Based on the report of Coast Guard District NCR-Central Luzon on or about 012200H Nov 09, CG-K9 personnel detailed with Port State Control Center Manila, turned over a certain Ms. Maria Natividad Gumilao, 19 yrs old of Lipata, Minglanila, Cebu City who was apprehended for illegal possession of prohibited drugs known as Shabu together with cash amounting to P13,000.00 pesos; 1 pink shoulder bag with personal belongings; Birth Certificate ; Residence Certificate (CEDULA) issued at Minglanila, Cebu; Deposit Slip from Banco De Oro amounting to 79,000.00 dated 26 October 2009; 2 Official receipts from Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop amounting to P327,376.00 and P72,080.00 dated 26 Oct 2009; official receipt from SkyLiner Service Corporation amounting to P4,977.00 dated 26 Oct 2009; Ticket reservation from Cebu Pacific amounting to P4,876.15 dated 26 Oct 2009; and 2 units Cellular Phones (K5301 Ericson and Nokia). Accordingly, on or about 012100H Nov 2009, while a female Blue Guard on duty at the Doña Eva Macapagal Terminal conducted body search on Ms. Gumilao, the said duty guard slightly sensed a hard object at the suspect’s breast portion and Ms. Gumilao immediately ran away outside of the terminal. However, the guard immediately sought assistance from Coast Guard SN1 Usman of CG-K9 Unit detailed at the said terminal, and subsequently chased Ms. Gumilao until he was able to corner her outside of the terminal. SN1 Usman PCG thus invited her back to the terminal and started to ask some questions as she reasoned out that she had go to the CR for her call of nature. With the help of the lady guard, some substance was found in her underwear (panty). Ms. Gumilao was immediately brought to the OIC of Security Guards for initial investigation prior to turn over to Port State Control Center Manila. Upon receipt and after completion of initial investigation report, and physical and medical examination of Ms. Gumilao and her companion, Mr. Melvin Gerpacio, 33 years old, the 2 together with the aforementioned items were properly turned over to IA1 Glenn Lagutan of PDEA MMRO for proper disposition.

The DOTC-PCG-PPA-MARINA Passenger Assistance Centers remain in place and additional Coast Guard K9s are in critical ports to augment PCG Boarding Teams and Sea Marshals. Philippine Coast Guard ships, aircraft and deployable response teams composed of Special Operations Group divers, Medical Teams, and K9s remain on heightened alert until the expected influx of passengers subsides. Once again, passengers are reminded to come to the ports at least 3 hours before ship’s departure, to travel light, and avoid bringing prohibited items such as sharp/ pointed objects, flammable goods, and explosive materials. Likewise, firearms should be covered by appropriate permits/ licenses/ mission orders. Passengers are also warned against “colorum” vessels which are likely to take advantage of the situation.

TOP

The Philippine Coast Guard has printed and distributed copies of PCG Communications Directory to shipping companies and maritime stakeholders to help improve coordinations and communications in support of the conduct of safe, clean and secure sea travel.

The said directory includes list of communications devices such as landlines, fax machines, cellular phones, VSAT, Microwave System, email addresses and internet available in the PCG Headquarters, Major Support Commands, Districts, Stations, and Detachments around the country. PCG also maintains a website (www.coastguard.gov.ph) for swift and easy way of disseminating maritime related information to shipping companies and stakeholders. Also included in the directory are the contact details of the emergency services and organizations that can provide assistance in times of crisis, and Coast Guard Hotline numbers 527-3877 and 527-8481 and Hot Text 0917-PCG DOTC (0917-7243682) which are manned on a 24/7 basis at the PCG Command Center.

Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo D Tamayo said the distribution or circulation of PCG Directory will help facilitate the immediate reporting of maritime incidents and improve coordinations among shipping companies and government agencies, and for availability of Coast Guard assistance to vessels in distress.

With the observance of UNDAS, PCG units have been placed on heightened alert to render passenger assistance in all busy ports in the country. Quick Response Teams, Special Operations Group divers/ rescue swimmers, and medical, K-9, and Oil Spill Response Teams will augment Coast Guard Boarding Teams and Sea Marshals to help port authorities and shipping companies ensure the safety and security of maritime travelers, the number of which has started to increase this week. The PCG has also redeployed its vessels and small crafts close to busy sea lanes/ maritime traffic for ready assistance when necessary.

Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) volunteers will likewise join the Passenger Assistance Center booths which are jointly manned by teams from PCG, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to help the riding public.

