Rebels bare hardships in mountain

“WE THOUGHT joining the New People’s Army (NPA) will change our life. But nothing happened.”

These were the words of Gevion Balamban, a rebel returnee and a youth leader operating at Cabanglasan area in Bukidnon.

Balamban said they joined rebellion because their life in the mountains was hard even before the NPA came.

He said they trusted the NPA to change their life.

“Until we join, many lives of my relatives were wasted (killed),” he said.

Balamban was one of the 47 NPA rebels who surrendered to government authorities last week. They were presented to Bukidnon Governor Alex Calingasan on Thursday in Malaybalay City.

Balamban said they decided to surrender and return to the government after realizing that whatever they do, their lives would still be the same.

“We think that it is best to surrender because whatever we do, we are still the same and we are just treated as a ‘money-making’ tool by the rebels,” he said.

The 47 NPA rebels who surrendered are comprised of 12 regular members and 35 Militia ng Bayan. Of the number, 27 belong to the Umayamnon tribe operating under Nestor Manlahag in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon; while 17 operated under Rene Dal-anay in San Fernando, Bukidnon (Tigwahanon/Matigsalog Tribe).

Three of them were previously operating under Johnny Boy Masandong Andin-o also in San Fernando, Bukidnon.

The rebels surrendered at least 43 various firearms and explosives that include a Grand Rifle caliber 30, carbine, caliber 45 pistol, caliber 38 revolver, caliber 22 revolver, rifle 7.62 M14 improvise, rifle springfield, rifle caliber 22, homemade shotgun, hand grenade and improvised explosive device.

Calingasan said at least 276 rebels have already surrendered in Bukidnon, while the Provincial Government has released financial assistance amounting to P3.4 million.

He said the rebel-returnees will be given financial assistance, despite the effects of low internal revenue allotment (IRA) of the Provincial Government.

“We want them (rebel returnees) to see that the local and National Government expressed sincerity to help their situation and that we want to help them alleviate their lives especially those who are living in the mountains,” Calingasan said.

Lieutenant General Arthur Tabaquero of the Eastern Mindanao Command said he hoped that other local governments will follow what Calingasan has done in obtaining peace.

“We hope that our occasion today will facilitate the further strengthening of community and convergence in the aspect of helping out our constituents and attain a meaningful life, a society that provides them an opportunity to succeed in their chosen endeavor. I hope it will not just end on helping our brother returnees who return to the government,” Tabaquero said during Thursday’s presentation of the NPA rebels.

“After this ceremony, the most important thing is to look after how they are properly integrated back to their community so that they can immediately start building their lives and will no longer become susceptible to manipulation and exploitation of the communist terrorist,” Tabaquero added.

Earlier, Colonel Romeo R. Gapuz, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the large number of surrenderees will surely have a negative impact on the NPA’s morale.

“While the NPAs are celebrating their anniversary and flaunting their ‘empty’ successes against the Filipino people, their comrades here in Bukidnon are surrendering and denouncing this rebel group who duped them. Because of this, we believe there will be more NPA rebels who will go down the mountains as they all realize that their government is truly working for the Filipino people,” he said.

Meanwhile, at least 79 rebel returnees under Benjamin “Ka Nonong” Salusad who surrendered last November were also recognized during the activity after they have finished a training on March 8.

The former rebels are now members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit guarding their areas in San Fernando, Bukidnon.

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Michael Andrew W. Yu | SunStar.Com.Ph | March 30, 2012 | Article Link

5 injured in cruise ship fire off Tubbataha - Philippine Navy

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines -- (UPDATE 3 - 1:55 p.m.) At least five passengers were injured when a fire struck a cruise ship off Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park between Palawan and Panay islands, authorities said Saturday.

The Philippine Coast Guard and Naval Forces West have dispatched several vessels to assist the Azamara Quest, which was reported to have 600 passengers, mostly Americans and Europeans, and a crew of 121 Filipinos.

Benito Ramos, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and Eugene Cabrera, chief of the Office of Civil Defense for the Mimaropa region, said the Coast Guard received an emergency call from the ship around 7 a.m.

Cabrera described the fire as "minor."

The 30,000-gross ton, 181-meter long vessel was sailing from Manila to Indonesia.

"Our information is that the fire is under control but the ship needs to evacuate five injured passengers," Navforwest’s Commander Joseph Rostum Pena said.

The information belied an earlier travel alert posted on the website of cruise operator Azamara Club Cruises that none of the passengers had been hurt.

Cabrera said one of the injured passengers was in "unstable" condition. The rest sustained minor injuries.

The 570th Composite Air Wing also scrambled an aircraft to track down the vessel, which had reported it position at 45 nautical miles northeast of Mapun Island. Cabrera said the Coast Guard in Palawan plotted the ship at 140 miles from Sandakan, Malaysia.

Among the vessels on the way to the ship are PS31 and two vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources from Zamboanga City, PG118 from Tawi-Tawi, Mpac from Jolo, and PG392 from Palawan.

Ramos and said the Coast Guard has also dispatched the BRP Edsa and BRP Romblon.

Cabrera said the ship's operators have also chartered a Malaysian tugboat to tow the vessel in case efforts to restore propulsion fail.

