled retirement of top-ranking military officers during the first quarter of the year.

“There will be movements upward, several high ranking officers will retire,” said Mabanta. He added that several officials are reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 this month and in February.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo David Jr. himself is reaching the mandatory retirement in March.

“The chief of staff is retiring in March, so there would be huge reshuffle, if you remove someone on top, it will cascade down below,” Mabanta said.

For his part, Pama vowed to fully support the AFP’s newly launched internal peace and security plan Bayanihan aimed at ending the decades-long insurgency problem in the country. At the same time, Pama said he would pursue the modernization program of the Navy.

Only last month, another member of the PMA Class of 1979, Brig. Gen. Tristan Kison, was appointed as commanding general of the National Capital Region Command, the AFP’s primary anti-coup unit.

New Navy chief namedNew Navy chief named

By Florante Solmerin
Manila Standard Today, Monday, January 3, 2010

Another member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Matapat” Class ‘79 has just been promoted, adding to the growing list of the fair-haired boys who now occupy sensitive posts in the Armed Forces.

Rear Admiral Alexander Pama will assume his post as Navy’s flag-officer-in-command on January 4, replacing Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez, a class mate of Armed Forces chief Ricardo David, who will reach mandatory retirement on March 7, 2011.

Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. on Sunday said the turnover of command will take place on Jan. 4. “Immediately after the turnover, there will be a command conference that will be officiated by the commander-in-chief (President Aquino),” Mabanta said.

With his new post, Pama outclassed his classmate, Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Jose

Luis Alano, and will join his classmates in key positions such as Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz and Northern Luzon Command commander Lt. Gen. Gaudencio Pangilinan. His classmates include Major Gen. Francisco Cruz Jr, deputy chief for intelligence of the Air Force.

Most of his classmates got promoted several weeks after President Aquino assumed office.

Pama started his military career as a cadet in 1974. He was recipient of the 1979 PMA Journalism Award for being Editor-In-Chief of the PMA “The Corps” Magazine.

His assignments included Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Joint Task Force “Trillium” (Zamboanga-Basilan), Naval Task Group “Stingray” (Anti-Terrorism Task Group), and Naval Task Groups 61.1 and 61.2 (Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi).

Apart from being closely identified with former defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Pama was also known as a close friend of Senator Gregorio Honasan.

Pama vowed to push forward the modernization of the service.

Navy taps Cortez as NFWM acting commander

By Mario J. Mallari

The Daily Tribune, Monday, 8 November 2010

The Navy leadership has tapped a combat-tested senior officer to head the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) where Abu Sayyaf terrorists and rogue elements of the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are known to be operating.

Military Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Ben Dolorfino said that Commodore Orwen Cortez was designated as acting commander of the NFWM, which has jurisdiction over naval operations in the provinces of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Dolorfino said Cortez, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1979, formally took over the NFWM last Nov. 4. Cortez was the erstwhile commander of the Naval Forces Western Command.

Cortez was known for leading his forces in assaulting Matanggue Island in Balabac, Palawan in August of 2009 when lawless elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), led by Abdullah Abdurajak, alias Pa Guro, staged atrocities against civilians in the area.

The Navy operations led to the killing of at least 10 MNLF rebels, including Abdurajak.

The NFWM was originally assigned to Rear Adm. Feliciano Angue but was recalled after the disgruntled Navy officer publicly criticized alleged “prostitution” of the military promotions system. He was subsequently put under investigation and was held on a floating status pending the result of the Navy probe.

The NFWM was subsequently taken over by 1st Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Eugenio Clemen on a concurrent capacity.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said Cortez was tapped by the Navy leadership in an acting capacity.

Meanwhile, Dolorfino is formally retiring from the military service last Wednesday but his replacement as Wesmincom chief has yet to be announced.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo David Jr. earlier had said the military’s Board of Generals has already convened for its recommended shortlist.

David said the post is up for grabs for Navy, Marines and Army officers.

Earlier, military sources feared that an Army officer might be appointed to the post following the pull out of the 1st Marine Brigade from Basilan and replaced by elements of the Army’s Special Operations Command.

Cortez assumes NFWMC

By Elena L Aben

Manila Bulletin, Monday, 8 November 2010

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class '79, Commodore Orwen Cortez has assumed post as head of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command (NFWMC) based in Zamboanga City, an Armed Forces official said yesterday.

MANILA, Philippines - With the approval of the Office of the President, the post of NFWMC chief was earlier given to controversial Navy officer, Rear Adm. Feliciano Angue, former Armed Forces of the Philippines -National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) commander, who is now facing an investigation for alleged violation of the military code of conduct.

Cortez replaced Brig. Gen. Eugenio Clemen, 1st Marine Brigade commander, who was assigned earlier to the command in an acting capacity.

Retiring Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief, Marine Lt. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino confirmed that Cortez has taken over the NFWMC top post last week.

But Dolorfino, who is set to retire on Wednesday, November 10, declined to comment on the circumstances of the designation of Cortez. He said, “it's a regular position."

Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., AFP spokesman, said that Cortez was designated by the Philippine Navy as NFWMC chief in an acting capacity. Angue may still assume the post depending on the outcome of the investigation of his case.

Angue's assumption as NFWMC chief was held in abeyance after he was placed under investigation for violation of the AFP code of conduct after he slammed the alleged “prostitution” of the military’s promotion system.

Angue claimed his designation to the two-star post oc NFMWC chief was a “demotion” since he had already been assigned to the three-star post of NCRCom commander.

New Navy Western Mindanao chief named

By Alexis Romero

The Philippine Star, Monday, 8 November 2010

MANILA, Philippines - A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class ’79 has been appointed as acting commander of the Naval Forces in Western Mindanao.

Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) chief Lt. Gen. Ben Dolorfino said Commodore Orwen Cortez has been designated as acting chief of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, which covers areas believed to be hideouts of local terrorists.

“Commodore Orwen Cor tez assumed on Nov. 4,” Dolorfino said.

Cortez succeeded Brig. Gen. Eugenio Clemen who was previously assigned to the post in an acting capacity. Prior to his appointment as Western Mindanao Naval Forces chief, Cortez was commander of the Naval Forces Western Command based in Palawan.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta, Jr. said Cortez will only serve in an acting capacity since Rear. Adm. Feliciano Angue, who has been appointed to the post, is being probed for airing his concerns to the media.

“Admiral Angue’s designation as Naval Forces Western Mindanao chief has been approved by the President. Since he is being investigated, he cannot assume the post,” he said in a phone interview.

“He (Cortez) will serve in an acting capacity. The issuance (of designation) is only at the Navy level. It is not approved by the President.”

Mabanta said Cortez is competent and qualified to handle his new assignment.

Angue has been named Naval Forces Western Mindanao chief but his appointment was deferred pending the probe on his alleged violation of the military code of ethics.

Angue had claimed that the promotion system is politicized and that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is meddling in the giving of posts. He claimed that PMA class ’79 members, especially those who served as Gazmin’s subordinates, benefited from the favoritism in the promotion system.