SCTEX portion damaged by heavy rains

A section of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) south-bound lane has been closed following the damage of a section of the road in Porac, Pampanga.

According to a statement released by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), the owner of the SCTEX, heavy rainfall in the past few days caused strong currents in the Pasig Portrero River which eroded part of the road's embankment.

"A section of SCTEX from Clark South going to Porac has been closed as a result to ensure the safety of motorists," the statement said.

The BCDA added that rerouting of traffic flow to and from Subic and surrounding towns is ongoing. A "technical assessment" of the damaged portion is also ongoing.

However, the SCTEX Clark-Tarlac section is still open to vehicular traffic, the BCDA said.

The total cost of the construction of the SCTEX is P34.9 billion with 78% of the cost funded by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). (ANC)

PHOTO:
A portion of SCTEX damaged by floods. This is around 30km away from Dinalupihan, Bataan.

Read More

SBMA To Augment Harbor Patrol

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) plans to augment its harbor patrol by adding four new patrol boats to its security fleet.

This was bared by SBMA Chairman Robert Garcia in a recent interview, adding that the agency will also be repairing two patrol boats. He added that the SBMA wants to ensure the security of Subic Bay’s shorelines.

“We have already asked Malacañan to provide us with the proper funding for our new patrol boats. We are still waiting for their nod,” Garcia said.

The statement came amidst the drug bust that happened recently in the town of Subic which resulted in the seizure of P2 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu.”


Garcia said the agency is not claiming the honor of busting the drug syndicate but only said that it assisted the police. “We helped in staking out the syndicate,” he said.


Garcia reiterated that allegations made by Subic Mayor Jefferson Khonghun that the drugs passed through Subic Bay Freeport is unfounded, since the drugs might have come from foreign vessels and then possibly ferried via motorized bancas.

“The shoreline of Subic town is long (sic), motorized bancas could land anywhere in Subic town,” Garcia said.

“We have been adamant in keeping smuggling off of Subic Freeport. Items such as rice, oil and other smuggled items have been nil since we helped bust the biggest rice smuggling operation in the country,” Garcia said.

As for the SBMA officials who are connected in the drug operations, Garcia was mum on the subject. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

Read More

Mali to Subic and back

HOLLYWOOD actress Pam Anderson, Paul McCartney and even Mayor Joseph Estrada cannot deny Mali a permanent home in the capital, said Manila C­ouncilor Don Juan Bagatsing.

While moving the pachyderm to a second country is discounted, he said no final deal has been made either to have the mammal transferred to Subic Freeport.

But Bagatsing, tourism committee chairman, said his sponsored resolution has been unanimously passed on “an ironclad public assurance” that the 39-year old elephant, should be returned safely to Manila Zoo immediately after its rehabilitation and modernization.

“Manila should take all necessary actions to ensure the elephant’s proper transport to the Subic facility, her suitable integration and assimilation unto new surroundings, and, more significantly, her definitive homecoming, back to her newly enhanced home in a much better Manila Zoo,” he said.

“We support, wholeheartedly, our President-Mayor’s recent pronouncements on Mali, especially in rejecting calls demanding for her lifelong relocation to a foreign habitat abroad,” he said.

“Nothing yet is set-in-stone as there remains much to be threshed and

fine-tuned on the supposed arrangement with the Subic-based park.”

Bagatsing said the city council has been left in the dark.

“No one from the Zoomanity-Zoobic Group has briefed the City Council, as well as the local Public Recreations Bureau,” Bagatsing wondered.

Zoobic Safari president Albert Yupangco asked city hall to allow his company to have Mali in its 50-hectare theme park in Subic Bay freeport.

Yupangco said the park was suitable to the elephant brought into the county at age three in 1977 from Sri Lanka as a gift to then First Lady and now Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos.

At the time, Bagatsing’s father, the late Mayor Ramon Bagatsing, sheltered the country’s only elephant, Vishwa Maali, her full name, at the city zoo.