Pena said they also alerted the YL Fishing Company, which had a vessel plotted in the vicinity of the distressed ship, to help with the rescue efforts.

In its travel alert, Azamara Club Cruises said the fire broke out onboard the Azamara Quest around 8:19 p.m. Friday ship time and was quickly extinguished.

“There were no injuries of guests reported and the atmosphere aboard is calm,” the company claimed.

“The ship is still located 200 miles off the coast of Balikpapan, (Borneo), Indonesia, in calm seas,” the company said, adding engineers had restored power to one of the engines, restoring air conditioning, running water, plumbing and refrigeration, but that “the ship does not have propulsion capabilities at this time.”

The Azamara Quest was on a 17-night sailing that departed Hong Kong Monday, March 26, with scheduled port calls to Manila, Balikpapan (Borneo), Palapo (Sulawesi), Benoa Bali, Semarang and Komodo, Indonesia and ending in Singapore on Thursday, April 12, it said.

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Elmer Badilla and Abigail Kwok | InterAksyon.com | March 31, 2012 | Article Link

NPA rebels torch road building equipment in Davao Sur

BANSALAN, Davao del Sur—A group of armed men claiming to be members of the New People’s Army set on fire heavy equipment owned by a Chinese road construction company here on Friday, the police said Saturday.

Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz, Bansalan police chief, said the armed men arrived in Barangay Dolo around 2 p.m. Friday and declared they were NPA guerrillas.  They then doused a backhoe owned by CNQC-Quingjian Group of Companies, which is rehabilitating the Bansalan-Kidapawan national highway, with gasoline and set it on fire.

It was the second attack on the Chinese construction company.

In November, NPA rebels also burned road-building equipment owned by the company.

Driz said the attacks on CNQC-Quingjiang might have been due to the rebels’ failure to extort money from the company.

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Orlando B. Dinoy | Inquirer Mindanao | March 31, 2012 | Article Link

Philippines to build pier in disputed Spratlys

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will "exercise territorial sovereignty" and build a pier in the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea, officials said Friday, March 30.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it would build the pier on the largest of the 5 Philippine-occupied islands, known as Thitu, but which it calls Pag-asa.

The Philippines, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei have competing claims over large parts of the South China Sea including the Spratly islands.

The territorial dispute over the waters, which are believed to sit atop vast deposits of gas and oil, has for decades been regarded as one of Asia's potential military flashpoints.

"What is ours is ours. Pag-asa Island is ours... The Philippines exercises territorial sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (Philippine-claimed areas of the South China Sea)," the department said in a statement.

"The construction of a pier on Pag-asa Island is a clear exercise of Philippine sovereignty."

Filipino troops occupy 5 Spratly islands including Thitu, grouping them as a town called "Kalayaan" or Freedom.

Tensions over the reputedly oil- and gas-rich territory have risen in recent months with the Philippines accusing China of aggressive actions.

This has included an incident where Chinese vessels fired on Filipino fishermen and harassed an oil exploration vessel in its waters.

Basic needs

The Filipino mayor of the Kalayaan group, Eugene Bito-onon, told AFP several government agencies had agreed to develop the pier on 37-hectare Thitu, which hosts about 60 Filipino civilians as well as troops.

Most of the residents' food and other needs have to be shipped or flown in.

The cost and timetable for the project have not been finalized but Bito-onon said construction of a harbour will allow equipment and materials to be rolled off ships.

"Once we have the pier, we can unload equipment for the improvement of the airstrip and the construction of other facilities and even tourists," he said.

Thitu lies about 450 kilometers northwest of Palawan island, the nearest major Philippine landmass. China's closest big landmass is Hainan island, more than 900 kilometers away.

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Agence France-Presse  | Rappler.Com | March 30, 2012 | Article Link

Philippine, Chinese ships face off near Spratlys

A senior Philippine military officer has revealed that Philippine and Chinese naval ships faced off near the disputed islands in the South China Sea in mid-March.

The military officer told NHK that a Chinese naval vessel approached a Philippine naval frigate on patrol in waters near the Spratly Islands.

The officer said tensions mounted between the 2 ships when they remained so close for some time as to be able to visually confirm each other's existence.

The officer said the face-off ended when the Chinese vessel left the scene.

The Philippines and China have territorial disputes over the Spratlys. The Philippines is conducting oil explorations in the waters called the Reed Bank near the islands. The country claims that the waters are within its exclusive economic zone. However, China strongly disputes this, arguing that the waters are within its EEZ.

Meanwhile, another Philippine military officer said his country agreed with Vietnam to stage a joint military exercise near the Spratlys.

Vietnam is also engaging in territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The Philippines and Vietnam are apparently boosting their military collaboration to keep China in check.

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NHK World (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) | March 30, 2012 | Article Link

Manila offers U.S. wider military access, seeks weapons

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is offering the United States greater access to its airfields and may open new areas for soldiers to use, as the Pacific country seeks stronger military ties with its closest ally, moves likely to further raise tensions with China.

In exchange for opening its bases, the Philippines will ask Washington for more military equipment and training, including a another Hamilton-class warship and possibly a squadron of old F-16 jet fighters, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told Reuters on Thursday.