TOP

The Philippine Coast Guard braces up security measures on all ports and ferry terminals nationwide in connection with the DOTC-PCG’s eagle eye program “OPLAN KALULUWA”. Coast Guard Commandant ADMIRAL WILFREDO D TAMAYO PCG said that on top of the DOTC Passengers Assistance Centers (Help Desks) set-up nationwide to address the concerns of our sea-faring passengers, the heavy migration to the provinces for the All Saints’ Day observances prompted additional Coast Guard personnel deployment on all critical ports to ensure orderly, safe, convenient and secure sea travel.

He also emphatically directed ship inspectors and Coast Guard Canine teams to exercise extra vigilance in ports with random checks on passengers and luggages more than the usual. He appeals for the patient understanding and cooperation of the sea-faring public with regards to the tighter security steps enforced for the holidays to ascertain their travel safety.

Admiral Tamayo dislosed that as per coordination with the shipowners and operators, passengers should be at the seaport at least three hours before departure time, avoiding restricted cargo such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gasses, radioactive materials and explosives to avoid search delays and inconveniences. Gun owners bringing their firearms should present complete documents, including firearm licenses, permits to carry for the civilians, mission orders and / or letters from the AFP and PNP authorities. Admiral Tamayo also cautioned the sea-faring public from traveling with firecrackers. Last week, Dalahican Coast Guard enforcement team in Lucena City confiscated four hundred eighty thousand pesos worth of assorted firecrackers from a passenger.

He also added that the establishment of passenger assistance centers in all sea ports under “Oplan Kaluluwa” is in line with the directive of Secretary Leandro Mendoza of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to ensure a safe, orderly and secure sea travel during passenger peak season.

Passenger Assistance Center booths will be manned jointly by teams from PCG, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.

TOP

Ten (10) passengers of a capsized unregistered Motorbanca Laureen, powered by 16HP B/S engine, owned by Ricardo Laureen of Sitio Calabadyang, Brgy Biton, Taytay, Palawan and operated by Mr Darwin Sinanggote were rescued by Coast Guard Detachment Taytay personnel at vicinity approximately 1 nautical mile between Sitio Calabadyang and Brgy. Biton, Taytay, Palawan on October 23, 2009. Said motorbanca encountered strong winds and big waves causing her engine to malfunction and subsequently capsized.

Reports from Coast Guard District Palawan disclosed that on October 23, 2009 at 4:00 PM, while personnel of CGDet Taytay were conducting a maritime patrol, they sighted a capsized motorbanca at said vicinity. CGDet Taytay immediately responded to the ill-fated unregistered motortbanca and rescued ten (10) persons drifting and clinging to their half-submerged overturned MBca.

Ten (10) rescued passengers were identified as follows:

1. Lea Aguire - 29y/o - Brgy Retac,Roxas, Palawan
2. Jonalyn Abajo - 21y/o - Brgy Retac,Roxas, Palawan
3. Alejandro Quevas - 39y/o - Brgy Liminangcong,Taytay,Palawan
4. Jelly Villamor - 21y/o - Brgy Liminangcong,Taytay,Palawan
5. Michaela Villamor - 21y/o - Brgy Liminangcong,Taytay,Palawan
6. Lilibeth Ayahay - 18y/o - Brgy Liminangcong,Taytay, Palawan
7. Elito Ayahay - 20y/o - Brgy Liminangcong,Taytay,Palawan
8. Danilo Trinidad - 38y/o - Brgy Liminangcong,Taytay,Palawan
9. Michaela Abajo - 4y/o - Brgy Retac,Roxas, Palawan
10. Alex Quevas - 6y/o - Brgy Retac,Roxas, Palawan

Initial investigation revealed that Mbca Laureen departed on October 23, 2009 from Taytay Pier enroute to Sitio Calabadyang, Brgy Biton, Taytay, Palawan to attend wedding anniversary to their relatives when they encountered big waves and strong winds causing their motorbanca to capsize.

All survivors were in good physical condition and were turned-over to their relatives while the ill-fated motorbanca was towed and brought to Sitio Calabadyang for proper disposition.

TOP

Joint elements of Coast Guard K9, Coast Guard Detachment Dalahican, Field Station personnel of Coast Guard Station Lucena together with PPA Port Police and PNP Maritime Group apprehended assorted firecrackers with estimated market value of more or less four hundred twenty eight thousand pesos five hundred twenty pesos (P428,520.00) on October 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM at Dalahican Port, Lucena City. The confiscation of said cargo resulted from the routine inspection conducted by the joint team to all rolling cargoes inside and outside PPA Terminal Compound.