“Amidst ruthless badgering of hard-line animal groups with super-celebrities, the Mayor of the City of Manila, His Excellency Joseph Ejercito Estrada, repeatedly has stood firm to keep the elephant permanently in the Manila Zoo,” Bagatsing said. (Macon Ramos-Araneta, Manila Standard Today)

Read More

Business first for Subic – SBMA (US Military Presence Must Have Parameters)

Despite the impending utilization of this premier Freeport by US and Japanese military forces, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Robert Garcia said that it should first function what it was mandated for, a special economic zone.

This was bared recently during an interview with Garcia, adding that the deal should first comply with three parameters before taking into full effect, that is if it in line with the Constitution, with the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), and with Subic Bay Freeport as an economic zone.

Garcia said that they need to balance the military presence while upholding Republic Act 7227, the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992. But Garcia also acknowledged the issue of national security and that the SBMA answers to the national government.

“How can you say no to the President? The agency answers to the national government, and if the national government says the military presence here is for our security concerns, who are we to question them?” Garcia explained.

One of the areas, the Alava Pier, will only be used by military vessels. Commercial wharves of the Subic Bay Freeport will not be affected by the military operations conducted by the country and its foreign allies.

He pointed out that it will still be business as usual for the other ports. Garcia also said that Alava Pier will only be used for supply replenishment, ship repair and docking but will not be used for deployment.

“We are in a difficult financial position, with that, we will ask for the lease and rental be paid. President Aquino also said that we should ask the US government for funding to repair the ageing Alava Pier since they will be the one who will use it more often,” Garcia said.

Aside from the usual places like the airport and wharves, the SBMA chief still doesn’t know which facilities the military will be using. “It will be up to them, but rest assured that Subic Freeport will stay true to its mandate,” Garcia said.

The SBMA is the operating and implementing arm of the Government of the Philippines for the development of the 262 square mile (670 square kilometer) area of Subic Bay Freeport into a self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center to generate employment opportunities. This area was the former US Naval facility in Subic Bay.

On March 13, 1992, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act 7227, known as the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, in anticipation of the pullout of the US military bases in the country.

Section 13 of RA 7227 created the SBMA to develop and manage the Freeport which provides tax and duty-free privileges and incentives to business locators in the special economic zone.

To date, Subic Bay Freeport has around 90,000 employees with close to 1,200 companies who are investing and banking on Filipino skills. Touted as the economic flagship of the country, Subic Freeport was once the biggest earning economic zone in the country.(Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

Read More

Asian Challenge triathlon set

The Philippines will host the third Asian Challenge Triathlon on Feb. 22 next year in Subic Bay and Bataan featuring crack triathletes from 20 countries.

Taking place in the pristine protected waters of Subic Bay’s IIanin Bay and its rolling hills and costal jungle forests of Subic Bay and Bataan, the half distance has become a must-do for triathletes who want to experience one of the most beautiful and iconic tri courses in Asia with the theme: “Challenge Yourself, Race for a Cause”.

The competition will be the climax of a week-long celebration of lifestyle, cultural and community engagements and sports for the entire family celebrating the Pinoy Spirit and the beautiful traditions of the Philippines.

Subic Bay and Bataan are recognized throughout the country as the active lifestyle destination of Philippines known for enchanting and challenging terrain and magnificence costal vistas and low laying deep terrocarp triple canopy rainforest has long been a place where the country’s best athletes come to train, race and relax.

The event reflects the efforts by Challenge Philippines Endurance Entertainment Asia (EEA) to deliver the best all around event experiences to the athletes and the Subic Bay, and Bataan and Zambales stakeholders.

“We deliberately looked on how to bring an iconic Challenge Philippines event to the area with the best economic impacts, but without the negative effects of closed city central roads or extra traffic,” said organizer Dave Voth.

“We are very pleased to have the very distinguished global event Challenge Philippines come to Subic Bayand feature our Freeport and former historic Naval Magazine area,” said Voth an American living in Angeles City with Filipina wife and two sons.

