Coast guard apprehends 7 Vietnamese poachers
By Evelyn Macairan
The Philippine Star 04/13/2005

Seven suspected Vietnamese poachers were nabbed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for illegally fishing in the Philippine waters off the shore of Palawan last Sunday.

Lt. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesperson, identified the apprehended Vietnamese nationals as Tzan Cuan, Tzan Quang, Le Quan, Tzan Xanh, Tzan Hung, Le Thang, and Le Thuy.

The suspects were spotted on board their fishing boat by PCG vessel BRP Pampanga some 135 nautical miles off Libro Point in El Nido, Palawan.

The fishermen will be charged for violation of Republic Act 8550, that covered provisions on illegal fishing, and for illegal entry in Philippine territory.

The alleged poachers failed to produce any document that could legalize their fishing explorations in Philippine territorial waters. The suspects were turned over to another PCG vessel, the BRP Ilocos Norte, and had their fishing boat towed to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

Balilo said they accidentally stumbled on the Vietnamese fishing boat while conducting their search and rescue operations for F/BCA Maria Emelyn 2.

For almost a month, the PCG had been conducting search and rescue operations near the vicinity of Palawan as they had also been searching for four missing Filipino fishermen.

The passengers of fishing boat F/BCA Maria Emelyn 2 are boat captain Pedro Isidro, 23; Ronald Mercado, 25; Jimmy Francis, 27; and Zaldy Tapatani, 49, all of Castillejos town in Zambales Province.

The PCG aircraft discovered the motorized fishing vessel on April 9 at 2:30 p.m., some 150 nautical miles northwest of Ulugan Bay, Palawan. They immediately coordinated with BRP Batangas and BRP Gen. Marianao Alvares, positioned near the area, to fetch Isidro and his men.

=====================================================



I believe we have to do more to protect our EEZ.

It should always be that ONLY FILIPINOS will enjoy the bounty of our seas.

It seems that we really have a shortage of patrol crafts and ships.

If not for the rescue sorties, the illegal fishing activities involving the Viets will not be discovered.

Isn't that a disturbing discovery?

We should acquire more patrol crafts to protect our EEZ.

Light PCG or NAVY aircraft may do similar things to protect our EEZ and even against foreign aggressors.

"I believe we have to do more to protect our EEZ.

It should always be that ONLY FILIPINOS will enjoy the bounty of our seas.

It seems that we really have a shortage of patrol crafts and ships.

If not for the rescue sorties, the illegal fishing activities involving the Viets will not be discovered.

Isn't that a disturbing discovery?

We should acquire more patrol crafts to protect our EEZ.

Light PCG or NAVY aircraft may do similar things to protect our EEZ and even against foreign aggressors."


That's the dilema of our gov't right now. With a limited budget, should we buy the big ships for external defense and leave other areas open or get those smaller OPVs in more numbers and cover as much area as they can? Same with other branches of the AFP. Should we go for the hi-techs and expensive ones and used up all our budget for a couple or make do with refurbished ones that can service many units in the field badly needing it? Should we move to external defense at the same time battle all fronts in our internal conflict or finish our internal problem first then go for the external mode like our neighbors?

I believe we really need to field more smaller crafts just to cover a wider area.

External defense must not be set aside too long.

We need to consider both.

In our current situation though, we really need to focus more on fielding more smaller crafts to protect our source of livelihood.

Uncle Sam and the UN are there anyway in case of any act of external aggression.

^Flipzi: i do agree with your idea of fielding more smaller crafts for fisheries protection but they cannot tackle EEZ protection and similar missions. for EEZ protection and long-range patrol of the Philippines' 300,000 square kilometer territory, there is a need to purchase offshore patrol vessels and guided-missile corvettes. corvettes and OPVs are more credible signs that we Filipinos are taking guard of our territory and will not tolerate poachers, illegal fishermen, terrorists, smugglers, pirates and aggressor navies in entering our territory and EEZ.

yes, there's a need to concentrate efforts in solving the internal strife that is going on but that's not an excuse in neglecting the country's external defenses. :aberet:

:exactly:

The UN is there, so is Uncle Sam. So why immediately concentrate on external defense and buy all those expensive big ships? What's the use? If you will buy 1 complete ship with all the missiles in it and used up all your budget how about support ships to back up that new single ship? It's annual maintenance?

In case of a shooting war, that single ship will be the first target then what? Same equation will result if a small OPV encounters an intruder and gets involve in a shooting war, the UN will intervene.

So it's better to have more smaller OPVs covering a bigger EEZ and serving the 7,000 islands than a single complete ship assigned in one certain area. Mere presence of these small ships will prevent intruders and can alert the world. Parang mga askal na maingay na gigising sa iyo pati ng mga kapit-bahay mo.

the UN? come on... the UN is only effective in disaster relief and those kinds of stuff but the organization is truly ineffective in preventing conflicts.

remember Rwanda? Darfur? Iraq? :demon:

So buying 1 complete ship from your limited budget will make you win against China? or other neighboring countries? So what did you end up? A wannabe bully with a new toy not believing in the organization of nations anymore?