Reports from Coast Guard District Batangas disclosed that while the team was conducting inspection on a six-wheeler Elf truck with plate number RBH 759 owned by a certain Mr. Dante Marquez of Brgy. Poblacion, Boac, Marinduque and to be embarked to M/V Viva Vergin Peñafrancia 2 of Star Horse Shipping Lines bound for Balanacan Port, Marinduque, they confiscated the following assorted firecrackers:

Investigation conducted by CGS Lucena personnel to Mr. Marlon Mendres, the driver of said truck, subject items/goods were loaded to their truck at Bocaue, Bulacan by a certain Mrs. Navarro. The owner just paid for the baggage fare and told the driver and helper that the said items were to be picked-up at Port Balanacan, Marinduque. Said confiscated items were brought to CGS Lucena for custody and proper disposition.

TOP

Jubilant tributes and accolades from a grateful nation for heroes and rescue, relief and rehabilitation partners mark the passage of 108 years for the Philippine Coast Guard [PCG]. Amidst austere foundation day observance to channel anniversary funds instead for relief operations subject to government auditing regulations, celebratory, Commandant Admiral Wilfredo D. Tamayo led the entire organization at the Headquarters in Manila South Harbor last October 16, 2009 to celebrate core competencies achievements amidst abounding annals of life-threatening acts of raw heroism and faithfulness to duty as the PCG redefines strategic futures through specialized training.

Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza of the Department of Transportation and Communication as Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker exhorted the PCG accomplishments as well as its pre-positioning to higher growth paths with the Memorandum of Agreement signed with the Philippine Marine Merchant Academy in training the PCG Corps of Cadets. This education stratagem prepositions the PCG into founding an impending Philippine Coast Guard Academy patterned after global counterparts like Japan and the United States.

Admiral Tamayo bequeathed squads through their respective team leaders the Coast Guard Superior Achievement Medal to Coast Guard aviation (Lt Cmdr Tito Alvin G. Andal), canine (Lieutenant Commander Allen J. Dalangin), medical service (Lt Michael S. Florencio), special operations (Lt Cmdr Marco Antonio P. Gines) teams as part of the National Disaster Coordinating Council responding to distress calls from flash urban deluge and rural lowland floods unleashed by two consecutive freak typhoons Ondoy and Peping. TV news footages and internet video streams of their unflinching search and rescue team exploits captured the attention of international audiences.

Citations for the accomplishment of high-risk missions were also awarded. Lt Junior Grade Geronimo B. Tuvilla and his eight team players were awarded the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal for enforcing maritime law in the apprehension of foreign flag vessel M/V Captain “Ufuk” and its cargo. PO3 Samuel B Boniol and three teammates received the Distinguished Coast Guard Cross for the performance of duty as sea marshals detailed on board M/V Super Ferry 9, assisting the vessel’s crew in evacuating passengers after the aforementioned vessel capsized off the shores of the Zamboanga peninsula. Teams responsible for rescuing stranded evacuees during the Botolan, Zambales flashfloods led by Lt. Eliezer O. Dalnay [Coast Guard Subic], Lt. Junior Grade Arvin D. Liwanen [Special Operations Group] and Lt. Teofredo T. Esguera [SMART] were decorated with the Coast Guard Superior Achievement Medal.

Recognition for excellence in team public service distinguished every essential operating unit along the hierarchy spectrum of the PCG organization. Best Coast Guard Stations identified the cream of the crop according to the nautical traffic density of domestic and foreign shipping vessels navigating their respective ports: Coast Guard Station Iloilo [Alpha or heavy density], Coast Guard Station San Fernando [Bravo or medium density] and Coast Guard Station Romblon [Charlie or light density]. Liloan bagged the Coast Guard Detachment of the Year. The 605th PCGA Squadron of Southern Iloilo grabbed the PCGA Squadron of the Year.

Excellence in individual public service were vested upon PO2 Leo R Mendoza of Coast Guard Station Maasin as Enlisted Personnel of the Year, LK1 Jorge C Casaclang as the Lighthouse Keeper of the Year, Mrs. Natividad B. Dela Rosa as the Civilian Employee of the Year, working dog “Lupin” as Coast Guard Canine Of The Year. Individual contribution merits were likewise honored that day with the Coast Guard Outstanding Achievement Medal for Commodore Arturo P Olavario O-112059 as Exercise Co-Director to the Philippine contingent to the Marine Pollution Exercise in Balikpapan, Indonesia and posthumously to Cdr. Daniel Inri S. Gayosa O-11261.