The event is in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay Freeport Zone and sanctioned by Triathlon Association of the Philippines. (Clyde Mariano, Tempo)

Read More

Japan minister to visit former US bases in Subic, Clark

MANILA, Philippines - A Japanese minister under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's second Cabinet is set to visit former American military facilities in Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval base in September.

Ichita Yamamoto, Japan's Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs, will inspect how the bases in Pampanga and Zambales have been successfully converted into civilian areas and commercial zones, Kyodo News reported Wednesday,

Yamamoto will reportedly use the Philippines' experience from Subic and Clark's development for Japan's own conversion of military bases within Okinawa Prefecture.

Okinawa, the poorest prefecture in Japan, has hosted US presence since 1972 but locals recently withdrew support for the American troops in the area. Residents have also blamed Tokyo for what is perceived as its lack of commitment in removing the bases.

Yamamoto's pending visit, meanwhile, is said to be be a key move in easing the tension between the local community and the government, which has vowed to demilitarize Okinawa.

US forces in the Philippines' bases, meanwhile, left in 1991 after the Senate rejected a renewal of a treaty to extend the US military's lease of the bases.

President Benigno Aquino III revived talks to allow the renewed presence of American troops in the Philippines amid China's incursions in Philippine-claimed territories in the West Philippine Sea.(Camille Diola, Philstar.com)

PHOTO:
Japanese Minister of State Ichita Yamamoto (left) wants to learn from the Philippines' experience in converting Naval Station Subic Base, a former US military base. (OIST JAPAN PHOTO/WIKICOMMONS)

Read More

SBMA clears misinformation about Subic Freeport and P2-B drug bust

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia yesterday shed light on erroneous reports about the seizure of some 400 kilograms of shabu in this free port.

Newspaper reports dated August 12 indicated that anti-narcotics operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) after a five-month surveillance arrested six suspects and seized of 400 kilos of shabu worth P2-B at the Sta. Monica Subdivision in Subic, Zambales.

Some accounts, however, placed the location of the drug bust as either the Subic Bay Freeport or the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, instead of the municipality of Subic in Zambales.

“I just want to make it clear, once and for all, because it has become a common mistake that Subic Bay Freeport and Subic, Zambales are one and the same. Well, they are not,” stressed Garcia in a statement..

‘Subic Bay Freeport is a 670-square kilometer area, which is formerly the .US. Naval Base, Subic Bay. By virtue of the Republic Act 7227, it is now being managed and developed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority into a self-sustaining growth center,” he added.

“Subic, Zambales, on the other hand, is one of the 13 municipalities of the province of Zambales, and one of the eight communities adjacent to the Subic Bay Freeport,” he continued.

In the case of the seizure of P2-billion shabu on August 11,Garcia emphasized that this happened at Sta. Monica Subdivision, which is located in the municipality of Subic, Zambales, and not in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, nor in the Subic Bay Freeport.

A report also mentioned the Subic Bay Freeport as a haven for drug smugglers, referring to the drug smuggling attempt here at the Subic Bay Freeport sometime in 2011.

Garcia likewise clarified that that smuggling attempt made news “precisely because it was foiled by the SBMA Law Enforcement Department, in cooperation with other agencies.”

According to Garcia, the SBMA and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have long been in close coordination to curb smuggling in the Port of Subic, which is in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Moreover, he gave the assurance that under his term, the SBMA will not allow smugglers to do any “monkey business” in the Subic Bay Freeport. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

US, Philippines Lay Groundwork for Subic Visits

WASHINGTON — Greater access to Philippine facilities for the US military will be part of the upcoming negotiations between Manila and Washington on establishing a framework agreement that would be “nested” under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), Philippine and US defense officials here said.

Both indicated there would be no changes to the MDT, no permanent US military bases, and, despite media speculation, no basing of US Air Force F-22 fighters or B-2 bombers.

The Philippines is shifting from internal security requirements related to the threat from terrorism to maritime security concerns in the South China Sea, and “our treaty agreement needs [to be] updated,” a US defense source said.

What the “access agreement” will look like has yet to be established. But one thing is certain — it will be rotational, the US defense source said. Rotational is the new framework and the concept is still developmental with each treaty ally in the region, the source said.