"As part of building up our minimum credible defence posture, we would like the Americans to come more often," del Rosario said in an interview at his office near Manila Bay.

Manila favours more frequent joint military drills, he said. One such exercise, which will be staged on western island Palawan for the first time, is scheduled for April 16.

"Let's have these joint training exercises more frequently and on a bigger scale. As many times as we can, in different places if we can, that's the objective of the exercise," del Rosario said, the first official confirmation of talks between the countries on increasing the U.S. military presence in the Philippines.

Disputes in the South China Sea are Southeast Asia's biggest security concern after a series of naval clashes over the vast region believed to be rich in energy reserves.
Chinese navy ships threatened to ram a Philippine research vessel last March, prompting Manila to scramble planes and ships to the area. After that, Philippine President Benigno Aquino started building closer ties with Washington, which has signalled a military "pivot" back to Asia.

Del Rosario said the possible purchase of F-16s and the request for a third cutter for the coast guard would be among issues up for discussion at a meeting between the two sides on April 30 in Washington.

The U.S. is also looking into gaining access, under a "joint use" arrangement, to around half a dozen civilian airfields in the Philippines, where U.S. transports, fighters and spy planes can land for repairs, refuelling and temporary deployment.

The talks, between among foreign and defence leaders, will precede a meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and Philippine President Benigno Aquino later this year.

Intelligence partners
 
In the last 10 years, the Philippines has received about 22 billion pesos ($512.22 million) in U.S. military aid, Del Rosario said.

Washington is Manila's closest and only strategic security partner, since the two countries signed a mutual defence treaty six years after the Philippines won its independence from the United States.

Del Rosario said he welcomed closer intelligence cooperation in the South China Sea, after the U.S. last year proposed deploying P3C Orion reconnaissance planes to patrol disputed areas of the South China Sea.

"I think any method of cooperation that will provide us additional intelligence in terms of maritime domain awareness is good for us. The more information, the better," he said.
Australia said on Wednesday it could allow U.S. spy flights to operate from a remote Indian Ocean island.

Manila hopes China will not feel threatened by its increased defence cooperation with Washington.

"We expressed our satisfaction when China was in the process of building up its military, increasing its military budget," Del Rosario said.

"We expect that China, in the same way, would be happy to be able to see the Philippines trying to, in some measure, build up its own capabilities to be able to protect its own sovereignty."

The United States deploys about 600 commandos in the southern Philippine. Del Rosario said it was possible there would be an increase in the number of U.S. troops, aircraft and ships visiting the Philippines, but the two sides were not discussing setting up permanent U.S. bases in the country.

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Manuel Mogato & Rosemarie Francisco | Reuters | ABS-CBNNews.Com | March 30,2012 | Link

Soldier killed in clash with NPA in N. Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines — An Army private was killed in a firefight between government troops and New People’s Army rebels in Magpet town, North Cotabato, the military said Friday.

Colonel Leopoldo Galon of the Eastern Mindanao Command said the identity of the slain soldier was withheld until his kin were notified.

Troops from the Alpha Company of the  57th Infantry Battalion were conducting security patrol at Bagumbayan village when they encountered an undetermined number of rebels led by a certain Totoy Dako  at 11:45 a.m. Thursday.

The rebels fled with their casualties after the encounter which lasted for over an hour, he said.

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Frances Mangosing | INQUIRER.net | March 30, 2012 | Article Link

45 rebels in Bukidnon surrender

CAGAYAN DE ORO -- Forty-five rebels belonging to three different units of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon voluntarily surrendered to the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade last week.

The rebels are set to be presented to Bukidnon Governor Alex Calingasan at the Kaamulan Amphitheater in Malayabalay City, Bukidnon at 2 p.m. today (Thursday).

The rebels reportedly surrendered themselves to Colonel Romeo R. Gapuz, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, in time for the NPA’s 43rd anniversary.

Gapuz said the large number of surrenderees will surely have a negative impact on the NPA’s morale.

“While the NPAs are celebrating their anniversary and flaunting their ‘empty’ successes against the Filipino people, their comrades here in Bukidnon are surrendering and denouncing this rebel group who duped them. Because of this, we believe there will be more NPA rebels who will go down the mountains as they all realize that their government is truly working for the Filipino people,” he said.

Of the 45 NPA rebels who surrendered, 27 are indigenous people belonging to the Umayamnon tribe who were members of the Mamerto Bagani Command under Guerrilla Front (GF) 89.

Guerilla Front 89 is led by Gevion D. Balanban alias “Oto” and “Salin Ubod” operating within the areas of northern Bukidnon and Upper Pulangi.

The other surrenderees belonged to a group led by Rene Mansayluan Dal-anay alias “Taruc” and “Yoyoy” under the Boyboy Roa Command operating in San Fernando, Bukidnon.

The rebels turned over 33 low-powered firearms, five assorted high-powered firearms and several improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Gapuz said the surrender has reduced the total strength and firepower of the NPAs.