The most outstanding PCG mission-essential platforms with the most efficient and effective maritime safety administration, marine environmental protection, maritime security, maritime operations and maritime search and rescue operations comprised BRP Pampanga (SARV- 003) as the 56-meter Search and Rescue Vessel of the Year, BRP Nueva Vizcaya (SARV-3502) as the 35-meter Search and Rescue Vessel of the Year, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Maritime Control Surveillance Vessel 3005 as the MCS Vessel of the Year DF-310 under the operational control of Coast Guard District of Southern Tagalog as the Small Craft of the Year and the PCG BN Islander 684 as the Coast Guard Aircraft of the Year.

Disaster coordination partners such as the Philippine Navy,Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Medical Association, relief aid donors such as World Vision, UP Diliman Isko, the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and the 106th and 402nd PCGA Squadrons, training and facilities sponsors like Rotary Club of Makati West, Malayan Towage and Mr. Aldrich Kho were al graciously acknowledged with plaques.
The anniversary concluded with the rededication of the Headquarter renovated facilities and newly acquired equipment for the CGAC and the MRCC.

TOP

Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said the Philippine Coast Guard is observing its 108th Founding Anniversary on October 5-16 in an austere yet meaningful manner.

In his message to all PCG units nationwide, Admiral Tamayo directed all personnel, particularly those within the calamity areas along the paths hit by Tropical Storms “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” and other developing weather disturbances to be more active in monitoring maritime traffic and stranded vessels and passengers, and to conduct rescue, disaster relief, and clean up operations in flooded areas in support of the overall efforts of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). This means that the PCG is foregoing with its traditional ceremonies so that it can re-channel anniversary funds towards the conduct of humanitarian assistance.

The Philippine Coast Guard’s year in review is replete with both traditional and new challenges. As a 24/7 sea-going service that perpetually looks into the safe, environmentally sound, and secure passage of more than 90% of our country’s domestic trade that is being transported by merchant vessels, the inherent capability of the PCG to save lives and property at sea, protect the marine environment and resources, neutralize maritime transnational threats, and help secure ports and ships has been put into greater test.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Strong Republic Nautical Highway Project has effectively linked the country’s waterways, islands, merchant vessels, ports, terminals, maritime tourist destinations, coastal communities, and fishing villages into a more effective and efficient maritime trading and seafaring nation. This maritime transportation system thus becomes the lifeblood of national economy. It fuels the country’s collective development as a maritime nation.

With increased maritime activities characterized by economic globalization, technological advancement, competing needs over marine resources to include shipping, fishing, tourism, and energy exploration, economy of operations, and also considering the ensuing effects of climate change and global warming, the challenges during the past year have likewise increased, and the stakes have grown even higher. The country’s vulnerabilities in the form of unwanted natural disasters such as the recent flashfloods and landslides caused by said tropical storms, maritime incidents, oil and chemical spills, security threats, and maritime transnational crimes including terrorism, piracy, drug trafficking, gun smuggling, human trafficking, and poaching, among others, have thus indicated the need for the PCG to be further developed as a multi-mission, maritime and mission-ready agency.

The PCG is gaining more headway in this regard, and in furtherance of these goals, the Coast Guard’s maritime search and rescue, navigational safety, port state control, environmental protection, law enforcement, and maritime security operations have registered considerable gains in the agency’s long-standing service to our maritime nation. More initiatives in both administrative and operational aspects were put in place. Recruitment and training of PCG personnel peaked in recent years, and continue to be a top priority. The PCG is ever grateful to their Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza for helping the PCG make these happen.

The repair, rehabilitation and material acquisition projects of the PCG resulted in increased operational efficiency of lighthouses, beacons and buoys around the country, improved deployment and operational readiness of surface and air assets and trained manpower, improved capability of the newly-established Coast Guard Command Center to monitor maritime traffic and coordinate PCG operations and services, expanded communications coverage, better training facilities, improved medical and dental services for personnel and dependents, and further rationalization of appropriate benefits and entitlements to PCG personnel in the performance of their day to day operations, particularly high-risk duties.

Operational support fund allocations for their units afloat and ashore have likewise been rationalized and further improved from the District and Major Support Command levels down to the lower command levels including ships and small crafts, stations, and detachments.

The PCG has likewise focused on bases’ development to better accommodate and integrate Coast Guard facilities and capabilities to include those in CG Base Taguig which is now fully operational, CG Support Base Mactan with ongoing civil works, PCG- Greater maritime Assistance (GMA) SAR Base Romblon with 3.2-hectare lot donation from the local government, and CG Support Base Laguindingan with 20-hectare lot allocation currently being surveyed as basis for issuance of Presidential Proclamation.