All of us wished that our AFP gets the best at least at par with our neighbors, but unlike our neighbors there is an existing problem that's draining the AFPs budget as well as our Gov't. But just like what other fellow posters has said what's the use of a big ship in the daily needs of our troops? A multi-role jet? Read 1 thread it says there that the planned CF5 deal was cancelled because of "human rights violations" (who would release such info)? So there was the plan but these were being block by problems that needs to be solve first, insurgency!

about the insurgency going on in this country, there's this opinion forming in my mind suggesting that the Philippine government is really not sincere in ending the insurgency so that it will have an excuse to ask for a LARGER defense budget, which, in turn, is ONLY POCKETED by corrupt government and military officials and civilians. :grrr:

back to the topic of maritime patrols, i do not see anything wrong with the purchase of more smaller naval crafts for fisheries protection and interdiction but these types of vessels are TOTALLY UNSUITED for EEZ protection and long-range maritime patrols. smaller naval crafts lack the endurance that is needed in patrolling the Philippines' HUGE territory and EEZ. such a fact legitimizes the need for vessels such as offshore patrol vessels (for long-range maritime and EEZ patrol, fisheries patrol, etc.) and guided-missile corvettes ("to show the Philippine flag within Philippine territory and EEZ which are often violated by these bastards"). :rifle:

the UN? who would believe in such an organization if it failed to stop the Yanks from attacking Iraq, the slaughter of Rwandans, the mass murder in Darfur and the corruption in the oil-for-food programme in Iraq? the UN is just like the League of Nations before- it has no balls of really stopping conflict sparking in many corners of the globe by vowing to the whims of superpowers such as the US, China, Britain, etc. :grrr:

:agree:

We should do this.

Again, it is just a matter of political will on the part of GMA.

That's one of the biggest thing too.

Preventing them from starting the destruction or intrusion is the point here.

The UN and US will definitely come to our rescue.

BUT ONLY AFTER THE INITIAL DAMAGE IS DONE.

Kuwait was redeemed but the damage was already done.

DONT FORGET THE MISCHIEF REEF TAKEOVER AS WELL.

It can happen again, maybe in another form, but it surely will when our neigbors will notice that we have lowered our guard.

Rwanda, Darfur -- both tragic INTERNAL strife, not foreign-induced conflicts
Iraq -- As long as the US doesn't suspect us of developing weapons of mass destruction that we plan to use against it (even based on what turns out later to be erroneous intelligence reports), I suppose we'll be ok.

I believe this is the best compromise.

We cannot sleep tight if we know that our territory isnt guarded enough.

We must not be discouraged by these budgetary constraints.

We have to do all we can to protect our interests.

^Flipzi: that's correct. a compromise must be done in order to satisfy the need to beef up both our external defenses and internal defenses. :exactly:

speaking of smaller OPVs, can any one here list down some examples of smaller OPVs (with complete weapons suite such as a 76 mm OTO Melara Super Rapido dual purpose main gun and smaller-caliber naval guns and a helicopter landing deck and hangar) that are affordable enough for the Philippine Navy to purchase and operate? also, i'm wondering why the idea of modifying the design of the Jacinto (Peacock) class OPVs did not come up even though the plans for the vessels were already with the Philippine Navy. :armyskeptic:

Having those small vessels would be like an alarm system that we are watching intruders. Any shortness in firepower the airforce then comes in. BUT that's another problem and dilema we have right now. No interceptors :headbang:

The question again, should we buy the latest costing more than the budget we have or get a squadron of those refurbished ones that still can do the job? :dunno:

that's another story.

check the Air Force thread.

there's a topic there regarding the deactivation of 5th Fighter Wing.

CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT? :dontgetit:

I believe we should jump over to that thread and discuss the matter with the rest.

The OPVs are not that powerful enough to ward off persistent and bigger intruders.

We need some eagles to really scare them off or blow them up if they really get so stubborn.

OPVs in tandem with MRFs were the original plan i think.

saver111: i definitely concur with your point but are we just going to watch things unfold and not do anything to "fight back"? we need to have vessels that will really deter (as in having the capability to INFLICT DAMAGE) anyone from messing up with the Philippine Navy and multi-role fighters that will interdict these aggressors long before they enter Philippine territory and EEZ can cause trouble. :rifle:

flipzi: the OPVs and guided-missile corvettes should really work alongside multi-role fighters of the Air Force in order to give the country a real deterrent force. :agree:

kaya nga eh :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

saver111, my friend, sh!t happens. that's all i can say about things going on in this country of ours. :armyredface: :grrr:

Aray sakit nun ah.

