Admiral Wilfredo D Tamayo, the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), together with the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Plans, Programs, and International Affairs (CG-5), attended the 5th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) from 27-28 July 2009, held at the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel in Bali, Indonesia,

Prior to the Meeting, side meetings were conducted between PCG and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), PCG and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), and PCG and the Korean Coast Guard (KCG). The meeting between PCG and MMEA was an informal meeting with the purpose of renewing cooperation between the two agencies. Admiral Tamayo and Admiral Datuk Amdan, the MMEA Director General discussed capacity building measures being undertaken by the two agencies. The meeting between PCG and JCG was intended to meet the newly appointed JCG Commandant, Admiral Hisayasu Suzuki. It was also an opportunity for Admiral Tamayo to congratulate the new JCG Commandant and to thank the JCG for the continuous support and cooperation between the two agencies. The meeting between the PCG and KCG was also an opportunity to meet the new KCG Commissioner General Lee, Gil-Beom, and to acknowledge the cooperation between the two agencies. Series of Bi-lateral Meetings between KCG nad PCG are held each year. It will be the PCG’s turn to host the 6th PCG-KCG Bi-lateral Meeting to be held in Manila sometime October this year.

During the HACGAM Session, representatives from Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines made presentations on the capacity building measures being conducted by their respective Coast Guard Agencies.

The PCG’s presentation drew much appreciation from the participants. In particular, the presentation on the establishment of a PCG Academy, which could become an Asian Coast Guard Academy in the future, brought curiosity and interest from a number of representatives. According to Admiral Tamayo, the PCG Academy is envisioned to be a degree-conferring educational institution which offers BS in Marine Transportation, BS in Marine Engineering, and BS in Coast Guard Administration which leads to commissionship in the PCG service. Initially, it will be a two-year curriculum for incoming third year College students and eventually a four year curriculum for High School graduates as entrants.

The PCG has created a Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Establishment of the PCG Academy to make the necessary recommendations. Previous studies on Faculty System, Curriculum, Equipment, and Infrastructures necessary for the PCG Academy are being reviewed and finalized by the TWG. A Project Proposal is expected to be finalized before the end of the year.

At the end of the meeting, a Joint Statement was adopted which agreed to continue the cooperative efforts among the Asian Coast Guard agencies in the spirit of mutual regional interest and to support further the promotion of enhancing capacity building and, where necessary, sharing best practices on the appropriate and effective ways. The Joint Statement also expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia as the host, and for the Nippon Foundation and the Japan Association for Maritime Safety for the preparations towards a successful meeting.

The PCG will continue to take an active role on succeeding HACGAM meetings and initiatives. The China Maritime Safety Agency will host the 6th HACGAM Meeting in 2010.

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Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel of MCS-3010 caught poachers at the vicinity 67 nautical miles off Dinapiqui, Dilasag, Aurora on July 27, 2009. Three (3) Taiwanese and three (3) Indonesian nationals were apprehended onboard a Taiwanese fishing vessel BK7426.

Reports from Lt Cdr PEREGRINO BALESTRAMON PCG, the Commanding Officer of MCS-3010 disclosed that they departed Baler Fish Port on July 26, 2009 at 6:30PM for Monitoring Control Surveillance (MCS) Patrol Operations. At 3:30 AM of July 27, 2009, four targets were sighted in the area. The patrol team chased the BK7426 being the nearest target. At 4:00 AM, the team attempted to board the nearest Taiwanese fishing vessel, but due to the resistance of said fishing vessel and attempts to ramp the BFAR vessel many times, MCS-3010 gave warning shots using .30 Cal Machine gun and started the conduct of hot pursuit operations.

At 7:30 am, after almost three (3) hours of hot pursuit, the Captain of Taiwanese fishing vessel decided to stop and surrender himself. Boarding Team composed of two (2) SOG, one (1) BFAR, and three (3) MCS-3010 personnel with one (1) Officer boarded and acted as price crew and proceeded to Baler Fish Port, Baler, Aurora.