The PCG also conducted maritime security and law enforcement operations to enforce its own regulations and also helped in the implementation of the mandates of more than 20 government agencies including among others MARINA, PPA, PNP, PDEA, BFAR, NTC, BUCUS, PASG, DENR, and LTO, based on the “lead agency” concept. A MOA will also be forged with PMMA and other maritime schools on the PCG Anniversary Day for the conduct of cross training programs, and with DOH for availment of government hospitals’ services in addition to the medical services extended to PCG organic personnel by virtue of an earlier MOA with the AFP.

Explosive materials and high powered firearms were intercepted in various ports and on board ships. Poachers were apprehended in various parts of the country.

During the past year in review, the PCG recorded the following:

PCG SCOREBOARD
(October 2008 to September 2009)

TOP

M/V Oocl Taichung, A Hongkong registered container ship of 16,705 Gross Tonnage and with twenty one (21) Filipino and two (2) Indian nationals from Shekou, China was reportedly boarded by undetermined number of robbers at vicinity Quarantine Anchorage Area or approximately two (2) nautical miles outside breakwater, South Harbor, Manila on October 10, 2009 at 8:45 PM.
Upon receipt of the report, Port State Control Center Manila immediately dispatched DF-302 to intercept the robbers onboard outriggered motorbanca speeding away towards Las Piñas City.

At 9:15 PM, after thirty (30) minutes of searching on the whereabouts of the said robbers, DF-302 personnel yielded negative result and decided to return to proper station.

On October 11, 2009 at 8:00 AM, while M/V Oocl Taichung is docked at Pier 5, Manila, PSCC Manila personnel conducted inquiry to the crew of said vessel. Initial investigation revealed that while the vessel id anchored at Quarantine Anchorage Area and the watchmen were conducting round inspection, they heard some noise at pilot ladder area at the starboard side on the forecastle. One of the watchmen immediately proceeded to the area and he saw about four to five persons opening the starboard side store just beneath the ladder on starboard side main deck. One of the robbers saw him and chased him with a knife. The watchman hurriedly run back to accommodation and immediately reported the incident to the duty officer.

The duty officer then immediately sounded the alarm and continuously sounded the whistle. All crew were mustered and carried along pipes with them for defense and upon arrival at the forecastle, they heard several splashes in the water and saw a motorized wooden banca moving away heading to Manila seawall. The crews were not able to recognize the motorbanca due to darkness in the area.

The following items were stolen from the forecastle store:
A. 2 full set of breathing apparatus
B. 4 spare bottle for breathing apparatus
C. 150 meters long welding machine

No ship’s personnel were hurt on the said incident.

TOP

Joint forces of Coast Guard Detachment San Carlos and members of Bantay Dagat San Carlos successfully rescued fifty two (52) passengers and five (5) rolling cargoes onboard M/V Lite Ferry-9 of 170 Gross Tonnage/116 Net Tonnage, owned/operated by Sun Line Shipping Corporation that ran aground at vicinity North Entrance of Refugio Island, San Carlos, Negros Occidental on October 11, 2009 at 5:30 PM.

Reports from Coast Guard Detachment San Carlos disclosed that a telephone call was received from a certain Ceasar Fernandez, Manager of Lite Shipping Corporation on October 11, 2009 at 5:45 PM informing that said vessel ran aground at the vicinity of Refugio Island.

At 6:15 PM, personnel of CGDet San Carlos together with members of Bantay Dagat immediately proceeded to the area onboard Bantay Dagat motorbanca to verify the veracity of the report.

Initial investigation revealed that M/V Lite Ferry-9 departed Toledo City, Cebu on October 11, 2009 at 4:00 PM enroute to San Carlos, Negros Occidental. While said vessel was navigating at approximately 0.5 nautical miles from Refugio Island, she accidentally ran aground.

All passengers were safely transferred to Bantay Dagat Motorbanca and were brought to San Carlos City Pier. All were declared in good physical condition.

The Master of M/V Lite Ferry-9 will wait for the high tide to safely pull-out/maneuver the vessel from the shallow water.

TOP

Twenty eight (28) crew members of M/V Wan Shou Shan, a Chinese flag registered bulk carrier vessel of 26, 835 Gross Tonnage loaded with coal, owned / operated by China Shipping Development Tramp were rescued at vicinity 15 nautical miles north northwest of Lubang Island on October 11, 2009.