“With this number of rebels who just surrendered, GF 89 and GF 6’s total strength and firepower was reduced which has significantly weakened the enemy’s capability to conduct high-impact offensives against the government troops and economic sabotage. 

But even with this noteworthy accomplishment, we assure everyone that the 403rd Infantry Brigade will continue its military operations to pursue other members of the said guerrilla front so that we could finally dismantle this group and free our area from enemy influence and threat,” Gapuz said.

“I also appeal to the local populace to cooperate with us and give us valuable information that is relevant in accomplishing our mission,” he added. 

The surrender was reportedly made possible through the effective working relationship and coordination of the 403rd IB, 4th Infantry Division (4ID), local government of Bukidnon, tribal leaders of Bukidnon, and the Philippine National Police.

Major General Victor A. Felix, commander of the 4ID, welcomed the development as a triumph not only for the Armed Forces and the government but for the whole Filipino nation as well.

“I am glad these rebels have already realized the futility of the ideology they are fighting for and the issues that they have been complaining before were already addressed and answered,” Felix said.

“What is best to do now is for all the stakeholders to continue working for the success of our IPSP (Internal Peace and Security Plan) Bayanihan in order to achieve the lasting peace we have been dreaming of. I encourage everybody to take an active part in this endeavor so that significant development in our country could set in,” he added.

He said the 4ID is happy to welcome their brothers and sisters who have finally decided to return to the folds of the government.

“We know they have led a difficult life while they were still in the mountains fighting against the government. It is about time that they give up their arms and start living a normal life back to their loved ones and families,” Felix said.

The surrenderees will receive financial and livelihood assistance from the province through its local integration program, while other benefits and privileges will still be determined by the Joint Validation and Authentication Committee.

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Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Sunnex | March 28, 2012 | Article Link

Still no court-martial for 4 Army officers

Despite the recommendations of an Army panel, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has yet to begin court-martial proceedings against four Army commanders in connection with the Oct. 18, 2011 deaths of 19 soldiers in an encounter with Muslim secessionist rebels in Al Barka, Basilan.

AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa received the panel’s findings at the end of January but he has yet to act on it.

In a phone interview with reporters Wednesday, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista, head of the Army, admitted that the pretrial panel had recommended the case for military trial.

The panel, led by deputy judge advocate general Lieutenant Colonel Liberato Ramos, found enough ground to try four senior officers for negligence and lapses that led to the death of 19 Special Forces troops and the serious injury of 14 others in an encounter with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in Al Barka last October 18.

The officers will be charged with “violation of Article of War 97 or conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline in conjunction with criminal negligence under Article 365 in the Revised Penal Code.”

Colonel Aminkadra Undog is the most senior of those implicated. He is the immediate former head of the Army Special Forces Regiment. Acknowledged for his successes in the field, Undog was decorated for his role in the 2003 capture of notorious Abu Sayyaf bandit leader Commander Robot (real name Galib Andang), who was killed two years later in a prison siege.

The others charged are Colonel Alexander Macario, former head of the Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) Basilan; Lieutenant Colonel Leo Pena, former head of the 4th Special Forces Battalion in charge of the troops deployed that fateful day; and Lieutenant Colonel Orlando Edralin, former commandant of the Special Forces Training School.

Most of the soldiers involved in the encounter had just finished a military scuba training course and were deployed in Basilan for the first time.

A ceasefire between the government and the MILF was in place at the time.

The MILF, which claimed to have lost five men in the eight-hour gun battle, had claimed their fighters raised their weapons because they were not informed about the military’s movements—said to be a police operation in the area.

Last month, the MILF announced it has suspended for three months its deputy commander in Basilan, Dan Laksaw Asnawi, and two other commanders it did identify for the Al Barka clash.

The MILF said it meted the suspension based on the findings of the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) that both the AFP and the MILF were at fault for not observing the ceasefire agreement.

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Dona Z. Pazzibugan | Philippine Daily Inquirer | March 29, 2012 | Article Link

Navy eyes warship building deal with Vietnam

MANILA — The Philippine Navy (PN) plans to send a contingent of Filipino sailors to the Vietnam People's Navy (VPN)'s Naval Shipyard X46 for training on the art of modern warship construction. 

 

Naval Shipyard X46, also known as Hai Long Shipbuilding, is equipped with state-of-the-art shipbuilding equipment and is capable of constructing modern, high-speed warships weighing up to 500 tons.

This proposal came up during PN flag-officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Alexander Pama's visit to Vietnam early this month.

During his visit, the PN chief discussed the proposal with VPN head Admiral Nguyen Van Hien , who was described as very receptive to the proposal.

If the deal push through, PN personnel would gain more knowledge in refurbishing and repairing their naval vessels thus translating to saving as the PN would no longer rely on foreign and commercial dockyards for their maintenance.

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PNA | ZamboTimes.Com | March 28, 2012 | Article Link

Philippines, Vietnam eye Spratlys ‘war games’

The Philippines and Vietnam plan to hold joint naval exercises and patrols along common maritime borders in the West Philippine Sea where the two nations have staked claims to some of the Spratly islands.

The agreement was made during the visit of Philippine Navy officials led by Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Alexander Pama to Vietnam from March 11 to 14.