On July 27, 2009 at around 10:15 PM, MCS-3010 and the Taiwanese fishing vessel arrived and anchored at vicinity 300 meters off Baler Fishport, Baler, Aurora. The suspects are now detained at the Auroara Provincial Jail and being investigated for violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (R.A. 8550).

The detained crew members of the vessel are:
1. Chen Cin Tah - 45 years old, Taiwanese (Master)
2. Chin Min - 42 years old, Taiwanese
3. Swi Cehu - 40 years old, Chinese
4. Irdham Maulana - 31 years old, Indonesian
5. Hassan - 35 years old, Indonesian
6. Mascripin - 29 years old, Indonesian

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Coast Guard Detachment Linapacan rescued 10 persons onboard an unnamed motorbanca on July 28, 2009 at 10:45 AM at vicinity Patuyo Island, Linapacan, Palawan. Subject motorbanca encountered big waves and strong winds.

Information from CGDet Linapacan revealed that on July 28, 2009 at 10:10 AM Sanguniang Barangay member Pablo Palanca appeared to the detachment Linapacan informing that the said motorbanca is in distress.

Upon learning the incident, a SAR team was immediately deployed to the area onboard speedboat to verify the veracity of the report and conduct search and rescue operations. The team found out that the said motor banca has taken in sea water in the engine causing it to malfunction. SAR team rescued 10 persons onboard and towed the said motor banca.

At 11:30 AM, the survivors arrived at Linapacan, Palawan and were identified as follows:

A. Mila Nacaanas – 69 years old
B. Mila Dion - 56 years old
C. Mamerta Masdo – 64 years old
D. Mayflor Masdo - 20 years old
E. Leonard Hegante – 20 years old
F. Judith Gedocos - 14 years old
G. Chucky Rodrigo – 14 years old
H. Benjamin Baterzal – 12 years old
I. Juvinal Illustrisimo – 46 years old
J. Jonathan Fernandez – 24 years old

All rescued persons are residents of Brgy. Nangalao, Linapacan, Palawan. They were sent home to their respective families in good physical condition.

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Composite members of Cebu City Bantay Dagat Task Force (CCBDTF) confiscated an abandoned forty eight (48) boxes of “Tamban or Toloy” (Sardinilla Logicefs as scientific Indian name or oil sardines in English name) on July 29, 2009 at 1:00PM at Pasil Fishport, Brgy Pasil, Cebu City. The confiscation resulted from a surprise inspection operation against illegally caught fish. Said fishes were caught by means of blast/dynamite fishing as per result of the laboratory examination conducted by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) examiner.

The estimated market value is about ninety six thousand (Php 96,000.00) pesos. Confiscated fishes were distributed to different charitable institutions by the BFAR.

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Coast Guard Station Masbate apprehended Motorbanca Zaragoza at Fish Port Barangay Pating, Masbate City on July 21, 2009 at 10:30 AM for alleged overloading of passengers.

The motorized banca was caught with 23 excess passengers during the pre- departure inspection conducted by Coast Guard personnel in Masbate at Barangay Pating, Fish Port, Masbate City. Investigation showed that the Motorbanca has allowable passenger capacity of 24. But during the surprise inspection, the motorbanca had 47 passengers and about to depart from the fish port to Magdalena, Masbate.

Boarding team explained to the passengers the incident and advised them to disembark and transfer to another Motorbanca. The owner was also warned that commission of the act is ground to detain the motorbanca under Marina MC 04-08.

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Coast Guard Detachment Taytay conducts search and rescue operation for the eleven (11) missing fishermen and three (3) motorbancas anchored at vicinity 2.6 nautical miles off Barangay Debangan, Taytay, Palawan on July 19, 2009 at 4:00 AM. Said missing fishermen departed Brgy. Debangan for unknown reason and destination.

Reports reaching the Coast Guard Action Center from Coast Guard District Palawan revealed that a certain Captain Celestino Juguillon, boat captain of F/B Rae Earvin – 5 appeared to Coast Guard Detachment Taytay on July 20, 2009 at 8:00 AM seeking assistance for the recovery of the said missing fishermen. Upon learning the incident, CGDet Taytay and CGDet El Nido immediately deployed Coast Guard personnel to conduct search and rescue operations on July 21, 2009 at 1 o’clock PM.