The reality is money. Sequestration has forced the Pentagon to look at ways of cutting costs while still getting the job done. This means words like modularity, rotational, and prepositioning are becoming trendy in the Pentagon.

Philippine defense officials said access to Subic Bay and Subic International Airport would first be used to preposition humanitarian assistance and disaster relief equipment and supplies. US forces using these facilities will rotate through the same way US forces rotate in Australia and Singapore.

“The number one enemy in the region is Mother Nature,” not war, the US defense source said.

This does not mean the US will not assist in Manila’s military modernization plans. For the US military, this will begin with increased joint training and exercises, including efforts to improve the way the Philippine military develops requirements for arms procurements.

Manila has a long list of defense equipment it wants but cannot seem to make up its mind about what it really needs, said defense sources in Washington. These include 12 lead-in fighters, maritime patrol aircraft, multi-role maritime helicopters, helicopter dock ships and frigates. The Korean FA-50 Golden Eagle was mentioned several times by sources last week as a popular contender for the lead-in fighter requirement.

Philippine defense officials said they need a “minimum credible defense” that includes better C4ISR. “We want to know what is happening in our backyard and have the ability to respond to it. The US presence is welcome, but the responsibility is our own.”

The Philippines has little or no C4ISR infrastructure. The US has begun assisting the Philippines in the area of maritime surveillance with enhancements to its National Coast Watch Center by upgrading facilities that were originally designed to track transnational criminals, such as pirates and terrorists.

Last week, the US delivered the second of two former US Coast Guard high-endurance cutters to the Philippine Navy. Despite media reports, discussions on a third cutter are not underway, Philippine and US defense sources said. One source indicated the cutters were provided to the Philippines as excess defense articles and were not furbished. Several countries in the region are talking with Manila about refurbishing both vessels.

Instead of taking on the costs of transferring the third vessel, they are taking the money saved and refurbishing the first two. A third is a possibility in the future, a US defense source said.

The second cutter arrived Aug. 6 at Alava Wharf, near Subic Bay, during a public ceremony led by Philippine President Benigno Aquino. He said the new ships would help the country patrol its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles from shore.

Since 2011, Manila has expressed frustration with China over maritime incursions and counterclaims by Beijing over the Scarborough Shoal, which is within the Philippines’ EEZ. The issue culminated in April 2012 when eight Chinese fishing boats were challenged by the Philippine Navy. In July, Chinese vessels erected a barrier to the shoal’s entrance and stationed vessels from the China Marine Surveillance and Fisheries Law Enforcement Command nearby.

The encounter has shaken the Philippines and created unexpected enthusiasm for a return of the US military, which was expelled from Subic Bay and Clark Air Base in 1991.

The problem is that the US has yet to gather a consensus on whether China is an enemy, Nugent said. This is evident by the Pentagon’s insistence that the Air-Sea Battle concept is not aimed directly at China.

The Pentagon’s Air-Sea Battle Office told Defense News the concept is a response to anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategies, which is a response to the successful US campaign during the 1991 Gulf War.

“We have been a power projection force. A2/AD exists because we are a power projection force. Air-Sea Battle is a response to the creation of A2/AD. There’s the rub,” an official with the Air-Sea Battle office said.

What the Philippines has done is jump on the “China threat bandwagon” without considering the possibility the US might not pull the wagon, said a former Pentagon official who now works as a consultant on US defense strategy in Asia.

Today, the US is far more dependent on China than the Philippines. US State Department declarations of a peaceful resolution of South China disputes and taking itself out of the Scarborough fight are clear indications of sea change since the end of the Cold War. (WENDELL MINNICK, Defense News.Com)

Read More

Barangay patrol personnel now deputized to keep Olongapo City streets safe

OLONGAPO CITY - Barangay Patrol Personnel (BPAT) of the city is now set to be deputized after undergoing a 3 day seminar facilitated by the City Traffic Management and Public Safety (OTMPS), in coordination with the Barangay Affairs Office.