The territorial claims of the Philippines and Vietnam are up against those of regional giant China, which claims the entire Spratlys island chain.

Pama and his staff met with Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, chief of the Vietnam People’s Navy, and General Do Ba Ty, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army.

“This visit is expected to provide opportunities for the conduct of joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea (northeast of Vietnam) and other common maritime domains following proper diplomatic channels under guidance from the Department of National Defense,” the Philippine Navy said in a statement issued Tuesday.

The two Navy chiefs agreed on standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide interaction between their respective navies in the vicinity of Southeast Cay and the Northeast Cay Island.

Memorandum of Understanding

The SOPs implement a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two Navy chiefs last October.

The Philippines occupies Northeast Cay Island, which it refers to as Parola Island.

It lies 45 kilometers northwest of Pag-asa Island, the biggest of the Philippine-occupied islets in the Spratlys. It is three kilometers north of Vietnam-occupied Southwest Cay Island which the Philippines refers to as Pugad Island.

The Spratly chain of islands is contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei, which have laid claim on parts of the islands, and by China which claims the entire Spratlys.

Pama and his Vietnamese counterpart also discussed the possible establishment of a communication hotline between the operations center of the Philippine Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy covering common areas of naval operations, especially for search and rescue.

“This includes the proposed conduct of joint maritime patrols in these common maritime domains,” the Navy said.

The Vietnam navy chief thanked the Philippine Navy delegation for the recent rescue of 12 Vietnamese fishermen who were found in distress by the Philippine Navy, and another nine fishermen rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard.

Vietnam offered to host Navy-to-Navy talks in the last quarter of this year.

Naval officials from the Philippines and Vietnam also discussed sharing of shipbuilding expertise as Philippine Navy officials were given a tour of Naval Shipyard X46 of the Hai Long Shipbuilding Company.

Navy-to-Navy

The shipyard is “equipped with state of the art shipbuilding and repair yard facilities with the capability to build various kinds of warships and high speed vessels up to 500 tons displacement.”

Pama proposed sending Philippine Navy personnel to train at X46.

Pama was joined by Commodore Joseph Rustom Pena, commander of Naval Forces West stationed in Palawan, and Captain Danilo Rodelas, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for plans (N5).

The naval officials also visited Thailand from March 14 to 17.

They called on the Thai Ministry of Defense, the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

They held exploratory talks on wide avenues of cooperation with proposals of a possible joint exercise and ship visit by the Thai Navy to the Philippines.”

The Philippine Navy officials also visited the Sattahip Naval Base, headquarters of the Royal Thai Navy.

Major General Rustico Guerrero, commandant of Philippine Marine Corps, joined the delegation during the Thai visit.

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Dona Z. Pazzibugan | Philippine Daily Inquirer | March 28, 2012 | Article Link

Best sailor on US command ship is Pinoy

The best sailor on the USS Blue Ridge — the "finest flagship" of the United States — is a Filipino, one of the ship's ranking officials said.

LtJG Clinton Beaird, Public Affairs Officer, said of Filipino Senior Chief Petty Officer Ed Agustin: "He’s the best sailor that we have on board." 

The  USS Blue Ridge is the US Navy's most technologically advanced ship. It is the permanent flagship of the navy's Seventh Fleet.

During Operations  "Desert Storm" and "Desert Shield" in the 1990s, the USS Blue Ridge served as the flagship for the Commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command.

Beaird said Agustin, 47, was one of the 76 Filipinos serving on the USS Blue Ridge. The Filipinos represent about 12 percent of the ship's nearly 1,000 crew members.

Asked by GMA News Online why he was considered as the "best sailor" of USS Blue Ridge, Agustin said, "Dito sa military, nag-eexcel ang mga Pilipino. Kasi karamihan ang mga nagjo-join sa Navy sa US bata pa, 17 or 18 years old. Tayo, [mga Pilipino], nagjo-join mga 24 [years old] na, mature na, mas dedicated na sa trabaho."
 

Agustin, one of the ship's sailors recruited from Subic Bay in the Philippines, said he was in charge of the ship's maintenance.
 

He was born and raised in the Philippines. His family is from Balagtas, Bulacan, and he studied at the University of the East.

Fast facts about the USS Blue Ridge

The USS Blue Ridge is considered as the "finest ship" of the United States Navy, being the most technologically advanced among its fleet. There are approximately 650 Blue Ridge sailors, 350 US 7th Fleet staff , and up to 450 more personnel during exercises aboard USS Blue Ridge. The 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility encompasses more than 48 million square miles. The area includes 35 maritime countries and the world’s five largest foreign armed forces. Half of the world’s population lives within the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. At any given time, there are more than 60 ships, 200 aircraft and 40,000 Navy and Marine Corps personnel assigned to the 7th Fleet.Read more

He said the last time he came home to the Philippines was "two or three years ago. Exciting. I was looking forward to sinangag, diniguan, papaitan."
 

Asked what he liked about working for the US Navy, Agustin said, "Yung retirement is guaranteed. After 20 years makakapag-retire na ako. Wala kang makikitang trabaho na after 20 years pwede ka nang mag-retire. Pwede kang umuwi ng Pilipinas."