Said missing motorbancas are all powered by 16 HP B/S Engine with color white and orange hull namely: M/B Reblajada, M/B Lady Rose and M/B Junmars.

The eleven (11) missing fishermen were identified as follows:

1. Danny Bosostros
2. Lito Bosostros
3. Renante Conojos
4. Richard Biatancilla
5. Rogelio Sinining
6. Pedgie Sinining
7. Rosito Alsado
8. Ruben Baterna
9. Jobert Del Rosario
10. Ernesto Nunez
11. Alfredo Saso

Coast Guard District Palawan directed the stations and detachments in the vicinity to be on the lookout for the eleven missing fishermen. Local fishermen and residents of Taytay, Palawan were also advised to report to proper authorities if the missing fishermen are sighted.

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Cebu Coast Guards intercepted massive unassembled bomb explosives composed of nearly 350 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and a box of 1800 pieces of blasting caps with attached detonating cords onboard M/V Butuan Bay-1 at Pier-7 of the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City, Cebu at 4:18 pm last Thursday, July 16, 2009. The cargo shipping vessel bound to sail to Iligan City via Ozamis City by 7 pm that same night underwent mandatory pre-departure cargo inspection when Coast Guard Station (CGS) Cebu checkers suspiciously spotted eight abandoned containers at the starboard side of the vessel. In the absence of proper bill of lading, the profiled packages, misdeclared as seven cartons of dry goods and a box of biscuits, from an untraced owner unusually registered alarming levels with port metal detectors. The CGS Cebu Joint Team bared the lethal cargo, unclaimed at the next port of call, in the presence of vessel Captain Edilberto Leyson.

Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo meanwhile directed Coast Guard District Cebu to vigorously pursue the owner’s and receipient’s respective identity, both of whom may bear linkage with any terrorist network. He said that port security in joint interoperability tandem with other government enforcers fortified national security vigilance in the recent wake of three separate bombings in Mindanao and two exclusive hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia.

MV Butuan Bay-1 departed Pier-7 NRA, Mandaue City with 188 adult passengers and various cargoes onboard.

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Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo D Tamayo PCG disclosed today the absence of oil spills from the sunken yacht off Anilao, Mabini, Batangas during the height of typhoon Isang over the weekend.

Reports reaching the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters in Manila revealed that M/Y King of Sports left Manila Yacht Club (MYC) on July 17 to Anilao, Batangas with eight (8) passengers onboard ran aground at the vicinity of Pico de Loro, Mabini, Batangas.

Upon learning of the incident, Admiral Tamayo directed the rescue of the eight passengers onboard. The Marine Environmental Protection personnel in coordination with Coast Guard Station Batangas checked possible oil spillage.

Upon arrival at the scene, PCG operatives coordinated with the yacht Captain and retrieved the remaining vessel fuel. The passengers were all safe under the care of Bantay Dagat of Mabini, Batangas.

The rescued passengers were identified as:

1. Scott Countryman	41 yrs.old
2. Ricardo Marco (Boat Captain)	40 yrs old
3. Paolo Soler (guest)	30 yrs old
4. Miguel Vasquez (guest)	25 yrs old
5. Cornillo Gamozo (crew)	45 yrs old
6. Jesus Mandue (crew)	48 yrs old
7. Renato Paquibot (crew)	42 yrs old
8. Everluna Balogdog	32 yrs old

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The three-day tri-nation Oil Spill Exercise dubbed as MARPOLEX Balikpapan was concluded last July 16, 2009 with ceremonies held at Banua Patra, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The flags of the participants were then hauled down to signal the end of the exercise. MARPOLEX is a bi-annual exercise among the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) headed by ADMIRAL WILFREDO D TAMAYO PCG, Directorate of Sea and Coast Guard, Indonesia (DSCG) headed by CAPT SATO M. BISRI, and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) headed by VADM ISAO SHIRONO JCG. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) as represented by MR ZULKIFLY DIN, the Assistant Deputy, Department of Environment, Malaysia was also present to observe the conduct of the exercise.