The 3-day seminar dubbed as “Barangay Traffic Aide Training Seminar” is aimed to enhance their basic knowledge in traffic rules and public safety.

Thirty-Three BPATS from different barangay underwent the training facilitated by the OTMPS.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino said that the seminar would greatly increase OTMPS span, as trained BPATS could be used as multipliers if needed.

Ret. Maj. Camilo Pablo, head of the OTMPS said that the city could deputize the BPAT members who went under training by way of an executive order issued by the mayor.

“Tanods can issue citation ticket to public utilities vehicles only but not to private vehicle and help in keeping the traffic smooth flowing and help pedestrians especially children cross safely.” Pablo said.

Leony Jimenez, head of the barangay affairs office said that the training would greatly help members of the BPATS to do their jobs in their respective areas.

“Alam na nila ngayon ang do’s and don’t’s ng traffic, yung tamang pagpapatawid sa mga estudyante at yung unang gagawin incase na may di magandang mangyari sa traffic,” Jimenez said. (Pao/08132013)

PHOTO:
Mayor Rolen Paulino hands over certificates of training and seminar completion to Barangay Police Action Team(BPAT) from different Barangays around the city who were able to finish the seminar regarding Deputizing the city’s BPAT personnel on traffic rules.

Read More

BRP Ramon Alcaraz: A new source of pride

The arrival here of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the newest and most modern ship of the Philippine Navy, brought a sense of happiness, security and pride among relatives of the ship’s crew, as well as spectators who witnessed the welcoming ceremony for the ship on Tuesday.

“We are proud and we feel more secure with the newly-acquired ship,” said Marybeth Carbonel, a 32-year old resident of the coastal province of La Union, and wife of QM Villamor Carbonel, a crewmember of Alcaraz.

Carbonel said the new Philippine frigate brings new hope and inspiration to her husband and other members of the Philippine Navy.

“They are very happy to know that the long-delayed AFP Modernization Program is now progressing,” she added.

Petty Officer 3 Jomar Corpuz’s wife Salome, was as proud as she was excited to see her husband who had been away for more than a year while training as crewmember of the ship.

Mrs. Corpuz said she believes that the ship will be a big help to the Philippine Navy because it will boost its capability in maritime security operations, including anti-terrorism and rescuing those in distress.

“Mas madali silang makakapag-responde kung kinakailangan,” she said, referring to rescue missions and providing security against threats from pirates and incursion that the Navy undertakes.

LIke Marybeth and Salome, Sharlyn Martonito of Silang, Cavite agreed that the BRP Alcaraz is a new source of pride for her, especially since her husband P03 Marlon Martonito was among those chosen to man the new frigate.

“I am proud that my husband was chosen to be among the pioneers of the Alcaraz, which represents a stronger Philippine Navy that could provide security to our country,” Martonito said.

The 3,250-ton BRP Ramon Alcaraz is a former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter before it was acquired by the Philippine Navy from the United States Government. It is equipped with two 3,000-horsepower (hp) engines capable of a longer sustainable speed of 15 knots, and two 18,000-hp gas turbines, which could bring the ship’s speed to more than 25 knots for urgent situations.

President Benigno S. Aquino III and US Ambassador Harry Thomas led other government officials in welcoming the ship’s 87 crew and officers headed by Capt. Ernesto Baldomino in a traditional arrival ceremony at the Alava Pier yesterday morning.

Meanwhile, students from various schools in the city, like Micaela Obien, Maryjane Montances and Joy Roxas of Aura College, were among the hundreds of students from various schools in Olongapo City and the Subic Bay Freeport who trooped to Alava Pier amidst mild rain to witness the arrival of the Alcaraz.

“Nakatutuwa at nakakataas-noo,” said Obien of the feeling. “Kahit second-hand lang ang barko ay alam naming malaking tulong ang maibibigay nito sa ating Philippine Navy na kulang na kulang sa barko at makabagong kagamitan.”

Obien said she believes that the Alcaraz, together with BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF15), would strengthen Philippine capability to defend its maritime areas, “especially from China and other countries that continue to bully our fishermen,” she added.