Manila: 'A favorite port of sailors'

Captain Daniel Grieco, who assumed command of the USS Blue Ridge in May last year, said: "Manila has long been a favorite port visit for sailors. This visit provides our sailors the opportunity to appreciate  the unique Philippine culture and to experience the sights and sounds of this busy international city."

A decorated officer, Grieco holds master's degrees in Business Administration (from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University) and National Security Affairs and Strategic Studies (from the US Naval War College).

Captain Derek Rey, who was born and raised in the US but whose parents are both Filipinos, said he was looking forward not only to visiting places such as Intramuros or Corregidor but also tasting Pinoy food. 

"I like nilaga, pancit, lumpia — anything you have in birthday parties," Rey said.

Rey said he told his colleagues at the USS Blue Ridge that "the values of the Filipinos are
very much aligned with the Navy and Marine Corps.

"They [Filipinos] value honor, courage, and commitment and hard work. Those are the values that we embody in the military as well," Rey said.

He thinks his colleagues would "feel right at home in the Philippines."

Jen Romnick Escano, a satellite communications operator, was also born and raised in the US to Filipino parents. "My mom is Caviteño but my dad is from Pangasinan."

Escano said, "It’s nice to come back to the mother country."

He said the last time he was in the Philippines, he was "too young." Now he feels he can appreciate the country and its culture even more. "I can’t wait to have balut. A lot of my friends are afraid of balut but I'm not," he said.
All in the "Navie"

Meanwhile, a junior officer, Ensign Maria Josefa Veloria, 25, enlisted in the US Navy as a Logistics Specialist after graduating from the Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.

A daughter of Brig. Gen. Mariano Veloria, Maryjo — Pepay to her family and friends — ranked first out of 800 sailors in Military Excellence.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1979, Gen. Veloria is now the commander of the 53rd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.

Maryjo said out of six siblings, four are in the US Navy. The eldest child in the family, Maryjo said she has been with the US Navy for five years now.

She has visited 34 countries and Dubai was the place she liked best. "Iba po talaga siya sa mga napuntahan ko," Maryjo said.

Her mom Navie, who welcomed her at the Manila South Harbor with her dad, said she was the first "Navie" member of the family.

In jest, their mom said all of her four children followed in her footsteps and chose to become Navy personnel and not an Army man like their father.

First cousin of Migz Zubiri

Meanwhile, gunnery sergeant Elwin Zubiri, 31, a first cousin of former Senator Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, said his job was to be a "liaison between the Navy and the Marine corps."

He said he was the only Filipino marine officer on board the USS Blue Ridge.

Zubiri said he feels a little nervous whenever he hears negative news about the Philippines or its neighboring countries.
 

"There’s still a little bit of, you know, a little bit of nervousness. You’ve got family here, what’s gonna happen?" Zubiri said.

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Veronica Velarde-Pulumbarit | GMA News Online | March 26, 2012 | Article Link

45 rebels yield on eve of NPA anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - Forty-five members of the New People's Army have surrendered to the military in Bukidnon days ahead of the 43rd anniversary of the NPA, an Army official said.

Col. Romeo Gapuz, brigade commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the 45 rebels were led by Rene Dal-anay, 27, also known as Ka Taruc. They will be formally turned over on March 29, on the actual anniversary of the NPA.

Gapuz said the surrenderees are remmants of the Guerilla Front 6, who also turned over assorted firearms that they used while operating in San Fernando town.

"We would like to show to the communist armed group that there is an existing road to peace and prosperity that is built through bayanihan. The soldiers are always willing to support the local government of Bukidnon attain lasting peace by convincing the rest of the NPA rebels to follow the examples of their enlightened comrades," Gapuz said.

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Abigail Kwok | InterAksyon.com | March 28, 2012 | Article Link

Rebel sniper wounded in clash with army

A  member of the New People’s Army (NPA) believed to be the one who shot an army officer in an ambush early this month was wounded in an encounter with government troops Friday last week.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo Sosmena, commanding officer of the
47th Infantry Battalion, two NPA rebels were wounded in the encounter in
Sitio Balas-Balasan, Barangay Manlocahoc in Bacolod City.

It was the second clash between the government troops and the NPA rebels in the area since January this year.

Sosmena said that civilians in the area informed military assets that Ka Ador sustained a gunshot wound in the left shoulder.

He said Ka Ador was identified to be among the NPA rebels who ambushed the team of Lt. Angelo Esguerra while the Army troopers were on their way to a peace and development project in an area adjacent in Cauayan town.

Ka Ador was pinpointed to be the NPA sniper who shot Esguerra who was then riding in the front seat of a military truck.

It can be recalled that Esguerra, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 2010, succumbed to a lone gunshot wound in his left eye and was declared dead on arrival at the Kabankalan hospital.

He was supposed to get married to his pregnant girlfriend right after the graduation of his sibling from the PMA last March 18.

Sosmena said the government troops are still in pursuit of the group of Ka Ador in the area.

He said the NPA rebels are in a quandary how they can bring their wounded comrades to the hospital.

Army checkpoints were put up along the national highway from this city to check on vehicles coming out from the area.

