The headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in South Harbor, in Manila visited by Philippine Navy (PN) flag officer in command, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo on Tuesday, This September 29 as a gesture of affirming stronger interagency cooperation.
Philippine Nvy Chief, FOIC Vice Adm. Giovannni Bacordo and PCG Commandant Adm. George Ursabia shows its H145 Helicopter PCG Photo
Bacordo met with PCG commandant and fellow member of PMA "Hinirang Class of 1987, Adm. George Ursabia Jr., along with the members of his staff and discussed successful collaborations and plans especially in the conduct of maritime law enforcement all over the country.
The PCG commandant underscored the significance of this visit as an avenue "to have a good working relationship, to promote a better working relationship… For we work in a common environment and that is the maritime environment".
"Even though we (the PCG) are a separate outfit we still want to converge with our former mother, the Philippine Navy", added Ursabia in citing another important purpose of this visit. PCG was a major unit of the PN from 1967 until its transfer to the then Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC now DOTr) in 1998.
For his part, Navy chief Bacordo pointed out that the country needs "a strong maritime sector because we are an archipelagic country this collaboration now with the Coast Guard and the Navy is going into that direction."
This visit came a day after the courtesy call of the newly assumed director of the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC), PCG Commo. Roy Echeverria on the Navy chief.
These engagements aimed to strengthen ties between the two agencies as they share the responsibility of monitoring and defending the countrys maritime domain as they strengthen ties towards enhancing governance in the countrys maritime domain.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
The Two gas platforms Nido and Matinloc, located in Malampaya, Northwest of Palawan was visited by The Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy (FOIC, PN), Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, visited on Saturday, September 26, 2020.
FOIC Vice Adm. Bacordo Inspect the Retired Gas PlatForm in Malampaya, Palawan Philippine Navy Photo
Before the inspection, the navy chief visited the headquarters of Joint Task Force (JTF) Malampaya in El Nido, Palawan where he was accorded with a Foyer Honor upon his arrival and met all personnel assigned there. Naval Forces West commander, Commo. Renato David and 3rd Marine Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Nestor Herico also joined the said activity.
Transported by naval helicopter AW109, the FOIC was accompanied by JTF Malampaya commander, Navy Captain Donn Anthony Miraflor, and Naval Staff for C4ISR, Capt. Marcos Imperio.
Vice Admiral Bacordo said "This inspection intends to look at the viability of these retired gas platforms to be converted to observation posts for Recto Bank and Malampaya gas platform. This will further enhance our capability to protect our maritime interests in these strategic locations."
The Department of Energy (DOE) last year ceased the over 40 years of production operations of these two gas fields. The transfer of ownership of these platforms was offered by the DOE in several meetings of the National Task Force in the West Philippine Sea. It is the DNDs position to acquire said platforms and expeditiously transfer it to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The AFP plans to convert the two retired gas platforms into a PN Littoral Monitoring Stations (LMS). The platforms location is deemed to be strategic and vital due to its proximity to Recto Bank, Malampaya and Galoc Gas Fields. The Malampaya Gas Field is located 820 meters deep, 80 kms off the coast of Palawan which falls under the area of responsibility of Naval Forces West.
The future LMS of the Philippine Navy is a welcome addition to the Navys improving capabilities to better serve our maritime nation especially in its critical location near the nation’s source of natural gas.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger× Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
The Philippine Army's 549th Engineer “KAPAYAPAAN” Battalion, 54th Engineer “SARANGAY” Brigade, had deployed its engineering capabilities on September 04, 2020 at the Municipality of South Upi, Maguindanao.
549th Engr. Battalion , 54th Engr. Brigade Construction and Transport Vehicle Philippine Army Photo
To be able to Rehabilitate Farm-to-Market Road Projects from Barangay Itaw to Barangay San Jose for a total of 7.5 kilometers and from Barangay Sitio Guila-guila, Barangay Kuya to Barangay San Jose for a total of 14 kilometers.
According to the Engineering Battalion Fb page. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed to formalize the projects by Lt. Col. LORVINA N LAMUG CE (GSC) PA, Acting Commanding Officer, 549th ECB, 54th EBde, PA; Lt. Col. CHARLIE C BANAAG INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, 6IB, 6ID, Philippine Army and Honorable Reynalbert O Insular, Municipal Mayor of South Upi, Maguindanao.