Coast Guard Action Center in Manila disclosed that a telephone call was received from the Vessel Traffic Monitoring Scheme (VTMS) Corregidor on October 11, 2009 at 10:50 AM reporting that the 28 crew members have abandoned their ship M/V Wan Shou Shan after she went half-submerged in the water due to engine room flooding at vicinity of Lubang Island while cruising from Indonesia to China. They were later rescued by a nearby passing vessel which will bring said crew to Mariveles, Bataan and is expected to arrive thereat on October 11, 2009 at 3:00 PM.

Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog in Batangas is now closely monitoring said ill-fated vessel for any oil spill, and to ensure that it will not pose as hazard to navigation.

Commander Angelito Gil PCG directed the Coast Guard Detachment Mariveles to closely monitor M/V Wan Shou Shan and upon arrival, provide medical assistance to the crew as needed and to advise the Master of the vessel to file a Marine Protest as soon as possible.

TOP

The Philippine Coast Guard in its 108th anniversary celebration will conduct a simultaneous nationwide mangrove planting on October 10, 2009. The PCG together with its participants will plant 600 saplings of mangrove and beach-type trees along the coast of La Huerta, Parañaque City. This activity is part of the PCG’s effort to create a major impact on the marine environment and in support to the Global Action against Climate Change and UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign, which seeks to plant seven billion trees or one for every person on the planet by the end of 2009. This event is one of the series of activities to commemorate the anniversary celebration of this Command. These activities are made suited to serve the needs of those who are affected by recent calamities and contribute to the necessary actions in response to the growing concern of environmental decline and climate change.

The site for the mangrove planting is part of the Las Piñas – Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area established by the virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1412 dated April 22, 2007. The habitat is home to 8 species of mangroves and 27 species of birds, of which 20 species are migratory birds. It is considered as one of the remaining intact wetland ecosystem along Manila Bay and plays a global ecological importance for it is home to migratory birds. Birds serve as indicator for ecological assessment and gauge the stability of an ecosystem. The area is under the care and management of Protected areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – NCR.

This mangrove planting activity will include participants from the local government units of Parañaque City, the Office of Mayor Florencio M Bernabe, its coastal barangay officials and constituents, and students from various schools within the locality. This event will also be an educational campaign for the students and the youth, to increase their awareness on environmental issues and encourage their participation and initiative in environmental protection and preservation program. The program is expected to serve as a wake-up call for everyone that efforts from all sectors in the community should work together and address the issues and concerns of climate change, and its threats to society’s way of life and sense of stability, and to the loss of life and property.

Aside from the mangrove planting, the vents line-up for the anniversary celebration includes medical and dental mission, relief and clean-up operations. The main event of the celebration is scheduled on 16 October 2009 at Headquarters, PCG.

TOP

Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo declared today austere yet meaningful observance for the 108th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on October 16,2009 at the Coast Guard National Headquarters in Manila.

In his message to all PCG units nationwide, Admiral Tamayo directed all personnel, particularly those within the calamity areas along the paths hit by Tropical Storms “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” and other developing weather dirturbances to be more active in monitoring maritime traffic and stranded vessels and passengers, and to conduct rescue, disaster relief, and clean up operations in flooded areas in partnership with other government agencies, local government units, and private sector. This means that the PCG will have to forego with the traditional ceremonies and capability demonstration exercises which were already done during the recent National Maritime Week celebration to be able to re-channel anniversary funds towards the conduct of said activities.

Admiral Tamayo disclosed further that the week-long activities from October 5 to 16, 2009 themed “Greater Safety, Environmental Protection and Security Starts with Greater Awareness and Preparedness” started with rescue operations and relief goods’ distribution in Taguig, Marikina, Cainta, Quezon City, Makati, Laguna, Bulacan and other affected areas in partnership with other agencies under the Department of Transportation and Communications, the Coast Guard Officers Wives’ Association, the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, World Vision Philippines and the maritime community. The relief operations aim to distribute relief goods for at least ten thousand families whose homes and belongings were destroyed during the onslaught of Tropical Storm “Ondoy”.

The anniversary highlights also include nationwide mangrove planting spearheaded by all Coast Guard Districts and Stations.

Despite austere anniversary celebration, milestone landmarks shall be commemorated for the penultimate proceedings. The weeklong activities will culminate with a simple anniversary program on October 16, 2009 at Coast Guard National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila with DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza as guest of honor and speaker. Newly renovated facilities, namely the Coast Guard Command Center, CG Function Hall, CG Ceremonial Area, CG Information Technology Laboratory and Library, CG Female Barracks, CG Base Farola Access Road, and Headquarters PCG Staff Offices will be dedicated after the worship service. On the same occasion, Admiral Tamayo will sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy President, RADM Fidel Diñoso for the cross training program of Coast Guard Officer Candidates and the first ever contingent of the Philippine Coast Guard Cadet Corps. Under the aforementioned agreement, 75 cadets will be trained as part of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy program.