According to Admiral Tamayo, the conduct of the exercise was part of the PCG’s capability development measures and international cooperation. Aside from the inter-operability in times of trans-boundary oil spill incident is the cooperation and camaraderie among the participants from the three nations. Admiral Tamayo lauded the participants in the cross cultural exercise for their commitment and dedication to prepare for any eventualities in case of a major trans-boundary oil spill.

This was the first time that the Philippine Coast Guard was able to send two vessels overseas for this bi-annual exercise. With a Search and Rescue Vessel for search and rescue (SAR) and firefighting and a Buoy Tender for the Oil Spill response, our participation went smoothly in all activities for the exercise. Other PCG personnel (Oil Spill Response Team) went ashore for the beach clean-up and environmental damage assessment exercise. CAPT ROLANDO LEGASPI PCG, the Task Group Commander said that Coast Guard Vessels BRP Pampanga (SARV-003) under CDR ROLANDO LIZOR PUNZALAN JR PCG and BRP CORREGIDOR (AE-891) under CAPT GEORGE URSABIA PCG navigated all the way from Manila to Balikpapan, Indonesia. They are set to be back in Manila on the 24th of July 2009.

CAPT SATO BISRI, Director for DSCG and VADM ISAO SHIRONO, Vice Commandant for Operations of JCG, both expressed their satisfaction on the performance of their respective country’s vessels. Indonesia sent twelve (12) vessels and two (2) aircrafts while Japan had one vessel with a helicopter. COMMO ARTURO OLAVARIO PCG, the exercise co-director said that the Philippines will host the next staging of the MARPOLEX in 2011 hopefully with participation of another country, Malaysia thru the MMEA.

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Upon receipt of the said report, CPO Burgos was directed to verify the report and conduct inquiry on July 14, 2009 at 11:30AM to Mr Romeo Pagampang Sr., one of the survivors, 68 years old, residing at Brgy Tiguib, Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte who arrived at Padre Burgos Pier onboard a hired motor banca together with six (6) other survivors and revealed that they departed the shoreline of Brgy Tiguib, Limasawa Island Southern Leyte on July 14 at 6:30AM onboard MBca Patrick. At 7:00AM of the same date, while they were at vicinity 300 meters off the shoreline of Brgy Tiguib, they encountered big waves causing the motorbanca to capsize. He further stated that they were all clinging to the capsized banca waiting to be rescued.

After thirty minutes, three motorbancas namely: MBca Jalen owned by Teodoro Rin, MBca Norlex owned by Alex Oro and MBca Charles owned by Romelito Pagampang all residents of Brgy Tiguib arrived at said vicinity and immediately rendered assistance and rescued all passengers/crew. The capsized MBca was towed to the nearest shoreline of Brgy Tiguib.
Following are the names of rescued passengers and crew with corresponding age and sex:

Name:	Age:	Sex:
1. Romeo Pagampang Sr	66 y/o	Male
2. Lolita Pagampang	66 y/o	Female
3. Romeo Pagampang Jr	30 y/o	Male
4. Angelita Petracorta	73 y/o	Female
5. Petronia Ravel	79 y/o	Female
6. Mariacon Malvas	41 y/o	Female
7. Sheeka Bulactin	21 y/o	Female
8. Cindy Lugo	16 y/o	Female
9. Clark Simon Lugo	17 y/o	Male
10. Lara Malvas	21 y/o	Female
11. BingBing Aurora	23 y/o	Female
12. Dominador Laplana	75 y/o	Male
13. Carli Capili	26 y/o	Male
14. Condarado Pagampang	52 y/o	Male
15. Danielson Malvas	17 y/o	Male
16. Raul Palero	41 y/o	Male (operator)
17. Arnel Maitim	40 y/o	Male (crew)

All of the survivors are residents of Brgy Tiguib, Limasawa Island Southern Leyte except Mr Carli who is from Maasin City. Furthermore, Mr Pagampang revealed that the propeller shaft of the capsized MBca was deformed and the freeboard was slightly damaged. The two (2) engine of said MBca was recovered and required overhauling. Estimated damage to property amounted to more or less Php 3,000.00.