“With the tension going on at Scarborough Shoal or the Panatag Islets, it’s good to know that we now have ships that could protect and safeguard our territory,” said Rodmar Eda, 17, a student from Aura College here. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO
President Benigno Aquino III confers with SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia aboard the presidential yacht Ang Pangulo during the welcoming ceremony for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz frigate at the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday. Also in photo are: US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Del Rosario.

Read More

German foundation to donate hospital equipments for city hospital

OLONGAPO CITY: Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino announced that a German foundation is set to donate medical equipment’s to be used for the city hospital.

Lutos Foundation headed by Heinrich Treutner focus on helping indigent people in the Philippines specifically from the province of Zambales for over eight years.

Aside from donating medical equipment to local government and other non-government organization Lotus Foundation also helps deaf children by giving scholarship and giving out medical assistance. Paulino said that the donation would greatly help the hospital to provide better care for Olongapo’s ill residents.

Paulino thanked Treutner and said that it would greatly help the people of Olongapo.

“Sana dumami pa ang mag donate sa hospital natin, we very much welcome and appreciate all the people who are helping us now, last week we also received nebulizer for the use of our hospital or clinics,” Paulino said.

Truetner sourced the medical equipment’s from kerckhoff-clinic in Bad Nauheim near Frankfurt, which is one of the most famous cardiology clinic in Germany.

Treutner said that he had been living in Olongapo for almost ten years now and that he made a personal focus to help all these wonderful but poor people, “I will be preparing all the documents so we can bring it here very soon.”

Among the equipment’s that would be donated by Lotus Foundation are, 1 unit of Centrifuge rotana, 1 unit of anesthesia stand mobile, 1 unit of heart-lung machine, 2 units of PCX mobile work tables, 4 units of breast therapy devices, 1 unit of infusion warmer, 1 unit of lung function machine including mobile PC and printer, 1 unit of mobile endoscopy system, 1 unit of mobile electro-cardiogram system, 10 units of blood sugar measuring instruments, 1 unit of endoscopy video trolley, 1 lot of infusion system, 1 lot of syringe and gloves, 3 units of dialysis machines and 2 units of dental chairs. (PAO Olongapo City)

PHOTO:
Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino(center in white) and Heinrich Treutner, President of Lotus Foundation shake hands and pose for a picture with Olongapo City councilors after Mayor Paulino formally announced that Treutner would be donating medical equipments to the local government of Olongapo.

Read More

PH vows intensified sea patrols as BRP Ramon Alcaraz arrives at Subic Bay

SUBIC BAY - The Philippines promised intensified sea patrols Tuesday as it welcomed the arrival of a second warship from the United States to bolster its defenses during a maritime dispute with China.

President Benigno Aquino III led the Philippine Navy in welcoming the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a Hamilton-class cutter that had been decommissioned by the US coast guard and acquired by Manila.

The ship berthed at Subic, a former American naval base on the west coast of the main island of Luzon facing the South China Sea where the Philippines has festering territorial disputes with China.

"Now that BRP Alcaraz has arrived, we will surely intensify our patrols in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone," Aquino said in a speech as the US envoy to Manila and other officials cheered.

"It will also boost our capability to counter any threat," he said.

Aquino made no direct reference to China, which has claims in the South China Sea overlapping those of the Philippines and other nations.

The Alcaraz, named after a Filipino commodore and World War II hero who battled Japanese warplanes, is the second warship acquired by the Philippines from its US ally in recent years, significantly upgrading its poorly-equipped military.

The first, BRP Gregorio del Pilar, was acquired in 2011 and immediately sent to patrol the country's waters to counter what the government says is increasing militarisation by China of the disputed areas.

In 2012 the Gregorio del Pilar confronted Chinese ships in a tense standoff at Scarborough Shoal, a small outcrop just off the coast near Subic.

The Chinese eventually gained control of the shoal after the Philippines backed down.

The 3,250-ton (2,950-ton) Alcaraz can withstand strong waves and can stay longer at sea than any of the Philippines' current vessels, allowing for more extensive patrols, the navy said.