Secretary Mendoza will accord due recognition and honors upon all PCG personnel and private sector contributors involved in various search and rescue, and relief operations particularly the 40 rescue-relief operations teams of the PCG who responded immediately to various affected areas at the height of the tropical storm backlash.

Likewise, the PCG-ReCAAP-JICA hosted and completed yesterday the Joint Seminar-Workshop on Anti-Piracy Coordination with representatives from the Philippine Navy (PN), PNP Maritime Group, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Center on Transnational Crimes, Asian Terminal Inc. (ATI), and Office of Transportation Security (OTS).

Today, the Coast Guard Aviation Group (CGAG) held a simple ceremony for the pinning of the 1st Pilot Badge to three (3) new rated first pilots of the Coast Guard Air Group and the Joint Convening of the Basic Pilot Training (BPT) Course Class 04-09 and the Aviation Machinistmate Specialization Course (AMSC) Class 04-09. The continuous training of pilots and air crews which are being conducted by CGAG either in-house or out-sourced from other aviation-related institutions are necessary in order to address the PCG ‘s need of additional rated pilots and air crews to continue the response capability and much-needed interoperability of the PCG in addressing maritime challenges.

The PCG remains very hopeful of the passage of PCG Law of 2009 which is scheduled for deliberation at the Bilateral Conference Committee Level. The PCG Law will give more teeth to the PCG being a multi-mission maritime agency that continues to serve our nation by ensuring safe, clean, and secure maritime environment.

TOP

The Coast Guard Air Group, in its promising commitment to air operations responsive to any need, has once again initiated instrumental efforts in training future pilots and crew as materialized in the joint convening ceremonies of the Aviation Machinistmate Specialization Course Class 04 and the fourth class for Basic Pilot Training with four (4) female and two (male) officers on 08 October 2009.

Hand in hand with the Philippine Coast Guard’s modernization efforts, the Coast Guard Air Group’s human resources development is today being showcased. Highlighted in today’s occasion is the completion of three (3) members from Basic Pilot Training Class 02 as first pilots [LTJG CHRISTINE PAULINE B DICIANO PCG – First Coast Guard Aviatrix; LTJG JOSE MARI C CUCHARO PCG and LTJG FRANCISCO ACHILLES L ACEDILLO PCG] in respective Coast Guard aircraft and the ongoing qualification for additional rating of ENS FREDERICK E GACASA PCG as Pilot In Command. Having accomplished these, we have confirmed that the Group has a new corps of instructors for the Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing Flight, in the person of LTJG REIMOND M SANTOS PCG and LCDR TITO ALVIN G ANDAL PCG, respectively. “SAFETY” as the way of life is continuously proved by our 4,148 accident – free days and I am very much humbled by this occasion of having our respective senior pilots and instructor pilots of the Command [COMMO DABI, COMMO RECONQUISTA, CAPT EVANGELISTA, CAPT LIM, CAPT LATORRE, CDR GIL, LCDR ANDAL, LCDR ESPLANA, LTJG SANTOS] for the donning of the BRAVO ZULU patches in their concerted efforts and dedication to 2500, 3000 and 3500 hours of flying safely.

With the challenging moments brought about by typhoons ONDOY and PEPING as well as other maritime onslaughts, the Coast Guard Air Group, in God’s steadfast grace, will continuously persevere in weathering the storms. For together, as we achieve more, we will prevail.

We are deeply grateful also to the noble help extended by the Rotary Club of Makati West for donating twenty (20) new wheelchairs to PCG dependents and beneficiaries.

TOP

Elements of Coast Guard Special Operations Group assigned at CG Station Iloilo successfully rescued a drunken man who fell overboard from Fishing Vessel BALT-BEF while moored at Muelle Loney Pier, Iloilo City on October 4, 2009.

Commodore William Melad PCG disclosed that on October 4, 2009 at 4:05 AM, CGS Iloilo personnel received a telephone call from a certain Darwin Papa of Crisis Management Council Iloilo City informing that unidentified person fell overboard from a fishing vessel.

Upon receipt of the report, CGS Iloilo immediately dispatched SOG personnel at said area and conducted search and rescue operation together with members of 601.2 PCGA Squadron and ICPPO1 PNP personnel.