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On July 12, 2009 at 4:00PM, a certain Mr. Polo Bahinting reported to Coast Guard Detachment Tibanban that three (3) unregistered fishing bancas identified as FBca Krisha Kyle, FBca Kian and FBca Ashley were missing while fishing at vicinity 10 nautical miles off Cape San Agustin, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.

Accordingly, said three (3) FBca departed Jamboree, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental on July 9, 2009 at 2:00PM enroute to Viuda De Pasig Reef for fishing and expected to return back on July 10, 2009 at 8:00AM. The missing fishermen were identified as: Ever Villas owner/operator of FBca Kian, Jovel Bahinting owner/operator of FBca Ashley and Christopher Evangelista operator of FBca Krisha Kyle and his companion, a certain “Tata”, all of legal age and residents of Brgy Nangan, Governor Generoso.

Personnel of CGDet Tibanban intended to conduct SAR operation at the area but the owner and relatives of the said three (3) FBca informed that they have already conducted SAR operation but yielded negative result. The relatives of said three (3) FBca’s requested CGDet Tibanban to inform PCG stations to be on the lookout that might be drifted in their area. Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao immediately informed stations to be on the look out and render necessary assistance to crew of said missing FBca’s and report immediately if sighted.

On July 13, 2009 at 7:30AM, Mr. Polo Bahinting reported to CGDet Tibanban thru text message that Christopher Villegas and Tata Lakayan were already at their residence at Jamboree, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. CGDet Tibanban established contact on said two (2) survivors thru cell phone and conducted necessary inquiry on the details of the incident involving them and the two (2) other fishing bancas. According to them, they departed Jamboree on July 09, 2009 at 11:00PM enroute to fishing ground. On July 10, 2009 at 2:00AM while navigating at vicinity more or less 20 NM off Cape San Agustin Point, they encountered big waves causing their banca to capsize.

On July 10, 2009 at 8:00AM, while drifted towards unknown destination, they were rescued by a passing service fishing banca Reina Mae-5 owned by Gladery Fishing, navigating enroute to International Fishing Ground. They were brought by FBca Riena Mae-5 to General Santos City and arrived thereat on July 10, 2009 at 10:00PM. On July 11, 2009 at 2:00PM, the two (2) survivors and FBca Kian were turned over by the personnel of Gladery Fishing to Coast Guard Station Gensan.

On July 11, 2009 at 5:00PM, they were turned over by CGS Gensan to Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) of Gensan City and were allowed to go back home to Jamboree, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. The ill-fated FBca Kian was left behind and temporarily under the custody of CGS Gensan and FBca Krisha Kyle still onboard FV Monalinda. Further, CGDSEM issued Notice to Mariners (NOTAM) to FBca Ashley and two (2) missing fishermen Jovel Bahinting and Ever Villas.

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Three (3) Chinese Nationals were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard last July 11, 2009 after their speed boat were battered by strong waves and capsized at the vicinity of Boracay Island.

Around 1:15PM of July 11, 2009, Coast Guard Detachment Boracay received a telephone call from CGDet Caticlan that a certain speed boat capsized, 2.15 Nautical Miles North East off Boracay Island. Upon receipt of information, CGDet Boracay personnel onboard a borrowed speed boat from Napoleon Sea Sports immediately proceeded to the said area to conduct Search and Rescue Operation.

Three (3) Chinese Nationals were rescued and identified as Frederick Lui (50 years old), Samantaha Lui (16 years old), and Hellary Lui (17 years old). All of the survivors were in good physical condition and brought to Shangri-la Resort.

In another incident, around 5:30 AM of July 9, 2009, while personnel of CGDet Cadiz together with personnel of the Office of Local City Agriculturist (OCAG), Field Station Western Visayas, Cadiz City Police Office and Local Bantay Dagat is conducting seaborne patrol operation in the vicinity of Bacolod City and Cadiz City onboard two (2) Local Bantay Dagat motorbancas, they apprehended Motorbanca Oval 6 and Motorbanca Jered for fishing at more or less 4 kms away from the shoreline of Sicaba, Cadiz City. Said fishing bancas have violated the City Ordinance Fisheries Administrative Order Nr 222.