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 SunStar.Com.Ph | March 28, 2012 | Article Link

Philippine Navy eyes joint maritime exercises with Thai, Vietnamese counterparts

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy plans to hold joint maritime exercises with its Vietnamese and Thai counterparts as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the navies of neighboring Asian countries, a military spokesman said.

Lieutenant Colonel Omar Tonsay disclosed this following the visit of a Philippine Navy delegation led by its chief, Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, to Vietnam on March 11-14 and Thailand on March 14-17.

The Philippine delegation toured the Naval Shipyard X46 or the Hai Long Shipbuilding Co. in Vietnam, which is equipped with state-of-the-art shipbuilding and repair facilities and which is capable of building warships and military vessels, Tonsay said.

“This visit is expected to provide opportunities for the conduct of joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea (northeast of Vietnam) and other common maritime domains following proper diplomatic channels under guidance from the Department of National Defense,” Tonsay said.

“Sharing of shipbuilding expertise is clearly seen as one possible area for cooperation during this tour,” Tonsay added. The delegation, he said, suggested possible training for Philippine Navy personnel at the X46 shipyard.

Likewise, the leaders of the two navies discussed a proposal to establish a communication hotline between the operations centers of the Philippine Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) especially for search-and-rescue operations.

Pama and VPN’s commander in chief, Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, also signed the standard operating procedure regarding interactions among Philippine and Vietnamese navies’ personnel in the vicinity of Southeast Cay and the Northeast Cay Island, located between the two countries.

Nguyen offered to host the first “Navy to Navy Talks” with the Philippines in Vietnam in the last quarter of 2012, the Philippine Navy spokesman said.

“The visit paved the way for continued Staff to Staff Talks and exchange of visits between the Philippine Navy and VPN, which is hoped to sustain the active engagements of the Philippine Navy and the VPN and effectively address maritime security issues in common maritime domains,” Tonsay added.

In Thailand, Pama and other delegation members met with the Thai Ministry of Defense and held exploratory talks on avenues of cooperation for the Philippine Navy and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). Joint maritime exercises and ship visits by the Thai Navy to the Philippines were also discussed.

Likewise, the RTN also committed to host Navy to Navy Talks to further discuss matters that will strengthen the bilateral activities of both navies.

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Katherine Evangelista | INQUIRER.net | March 27, 2012 | Article Link

AFP coordinates with nearby countries on NoKor’s planned missile launch

MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Monday they are closely coordinating with neighboring countries and international organizations to gather information about North Korea’s planned missile launch.

“We are continuously networking and liaising, [in the] sharing of information with concerned international bodies as to the [flight] path [of the rocket] and other essential information that we can obtain pertaining to the planned rocket launch of North Korea,” Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, AFP spokesperson said in a press briefing.

He said the AFP’s defense attache to South Korea was already consulting and coordinating with counterparts from South Korea, the United States (US) and other countries.

North Korea had said that the rocket will be launched to put a satellite into orbit. The rocket will have two stages that will jettison from the main rocket, the first is expected to fall into the international waters between China and South Korea and the second stage is expected to splash down 190 kilometers east of northern Philippines.

Japan and South Korea have warned that they will shoot down the rocket if it threatens their territories, while the US and the United Nations warned that the launch could jeopardize the humanitarian food aid being delivered to the country.

“Our paramount concern is the safety and security of our citizens in this country, we need to get accurate information where the [splash down of the second stage] area will be, which area will be affected, what the flight path will be, our course of action will depend on all of this,” Burgos said.

A jettisoned rocket stage is known to disintegrate as it burns while falling through the atmosphere but Burgos said that “it’s better to be prepared, security is the paramount concern of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

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Matikas Santos | INQUIRER.net | March 26, 2012 | Article Link

Army private sacrifices life to save his platoon in NPA ambush

MANILA, Philippines - It may seem like a footnote in the avalanche of statistics about the four-decade communist insurgency in the country, but for 29 Army soldiers, Private First Class Edel Llamas, who died saving them, will always be more than just a name.

Llamas, a member of the 83rdInfantry Battalion, on Monday sacrificed himself in order to save the soldiers who were ambushed by more than 20 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Balatohan, San Miguel, Catanduanes.

The brave Army private did this by providing cover from his submachinegun, despite being pinned down by enemy fire, in order to allow his fellow soldiers to leave their truck safely as the ambushers did their worst.

“He selflessly sacrificed to save 29 lives,” Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesman of the 9th Infantry Division, said in a phone interview.

He said Llamas’s group was ambushed at around 1:30 p.m. while on board a military truck on their way home to camp. They had gone on a security patrol on information that the NPA was planning to bomb the hydroelectric power plant located in Barangay Solong.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), usually conducts a series of tactical attacks against government forces and private and government facilities in the run-up to its anniversary. It marks its 43rd founding anniversary on March 29.

According to Guzman, Llamas’s group was pinned down at the ambush site where the rebels had a vantage point.

“He was not wounded yet when he repeatedly shouted to his fellow soldiers to find a way to get out from killing zone. Ang paulit-ulit na isinisigaw niya ay ‘Baba na, baba na, ako na bahala ditto [he kept shouting, get down, get down; I’ll handle this]’ as he fired his K3 submachine gun against the ambushers,” Guzman said.