The rehabilitation of the roads will link the 3 barangays for the residential district to have an easy access road in transporting their local farm products in the nearby towns and markets.
The Battalion sent the Bravo Company, led by its Commanding Officer, 1LT FRANK J ANZALE (CE) PA at Sitio Guila-guila and Charlie Company, headed by its Officer-In-Charge, 1LT JEFFRIL D VALENCIA (CE) PA at Barangay Itaw.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
The Philippine Air Force, is set to acquire 21 used Bell UH-1H helicopters from South Korea, to bolster its fleets of rotary wing.
According to the chief of Philippine Air Force’s Air Mobility Command, Major General Simeon Felix, He announced the acquisition plan at the 68th anniversary of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing on Thursday this September 24.
So far, the chief did not provide any details for planned acquisition.
The UH-1H bell helicopters of South Korea are being officially retired from service on July 31st Republic of Korea Air force Photo
According to Foreign news reports stated that the South Korea Bell UH-1H helicopters are officially retired from service since July this year 2020.
A senior official replied when ask about the planned acquisition of the said helicopters, he said that the helicopter acquisition from South Korea was still being negotiated.
As well as the acquisition would also need the app
As you can see The 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing through its Huey and Bell 412E P combat utility helicopters, can performs air transport, limited close air support, and also casualty evacuation operations. roval of the United States, where the said helicopters are originated, according to the senior official.
The said Tactical unit is currently gearing up to accept a brand new aircraft. Which are expected to receive the first half dozen units of brand new S-76i Black Hawk helicopters within the fourth quarter of 2020. the Major General said.
The government of Philippine had ordered 16 units of Sikorsky Black Hawk S-70i helicopters worth Php12 billion pesos. and the other remaining 10 units of Black Hawks are expected to be delivered by 2021.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger× Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
The Armor Division "Pambato" was officially visited by The Commanding General of The Philippine Army This September 24, 2020 at Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.
M113A2 shows its RCWS at the Re-Certification Of The Army Governance Pathway. Philippine Army Photo
The awarding of the unit’s Re-Certification of the Army Governance Pathway (AGP) was led by Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana together with Armor Division Commander Major General Robert Dauz, The awarding was Institutionalized Status, attaining a 98.05% rating for the Armies "Pambato" Armor Division.
The Armor “Pambato” Division, which is The One of the Philippine Army’s Major Unit, is a combined arms organization consist of tanks, cavalry and mechanized infantry deployed all over the archipelago.
During the talk to the troops, the CGPA commended the mounted troops for supporting the enforcement operations that resulted in the apprehension of criminals, recovery of several firearms and anti-personnel mines, and as well as their participation in various community support programs.
“With us in the profession of arms, the challenge to resolve conflicts lie on our soldiers. But we should understand that the security challenges that we are facing cannot be resolved through arms and ammunition alone.”
“Uphold the Army’s core values of honor, patriotism, and duty, with emphasis on patriotism. Always remember that you are ARMOR – Alert and Reinvigorated Military Organization Responding to challenges.” said Lieutenant General Sobejana, at the awarding of Re-Certification of the Army Governance Pathway.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) now working for its next acquisition projects, which is to acquire 40 more floating assets. And This includes offshore patrol vessels, same as the worlds biggest aluminum offshore patrol vessel The BRP Gabriela Silang.
PCG shows its Floating Assets including its BRP Gabreila Silang Phil. Coast Guard Photo
According to The Philippine Coast Guard commandant, Admiral George Ursabia, He said that they are working on the acquisition of a total of 44 water crafts.
“The PCG is working on the acquisition of approximately 40 medium-sized floating assets and four more offshore patrol vessels (OPV) similar to the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) to further improve the performance of its mandates,” Philippine Coast Guard commandant said.
BRP Gabriela Silang is the newest and the biggest floating asset of the Coast Guard by now. With the length of 83.6 meters the offshore patrol vessel can be used for recovery operations and search and rescue, maritime law enforcement and maritime surveillance.