The owner of the apprehended motor bancas were issued an Inspection Apprehension Report by arresting personnel and were advised to settle their violations at Office of The City Agriculturist while their fish nets were placed under the custody of Coast Guard Station Bacolod for safe keeping.

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Per PAGASA’s Severe Weather Bulletin Number Three, “Gorio” has slightly accelerated and is now crossing the Babuyan Group of Islands. It is expected to be at 530kms Northwest of Laoag city or at 540kms west northwest of Basco, Batanes by tomorrow morning. Public Storm Warning Signal Nr 1 is in effect over Cagayan including Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands, Kalinga Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Batanes.

Admiral Wilfredo D Tamayo PCG calls on the public, especially those who regularly utilize water transportation, to familiarize themselves with the PCG regulation and appropriately plan and schedule their trips so as to avoid being stranded in cases where passenger or Roro ships and boats cancel their trips during the occurrence of typhoons. The PCG has been implementing PCG Memorandum Circular (MC) 01-09 entitled “Guidelines on Movement of Vessels During Heavy Weather” which provides, among others, that vessels of 1,000 gross tons and below shall not sail when Public Storm Signal No. 1 is raised in either of the vessel’s origin or route or destination to ensure safety of passengers, vessels and properties. Vessels shall only be allowed to leave the port for the purpose of taking shelter from the storm and of which no passenger will be carried while taking shelter.

Vessels are likewise advised to maintain 24/7 listening watch for weather updates and other maritime safety information. The public is enjoined to report to PCG any maritime incidents and violations of safety regulations including colorum vessels, overloading or excess passengers, and not wearing life jackets, among others. The PCG can be contacted thru HOTLINES (02) 527-3877 and (02) 527-8481, and HOT TEXT 0917-PCGDOTC or 0917-7243682.

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Sampung katao ang matagumpay na nasagip ng Philippine Coast Guard mula sa posibleng pagkalunod at pagkamatay sa dagat ng Sorsogon. Ayon sa report mula sa Coast Guard Detachment Bulan sa Sorsogon, nakatanggap sila ng text message galing kay Alberto C Bunan Jr., ang Boat Captain ng Motor Banca Glenda-7, isang passenger / cargo banca na may 17.58 gross tonnage at pagmamay-ari ni Elena A Canezal dakong alas-sais ng umaga noong ika-7 ng Hulyo taong kasalukuyan. Ayon kay Bunan, nagkaroon ng pinsala ang propeller shaft ng naturang Bangka sa layong 4.5 nautical miles timog kanluran ng Pier 1, Bulan, Sorsogon. Ang nasabing bangka ay tinatahak ang ruta mula Butuan, Masbate patungong Bulan, Sorsogon.

Matapos matanggap ang impormasyon, agad namang rumesponde ang mga tauhan ng Coast Guard Detachment Bulan sa pangunguna ng kanilang Petty Officer-in-Charge na si P02 Enrico T Andal PCG at P02 Manuel P Ombao PCG kasama ng mga lokal na search and rescue volunteers lulan ng Motor Banca Sunriser III patungo sa nasabing lugar ng insidente upang magsagawa ng Search and Rescue operations.
Dakong 7:20 ng umaga, ay hinila ng Motor Banca Sunriser III ang Motorbanca Glenda-7 na may sakay na limang crew at limang pasahero patungong Pier 1, Bulan, Sorsogon.

Ang mga nasagip na sakay ng Motorbanca Glenda-7 ay sina:
1. Alberto C Bunan Jr. - 55 yrs old (Boat Captain)
2. Florante Habla - 36 yrs old (crew)
3. Francisco Alindogan - 56 yrs old (crew)
4. Victor Mitra - 48 yrs old (crew)
5. Danilo Cebu 43 yrs old (crew)

6. Nosa Bosas - 3 yrs old (pax)
7. Joseph Ribay - 29 yrs old (pax)
8. Jolly Gelotin - 55 yrs old (pax)
9. Leo Dumangas - 31 yrs old (pax)
10. Pablo Nava - 30 yrs old (pax)

Ligtas naming nakabalik and Search and Rescue team sa Pier 1, Bulan, Sorsogon kasama ang 10 survivors dakong 8:10 ng umaga at idineklarang ang lahat ng crew at pasahero ay nakauwi na sa kani-kanilang pamilya sa maayos na kalagayang pisikal.