The Philippine military is considered one of the weakest in the region and it has been seeking more US aid to boost its capabilities.

The government last week said US military aid to Manila would increase more than 60 percent to 50 million dollars this year, with a possible acquisition of a third naval cutter.

Small numbers of US forces rotate for training in the Philippines, although the defence department has recently said it was in talks with its American counterparts for joint use of Philippine bases.

US Navy P3 Orion surveillance aircraft have also been helping the Philippines gather intelligence on what Manila has said is an increasing Chinese military build-up in the South China Sea.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, even waters close to its smaller neighbours. The dispute has long been considered a potential flashpoint of conflict in the region.

Subic, along with the nearby Clark air base, were longtime US military facilities, playing key roles from World War II to the Vietnam War and during the Cold War.

The Philippine Senate voted in 1991 to shut down US bases in the country. (Jason Gutierrez, Agence France-Presse)

PHOTO:
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III waves as he boards the Philippine navy ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz at the Alava Pier, Subic Freeport Zone in Olongapo, north of Manila, Philippines on Tuesday.

Read More

Pres Aquino welcomes arrival of warship in Subic

Subic Bay, Zambales (Reuters) - The Philippines' second warship arrived in Subic Bay on Tuesday (August 6), augmenting the country's naval forces to protect its territorial borders near the South China Sea.

President Benigno Aquino III and senior defense officials watched as the frigate, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a Hamilton-class high endurance cutter and the newest ship of the Philippine Navy, sailed into Subic Bay after its two month voyage from the United States.

"With the arrival of the BRP Alcaraz, we can strengthen our patrols in our Philippine exclusive economic zone, combat any bad elements, provide support in search and rescue operations and protect our marine resources," Aquino said.

The newly acquired warship will be docked in Subic Bay, the former US Navy base 50 kilometers (30 miles) northwest of Manila, where it will be repainted before joining its sister ship on patrols.

The cutter, along with its sister ship acquired by the Philippines in 2011, were donations from its defence treaty ally, the United States, through the excess defence articles (EDA) under which Washington provides old equipment no longer in active use. But $25 million was spent to refurbish them.

The United States is the Philippines' oldest security ally and has been assisting in upgrading Manila's military capabilities to combat terrorist threats and protect its territorial borders.

Until the early 1990s, US troops operated from two large military bases in the Philippines, providing a security umbrella in the country's decades of fighting against Maoist and Muslim insurgents.

There are now plans to allow Washington wider access to civilian and military bases to help its former colony enhance its defense capability.

The Philippines, along with Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and China, are embroiled in disputes over territory in the nearby South China Sea, potentially rich in oil and gas and criss-crossed by crucial shipping lanes.
The South China Sea has become Asia's biggest potential military flashpoint as Beijing's sovereignty claim over the huge area has set it against Vietnam and the Philippines, as the three countries race to tap possibly huge oil reserves believed to lie under the seabed.

PHOTO:
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz docks at Subic (Still photo taken from a Reuters TV clip)

Read More

PNoy to grace welcome rites for BRP Ramon Alcaraz in Subic Bay

President Benigno Aquino III is expected to grace the welcome ceremonies here for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) on Tuesday, August 6.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said the Alava Pier here is now being prepared for the ceremony, which is expected to be joined by President Aquino and top government and military officials.

Subic is set to welcome the latest warship acquired by the Philippines from the United States following its entry into the Philippine territory recently.

It departed the Charleston harbor in South Carolina on June 10, crossed the Panama Canal on June 17, and journeyed through the Pacific Ocean on its way to the Philippines.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz is a former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter and first served as the USCGC Dallas before it was turned over to the Philippines under the Foreign Military Sales program of the United States.

The 3,250-ton frigate underwent refurbishment and refitting last May prior to its voyage to the country.

It is now skippered by Philippine Navy Capt. Ernesto Baldovino and manned by 14 officers and 73 enlisted personnel.