The ship can also be utilized to respond to marine environmental pollution like oil spills using its containerized anti-pollution equipment.
As of now, it is currently used as a transport for our local stranded individuals and medical supplies from Metro Manila to other provinces in the country.
The PCG commandant mentioned that aside from acquiring more floating assets, they are also looking to have their own naval architects to maintain the command’s fleet.
“It is but logical for us to have our own competent naval architects to ensure that proper care will be given to these very expensive government assets.” PCG Commandant said.
“We are also into vessel safety. It is high time for us to address the competence for our port state control officers by having experienced naval architects in our pool of manpower.” PCG Commandant said.
On September 21, According to a news report. Five naval architects took oath to begin their service at the Coast Guard.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
A Passing Exercise (PASSEX) is conducted for the The Philippine Navy (PN) frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) at the vicinity of Fuga Island in Aparri, Cagayan, This September 22, 2020. It was welcomed by PN vessel, BRP Quezon (PS70) to provide an escort for the vessel.
FA-50 low passing over FF-150 BRP Jose Rizal in The Passing Exercise (PASSEX) Phil. Navy Photo
The Philippine Frigate FF150 has reached the Philippine waters from its stopover in Guam following its successful participation in the world re-known pacific exercise, The RIMPAC20 in Hawaii.
The frigate is expected to arrive in the Port of Manila, at Pier 15 of South Harbor, This September 23, 2020.
Its passage through Naval Forces Northern Luzon’s area of responsibility is deemed to be monumental and symbolic as it was able to show the Philippine flag and assert naval presence, particularly in the strategic waters of Batag Island, Benham Rise and Fuga Island.
The FA-50 aircraft also seen its presence after performing its welcome low passing flight, over the Philippine Missile Frigate at the altitude of 300 feet.
This activity is a customary undertaking in order to ensure that vessels and aircraft are able to communicate and cooperate with each other. It is also a form of rendering honors to transiting naval vessels.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
Philippine Air Force receives brand-new Gulfstream G280 used as command-and-control aircraft. it will be assigned in the 220th Airlift Wing of the Philippine Air Force. The aircraft are now used in transport missions based in Mactan, Cebu.
DND Sec. Delfin Lorenzana (Center) and the AFP's High ranking Officials
(from left to right) are all present in G280 turn over ceremony .
Photo taken by : TSg Obinque PAF/PAOAFP
According to the spokesperson of Philippine Air Force Lt. Col. Aristides Galang.
"It will join our other transport aircraft like the (Airbus) C-295, (PT Dirgantara Indonesia) NC-212i and (Lockheed) C-130,"
He said the air force now has sufficient trained pilots and personnel to man the new aircraft.
The brand-new command-and-control aircraft arrived last September 20, 2020 at the Clark Air Base in Angeles, Pampanga. and it was formally turned over the day after to the Philippine Air Force.
The aircrafts inaugural flight is to transport medical supplies and personal protective equipment sets to Davao City.
The G280 is handed over to Philippine officials in Dallas, Texas on September 17, 2020. US Embassy photo
Aside for its transport missions, the aircraft would become part of a system designed for enhanced control of operations through continuous communications, especially during emergencies. the Philippine Air Force spokesperson said.
The contract for the G280 Gulfstream was signed in early 2019 amounting Php2 billion or $37 million. It was acquired through US Foreign Military Sales. And turned over at the Dallas, Texas headquarters of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on September 17, 2020.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger× Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
A sailing demonstration of BRP Gabriela Silang, held by the Philippine Coast Guard at the 25 nautical mile vicinity off the Port of Manila, last September 15, 2020.
DND Sec, PN FOIC and PCG Commandant aboard in OPV-8301 (Photos shared by PCG)
The demonstration activity was witnessed by The Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Philippine Navy, Flag-Officer-In-Command, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo J Bacordo, which welcomed by the PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr.
With the collaboration of Director Jacques Briand of OCEA, requested the PCG's assistance in the conduct of a sailing demonstration to showcase the capabilities of the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) to Secretary Lorenzana and Vice Admiral Bacordo who are planning on the further modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The Offshore Patrol Vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) was built by the OCEA a well known aluminum shipbuilding company which is located in France. The said Vessel is the largest and most advanced aluminum hull offshore patrol vessel in the world.
BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) Docked in the Port of Manila (Photos shared by PCG)
The vessel is designed to meet the demanding mandates of the PCG on maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, maritime security, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection.
It has a length of 84 meters, capable of transporting approximately 500 people at one time, The vessel performs beyond its contractual specification of 20 knots of speed. With a range of 8,000 nautical miles at 15 knots and it has an endurance of up to five weeks of non-stop operations. The vessel has an excellent seakeeping ability and maneuverability, with a comfortable space design.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
What happens to six new A-29 "Super Tucano" close-air support aircraft of the Philippine Air Force made by Embraer Defense and Security?.
Philippine Air Force's A-29b Super Tucano at Embraer's Hangar, Sao Paolo Brazil
According to DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, the Four of the six "Super Tucano" close-air support aircraft, are already landed at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga, on Saturday of September 19, 2020. While the 2 remaining are waiting for clearance to take off by tomorrow morning.
The four aircraft have landed around 1:06 p.m. in Clark Air Base, while the other two are still in New Delhi, India, waiting for its clearance and would be flown to the Philippines at a later date.
The Philippine air force piloted the Super tucanos, flew the aircraft from Sao Paulo, Brazil, where its manufacturer located, and made fueling stops in the Canary Islands, then went to Portugal, Malta, Egypt, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, and Vietnam before landing at Clark Air Base in the Philippines.
It was stated that the original delivery schedule was set in late 2019 but it had been pushed back many times. The reason for this is when the corona virus 2019 pandemic spread like wild fire, causing subsequent travel bans, particularly when the country Super Tucano were made, hit a great number of infected. Resulting PH close air support aircraft skewed its delivery timetables.
As of September 2020 by now. Expect the 6 Super Tucanos are now landed in the Philippine soil, and waiting to be turned over on its new owner, the Philippine Air force. It was said that the aircraft will be formally turned over next week this year 2020.
The six attack planes are part of a Php4.9 billion deal signed by the Philippine government with Embraer in 2017. They were envisioned for deployment for close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception and counterinsurgency operations.
Soon, the aircraft will be part of the Philippine Air Force's 15th Strike Wing, this will be beef up the remaining North American Rockwell O V-10 "Bronco" attack aircraft used by the Air Force in strike missions.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
The Philippine missile frigate (FF-150) BRP Jose Rizal will conduct a "show the flag mission" in Philippine Rise and Fuga Island, in Cagayan province, which is located in the Northern Part of Philippines, before the frigate sailing to Subic Bay, Zambales on September 23 of this year 2020.
U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin M. Langer
According to the Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, when sought for
updates on the missile frigate. After the naval vessel's was scheduled for departure from Guam.
"Latest update, estimated time of arrival, in Subic Bay will be on September 23. (The ship and the 125 contingent aboard) will do a show the flag mission in Benham Rise and near Fuga Island en route to Subic." she said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.
The Philippine Rise which was its previous name Benham Rise has an extinct volcanic ridge located in the Philippine Sea, which is approximately 250 kilometers east of the northern coastline of Dinapigue, Isabela.
Philippine Rise(also known as Benham Rise)
While On the other hand, Fuga Island, which is located in the north of Luzon, and part of the Babuyan Archipelago, is the second-northernmost island group of the Philippines.
"They will (conduct) Passing Exercises from these two areas with designated Navy vessel or aircraft, for now, I don't have the details yet on what assets will be committed for this PASSEX," the PN public affairs office chief said.
Once this mission is completed, all naval personnel will be subjected to swab testing upon arrival at Subic Bay.
"If everything will turn out okay, arrival ceremony will follow."
The Philippine warship BRP Jose Rizal missile frigate has left in Guam, at around 6 p.m. (Guam time) after completing its fuel replenishing.
The vessel arrived in Guam last Wednesday, This is for re-provisioning and re-fuelling after it was left Hawaii on Sept. 4 of this year 2020, on its successful participation in this year's "Rim of the Pacific" or RIMPAC20 exercises which took place August 17 to 31 of 2020.
Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger× Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger×