Investigation revealed that the victim, Jose Arnel Serrano, 32 years old, married with two (2) children and a resident of Cabac, Bantayan Cebu and the crew members of Fishing Vessel BALT-BEF was under the influence of liquor when he fell at around 3:00 AM of the same date. The crew of said fishing vessel initially conducted search and rescue operation but failed to retrieve the victim.

At 6:15 AM, the victim was recovered by SOG personnel and was brought to the nearest hospital for proper medical treatment.

TOP

One barge accidentally hit the post of the house of a certain Mr. Jesus Quiason, 61 years old of Punta, Sta Ana, Manila on October 4, 2009.

Reports from Coast Guard Station Manila disclosed that that four (4) barges namely: Matimbang, Napindan, RLC-103 and RLC-107, owned and operated by Masuda Incorporation, were moored at Alchemco Wharf, Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila when all of a sudden strong river current associated with strong wind surge occurred in the area which resulted to the parting away of the mooring lines of said barges.

On October 4, 2009 at 1:50 PM, dispatched RHIB-2 and RHIB-3 together with SC,CGS Pasig and six (6) EP on board to verify the veracity of the report. Initial investigation revealed that the standby motor tugboat in the area was unable to tow the said barges and drifted up to the vicinity of Lambingan Bridge, Sta Ana, and Manila and slightly bumped the post of Lambingan Bridge perpendicular to the river current.

At 4:45 PM, M/Tugboats Chino, Criselda, Francine of Masuda Corporation and M/Tugboat Mark Anthony B of OTC Marine took necessary action/assistance to extricate the drifted barges. At 5:15 PM, all barges were safely extricated.

As per agreement between RFM Corporation and Mr. Quiason, all expenses for the repair of damages to the house will be shouldered by RFM Corporation. The representative of Masuda RLC was advised to file a Marine Protest as soon as possible.

TOP

Twenty nine Chinese nationals onboard Motorbanca Lynn-1 were rescued 1.9 nautical miles northeast off Boracay Island, drifting towards Sibuyan Island, Romblon area on October 4, 2009.

Reports from Coast Guard Station Caticlan disclosed that a distress call was received from John Bantang, the boat captain of Mbca Lynn-1 based in Boracay Island requesting for rescue assistance on October 4, 2009 at 11:00 AM. He stated that they encountered engine trouble and was dead on the water.

At 11:15 AM of the same date, search and rescue team of CGS Caticlan together with FSWV personnel conducted search and rescue operations onboard a borrowed sail boat Napoleon Parasailing-2, owned/operated by Commander Milky Mamins of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary with three (3) crews namely: Neriel Maliquing, Gilbert Visca and Junly Maming.

Upon arrivalat the scene of the incident, the SAR team immediately rescued and retrieved Mbca Lynn-1. The twenty nine Chinese nationals onboard were identified as follows:

1. Zhao Jango Jin - 46 yo - female
2. Zhang Ming Fei - 22yo - female
3. Bao Haihug - 46yo - female
4. Xao Xianying - 21yo - male
5. Guo Cnianying - 60yo - female
6. Bao Jiliu - 66yo - male
7. Yao Fangyun - 51yo - male
8. Hong Yongwen - 54yo - male
9. Hong Jingchao - 15yo - male
10. Li Mei - 44yo - female
11. Lio Shao Juan - 44yo - female
12. Jhang Guan Yuan - 41yo - male
13. Xia Lu - 39yo - male
14. Gian Yong - 52yo - male
15. Liu Ming - 47yo - male
16. Sun Qing - 44yo - female
17. Xie Quan - 29yo - male
18. Hu Ting - 29yo - male
19. Zhu Li - 29yo - female
20. Zhong Li Juan - 34yo - female
21. He Fei - 43yo - male
22. Jin Tao - 30yo - male
23. Li Helian - 66yo - female
24. Hi Yinc - 30yo - female
25. He Yuzhi - 40yo - male
26. Dia Zhuo - 33yo - male
27. Guo Hong - 38yo - male
28. Mai Jun - 39yo - male
29. Gou Yizhan - 9yo - male

Initial investigation revealed that B/Capt John Bantang of said motorbanca was hired by the Chinese nationals from Sitio Bolabog. While at vicinity 1.9 NM NE of Boracay Island, the fuel flexible line connected to the engine stocked up causing the motobanca to be dead on the water and was drifted away by strong current towards Sibuyan Island and Romblon area.

Search and rescue team towed said motorbanca safely from the area enroute to the shoreline of Sitio Bolabog, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island. All rescued Chinese nationals are in good physical condition.

TOP