The 115-meter ship was named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a World War II hero and officer of the Philippine Navy, who commanded one of the Philippine Offshore Patrol's Q-boat Q-112 Abra during the war which shot down t three Japanese planes.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz is expected to boost the Philippine Navy’s capability in protecting the country’s coastline. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Alcaraz now in Subic

The second Hamilton class frigate of the Philippine Navy, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, has safely anchored here yesterday morning, following a two-month voyage from the United States.

Before sunrise yesterday, BRP Alcaraz, with her sister ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar, sailed slowly towards its designated anchorage area in the sprawling bay for a two-day customs and immigration procedure.

“We have to undergo quarantine proceedings,” a Filipino sailor aboard BRP Alcaraz was heard telling his colleagues over BRP Del Pilar’s communication system.

President Aquino, along with top military officials, will lead the welcome ceremony for the country’s new warship on Tuesday at Alava port here.

A number of Philippine Navy warships, including the Peacock Class BRP Emilio Jacinto and the presidential yacht Ang Pangulo, are also set to welcome BRP Alcaraz.

“They (crew) will be very busy in the preparation of the ship for the arrival ceremony on Tuesday,” Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said in a text message.

He also said the Philippine Navy would organize tours to enable the public to see the ship.

Alcaraz meets Del Pilar, dolphins

Before dropping anchor in the bay, BRP Alcaraz was welcomed by BRP Del Pilar off the coast of Bolinao, Pangasinan where the two former US Coast Guard high-endurance cutters performed the time-honored Navy tradition dubbed as “meeting engagement” at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Fishermen aboard 22 small fishing boats and 11 big fishing vessels also held a regatta for BRP Alcaraz before the warship rejoined BRP Del Pilar for a 14-hour voyage to home port.

“Fishermen are the first ones to benefit from the arrival of the ship because aside from the job of PF16 (bow number of BRP Alcaraz) to guard Philippine waters, the vessel will also serve as the salvation ship of fishermen in times of calamity,” Commander Levi Carane of the civil military operations of the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces Northern Luzon said in Filipino.

The warship was also “welcomed” by a group of dolphins which swam towards the vessel after the meeting in Bolinao, according to Ltjg. Errol de la Cruz.

“The ‘sail past’ (ceremony) was almost completed when a huge amazement surprised us all! A group of dolphins suddenly emerged from the surface and swam towards our ship,” De la Cruz wrote in the ship’s online journal.

Ship’s trained crew, weapons system

Under the command of Navy Capt. Ernesto Baldovino, BRP Alcaraz’s 14 officers and 74 crewmembers have been away from their families for more than a year. While in the US, they trained in handling the vessel including its electronics weapons systems.

During the voyage home from South Carolina, Alcaraz’s first stop was San Diego, California, then Hawaii and Guam before finally embarking on the final leg through rough waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Unlike BRP Del Pilar which was escorted by a US Navy warship when it sailed to the Philippines in 2011, BRP Alcaraz was on its own as the vessel has been classified as highly capable of “taking care” of itself.

“Both her engines are in top shape and she had her own monitoring and weapons systems which are highly functioning. She doesn’t need any escort,” said George Malabrigo, a Filipino engineer working for the International Fleet Support (IFS), a Washington-based naval contractor that provides complete life-cycle support for non-nuclear surface ships operated by allied navies.

“One of her engines is brand-new and the other underwent complete overhaul. Alcaraz is in top shape. After undergoing repainting from white to grey, she can immediately join the Philippine fleet,” Malabrigo added.

Aboard BRP Del Pilar, Malabrigo is here as head of IFS programs for the Philippine Navy. He supervised the refurbishment of BRP Alcaraz at North Charleston, South Carolina right after the vessel was turned over to the Philippine government last year.

“It’s good to see that the Philippines has already two frigates. More so if these two warships are finally fitted with missile systems,” Malabrigo said.

But while many observers hail the acquisition of BRP Alcaraz, others are not impressed, saying it is no match for the capabilities of China with whom the Philippines has a territorial dispute. (Jaime Laude , with Alexis Romero, Cesar Ramirez, Philippine Star)

Read More