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Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo lauds today the success of the anti – piracy campaign of government agencies mandated to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo vessels plying the territorial waters of the Philippines.

Admiral Tamayo said that the cooperation with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard had succeeded in reducing the maritime crime rates as a result of armed robbery and piracy in seagoing vessels. He cited that based on the reports on Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships (PARAS) related incidents from 2008 to 2009, the rate has decreased to almost sixty percent.

PCG has attended the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Agreement against Armed Robbery and Anti-Piracy – Information Sharing Center (ReCAAP – ISC) Governing Council at York Hotel, Singapore on February 26-28, 2009, spearheaded by the PCG Commandant, ADMIRAL WILFREDO D TAMAYO PCG. A one-day seminar on the ReCAAP for selected PCG personnel was also conducted on August 6, 2008. PCG also participated in the ReCAAP meeting held in Hong Kong which introduced the PCG to Hong Kong’s inter-agency approach in preventing and counteracting piracy and armed robbery incidents.

According to Admiral Tamayo, the Coast Guard has intensified its drive against piracy and armed robbery against ships particularly in South Western Mindanao during the first quarter of 2009 following the upsurge of said activity in the area. Floating assets were deployed in piracy-prone areas. The intensified drive resulted to the apprehension of of seven (7) persons on board Fishing Banca RICHMA which was suspected to be used in conducting piracy operations and the confiscation of an unlicensed cal.30 M1 Springfield rifle and seventy eight (78) rounds of live ammunition found in the possesion of Moval JABAIL on March 19, 2009 at approximately 13.3 nautical miles west of Basiauanga Point, Sultan Kudarat. Admiral Tamayo further said that PCG will continue to join forces with AFP and PNP in working against piracy and armed robbery in the country.

He also said that the improved communication facility of the PCG has resulted to efficient reporting of piracy incidents and response on the part of the government authorities.

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On July 6, 2009 at 7:45am, a certain Noel Reyes of Dulong Tangos, Navotas City reported to Coast Guard Detachment Tangos that his two (2) fishing bancas namely FBca Ezrih Miles with 2.80 GT/ 1.80NT and FBca Mac-mac with 2.80 GT/ 1.80 NT while moored at vicinity right side entrance off Tangos River, they were accidentally hit/rammed by M/T Ocean Queen Nine owned by Asia Shipping Company while being towed by Motor Tug Super Dog skippered by Mr Francisco Jamito of Elfa Shipyard and assisted by Motor Tug Western-1 skippered by Mr Ramel Pranique of Western Shipyard enroute to Elfa Shipyard for dry docking.

Investigation conducted by Coast Guard Detachment Tangos revealed that strong current was the source of the incident that resulted to the damage of said fishing bancas.

On July 6, 2009 at 7:50am, personnel of CGDet Tangos assisted the owner of said FBcas and informed the manager of Elfa Shipyard regarding the incident. On July 6, 2009 at 10:00am, the owner of two (2) FBcas and the Shipyard manager agreed to settle amicably in terms of payment.

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On July 5, 2009 at 2:30 pm, personnel from Coast Guard Station Puerto Princesa received text message from POIC K9 stated that unidentified number of Myna Bird (KIAO) were to be transported from Puerto Princesa Palawan to Iloilo City onboard MV Milagrosa J-Cinco.

On July 5, 2009 at 2:40 pm, boarding team from Coast Guard Station Puerto Princesa together with K9 personnel conduct routine inspection to MV Milagrosa J-Cinco with 215.76 GT/136.82 NT owned and operated by Milagrosa J Shipping Corporation and skippered by Captain Domingo Fabila, with business address at Muelle Looney Street, Iloilo City.