He said the military truck was crippled by at least two landmines that were detonated by rebels, who also simultaneously fired upon it.

“PFC Llamas provided suppressive fire against the rebels with his K3 sub-machinegun despite under heavy enemy fires. This brave act allowed the rest of the platoon to unload the truck then engage the NPA rebels in firefight before the rebels retreated,” Lt. Col. Rod Batang, commanding officer of the 83rd ID, said in a statement.

While scrambling for cover, PFC Elisio Gran was hit in his right leg and is recuperating at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center in Virac, Catanduanes.

Llamas, however, was not as lucky.

“He is a hero. He died saving his platoon, He died serving his country,” said Maj. Gen. Josue Gaverza, commander of the 9th ID, referring to Llamas.

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Jaime Sinapit | InterAksyon.com | March 26, 2012 | Article Link

Simply called 'Pepay,' Filipina on USS Blue Ridge symbolizes excellence

MANILA, Philippines - Ensign Maria Josefa D. Veloria, a Filipina born of a Filipino father and mother, and who credits her disciplined upbringing with her distinguished record in the US Navy, is part of the crew of the USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) that docked Friday at the Manila Harbor for a four-day visit.

Fondly called “Pepay” by her family and relatives, Veloria was enlisted in the United States Navy as a Logistics Specialist and graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, ranking first out of 800 sailors in Military Excellence.

Her first sea tour was onboard the USS Benfold (DDG 65) home-ported in San Diego, California where she served as Financial Specialist and later sent to the University of San Diego to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, graduating as a cum laude.

In 2010 she extended her studies in Paris, France.

Veloria is currently a Surface Warfare Officer onboard the USS Blue Ridge (LCC19) stationed in Yokosuka, Japan where she is managing a division of 40 personnel and is in charge of the ship’s Search and Rescue Program.

The eldest of six children, Pepay was born June 14, 1986. Living on their own inside a military camp, the family learned to survive without any house help, with all the children doing the household chores, washing the dishes, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, ironing the clothes.

When the children migrated to the United States, their independence proved to be very helpful and useful as they lived on their own tending to themselves. According to the mother, Maryjo very much admired the women in uniform. She was very hands-on, she loves order, she loves talking care and looking after her siblings----a very responsible child indeed.

It is a bit intriguing how Pepay joined the Navy along with three of her other siblings. The other four of the six children also joined the US Navy: Maria Christina, to be commissioned this May, finished at the top of her class, also a Nursing degree holder; Michael Jomari taking up Engineering at the University of San Diego; Gabriel on his 1st year as Cadet in the USNA or United States Naval Academy and a Commandant’s Lister; Maria Luzviminda, currently waiting for her Naval Academy appointment.

Mom’s called ‘Navie’

Could it be a sign or is it coincidental enough that even their mother’s name, Navie Veloria, resembles that of the branch of military service they belong to? Probably yes.

The children had very different dreams and very different plans for their future until they went to the mall one day and in jest walked into one of the recruitment centers for the United States Armed Forces or USAF. Right then and there they recognized that what they really want for themselves can be given by the USAF. They took the exam, passed it, and enlisted themselves in the United States Armed Forces, later joining the United States Navy. 

Accident, coincidence or perhaps a blessing in disguise? Probably all.

Pepay wanted to be the best of what she can be and she thinks that goal can be achieved by serving in the US Navy, at the same time fulfilling her dreams by serving in the military. In their early life, the mother had encouraged the children to try to look at their father as their hero. Their father, Brigadier General Mariano Veloria AFP, of PMA Class ’79, is currently the Brigade Commander of the 53rd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.

The success of Pepay and her other siblings is an example of how hard work, dedication, self-discipline, a clear and right mindset can make one’s dreams come true. 

US Navy carrier docks in Manila harbor

The battleship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) arrived and docked Friday at Pier 15 at the Manila harbor.

The military said it was to stay in the country for four days amid the brewing regional security and stability conflict in disputed Spratly Islands located in between the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.

Its arrival also comes amid debates on whether seeking expanded US military presence would be good for the Philippines as North Korea ratchets up the tension with its plan to launch a satellite atop a long-range missile next month in honor of its founder Kim Il-Sung.

The UN Security Council and the US have condemned such satellite launches as a cover for developing missiles that could be used to deliver nuclear weapons.

Commissioned on November 14, 1970, the carrier is the lead ship of two Blue Ridge-class command ships of the US Navy which primary role is to provide command, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) support to the commander and staff of the Seventh Fleet.

According to Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay, the ship has on board 36 officers and 442 enlisted personnel commanded by Capt. Daniel Grieco.

No to bases, but yes to VFA: Aquino

President Benigno Aquino III has thumbed down a possible return of US bases in the country but he agrees to the increase of visiting US forces as his administration rushes to modernize the war materiel of the Armed Forces for territorial defense.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said they have at least 138 modernization projects which include upgrade capability and acquisition of modern naval and air assets due for signing on July.

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Jaime Sinapit | InterAksyon.com | March 25, 2012 | Article Link