At 3:00 pm of the same date, the team confiscated five (5) pieces abandoned Myna Bird (KIAO), four (4) alive and one (1) dead placed inside the box in one of the crew’s cabin. The recovered Myna Birds (KIAO) are now under the custody of Coast Guard Station Puerto Princesa for proper disposition.

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Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo directed all Coast Guard Units to be on alert in view of the recent spate of bombings in Mindanao. In a directive issued today at the Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard, Admiral Tamayo said all Coast Guard Districts, Stations and Detachments should observe and institute maximum security measures in their respective units ensuring the safety of all passengers in ports and ships.

The security measures include paneling of K9 units in ports and ships, harbor patrol and the deployment of special Operations Group, Explosive and Ordinance and Detection personnel to assist the K9 units and the Coast Guard boarding team.

Admiral Tamayo added that the Sea Marshal personnel detailed at passenger ships should be more vigilant and work in coordination with the ship security personnel and port police. He also said that Intelligence units should intensify information gathering and coordinate with AFP and PNP units.

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The training is composed of lectures and practical exercises on Boarding Inspections, Countermeasures against piracy and armed robbery, Ship Operations of Coast Guard patrol vessels, operation of small boats of a patrol vessel during nighttime operations, participation in combined exercises and individual study presentation on assigned themes.
Said three (3) day on-board training will be concluded with a Joint Maritime Security Exercise on July 9, 2009 at Manila Bay.

According to ADMIRAL WILFREDO D TAMAYO, the visit of the Japan Coast Guard vessel and the conduct of the maritime security and ship operation on-board training is part of the continuing cooperation between the PCG and the JCG. It is also an opportunity to renew commitment of teamwork, partnership as well as camaraderie towards a common goal of a safer and cleaner seas, and of combating maritime transnational crimes. This is also part of the equipment capability build up of PCG personnel for them to be able to perform well their mandated tasks.

“PLH21 MIZUHO is under the command of Captain Norio Goto and ably assisted by Captain Akiyoshi Kobuki with 54 Japan Coast Guard crew.

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Initial investigation revealed that the subject vessel departed Australia enroute to Port of China when she ran aground at the said area. CGDSEM immediately coordinated with the shipowner and Malayan Towage company for dispatch of a tugboat which is now underway to the aground area to render assistance to M/T Golden Acany. Another tugboat from Malayan Towage will proceed thereat anytime today, July 6, 2009 to assist the aground vessel.

CGDSEM also received a report from the skipper of said vessel that they have sighted an unidentified motor banca roaming around the vicinity of the vessel which is suspected to be pirates attempting to possibly loot the said distressed vessel. In response to the report, CGDSEM coordinated with Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) and requested for possible dispatch of their floating asset, PCF-114 presently docked at Makar Wharf, General Santos City to render security to distressed vessel.

Coast Guard Commandant ADMIRAL WILFREDO D TAMAYO PCG directed the Commander of CGDSEM to request the subject salvage company to carry on board personnel from Coast Guard Marine Environmental Group – Southeastern Mindanao together with Coast Guard Special Operations Group to conduct assessment for possible oil spill and underwater hull inspection and to verify the extent of damage to its hull.

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Under the MOA, PCG personnel will provide personnel with technical capabilities to operate the VTMS but its operational overheads like water and power supply, and maintenance of the equipment will be shouldered by PHIVIDEC. The PCG aside from detailing personnel will also deploy at least two (2) sea craft in northern Mindanao to assist in the security not only of PHIVIDEC but all the vital installations in northern Mindanao coastal areas particularly in Misamis Oriental.

Admiral Tamayo lauded the transfer of the facility from PHIVIDEC to the Philippine Coast Guard. He said that the operation of the VTMS by the PCG will greatly contribute to safety at sea, optimizing its potentials in the broadcasting of the Notice to Mariners, weather bulletins and other maritime safety information.

The VTMS will improve the safety of vessel traffic by supervision of the entrance area, the anchorage area and the main route to Macajalar bay. It will also boost the monitoring and surveillance of illegal activities such as piracy and armed robbery at sea.

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