Fight back? With what? Do you know how much it cost the AFP to sustain our troops daily? I believe we can't involve ourselves with a much bigger war?

But how about the intrusion? Remember what we did before at the Spratlys during FVR's term. It was discussed in the other Forum. Remember what ship we had? An aging LST with an improvised helicopter flatform. What we did was not war of weapons but war of wits! A huey chopper with media people taking pictures of their intrusions. Telling the world what they are doing. And we did get the world's attention. How about the China and Vietnam sea conflict? Plain loss of lives and assets. Ganun din, stalemate.

So that is why we should make use of the UN as a member. It was created so if possible to prevent war among nations. And prevention is always the best cure.

:war:

i know that war is not an answer and that the Philippines cannot afford the costs of a full-scale war with another country. what i mean by the Philippines having the capability to "fight back" is for us to have CREDIBLE military assets that will make potential aggressors think more than twice before messing up with the AFP.

using the Spratly Islands situation, haven't you thought of why China keeps on bullying the Philippines while it never wanted to lift a finger on Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore? the answer is plain and simple: Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore, although not as powerful as the China, possessed assets that can inflict damage to Chinese warships and combat aircraft such as missile-armed ships and multi-role fighters while the Philippines has this inviting image of defenselessness as proven by its lack of credible air defense and naval platforms.

sending a rusting World War II-era LST filled with local and foreign journalists and equipped with two old unarmed UH-1H helicopters was one form of psychological warfare that the Philippines can use to its advantage but things changed since that time. the Chinese will just sink that LST and face all the flak that it will get as a result of its actions since it holds the Asia-Pacific region and the United Nations HOSTAGE similar to that of the Americans.

You're living in a dreamworld of missile corvettes and multirole strike fighters and the phantom invaders they're supposed to destroy.

Just wondering, was there ever an instance when you tried your hand at balancing a *limited* budget in real life?

If so, magnify that with having to deal with the national and defense budget given our needs and problems, foreseeable income, etc. If not, well, I suppose it'll be very hard to understand.

i did but unlike most Filipinos, i only spend it on its intended purpose. :armywink:

the difference between me and the AFP: i am honest with my expenditures and only spends on what must be spent on while saving part of my budget for my savings. the AFP and the Philippine government ask for BIG BUCKS for budget but instead of spending that budget for the re-equipment of the Armed Forces, much of it was spent on mansions in Forbes Park and Ayala Alabang; spanking new Ford Expeditions, BMWs and Jaguars; shares in country clubs; extravagant around-the-world tours; and supporting Family No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, etc. :grrr:

That's one of the internal problem we are having right now. See how some of our troops are rebelling? Our present budget is not enough, nakukupit pa. So how can we purchase those latest tech equipments.

Read those other threads and you will see what our soldiers wants. Armor vest, radios, refurbished hueys to maximize the numbers for distribution to the different units for mobility and medevac, CAS planes not jets, C130's and other small items they feel most needed as well as medical assistance and social services for their families. Giving them these basic needs is more than enough for them to serve and die for country. And if our gov't tends to ignore these, that's another (Coup) problem. See 1 thread encouraging our troops to go the other side?

So if you're GMA, where do you go?

:headbang:

THAT'S THE WHOLE THING!

SEE?

AMONG THE CLAIMANTS, IT IS US, WHOM THE CHINESE HAD PICKED TO BULLY?

Check the Spratly's map again.

Before they put up the octagon structures, the markings tell us that the islands do belong to us.

But now, you can clearly see how the Chinese have solidified their claim by setting up their own structures across the cluster of islands.

That octagon structure then seemed to be what was the last one that they needed to build to complete one of the basis for strengthening their claim over the entire cluster of islands.

Just see how far the shelter is from the closest Chinese-occupied island in that cluster?

See also how close it is to the Philippines?

I still believe that we have the money to finance our modernization program.

IT IS JUST THAT OUR LAWMAKERS ARENT PUTTING THE BUDGET INTO GOOD USE!

But how about our separatist rebels in the South? It's within our mids. Mas malapit naman siguro kumpara sa Spratlys?Imagine Mindanao out of our map, with Sulu and Palawan being tagged along. What would be your priority?

Tapos nakakuha nga tayo ng latest Cyclone vessel nasa Boracay naman...

:dontgetit:

Priority is a priority.

You are right about that. No doubt about it.

Mindanao concern? Okay let's priotitize that.

But completely forgetting what you have compromised just to give that priority to whoever needed your attention is a different thing.

I believe the Cyclone is needed somewhere else.

The beachgoers are helping our economy a lot though. So, they have one good reason to deploy that ship there.

Nonetheless, bigger ships can stay longer at sea and venture farther, right?

That's one of the things that the Navy must consider in deploying which ships to where.

Boracay can be served effectively by smaller crafts anyway.

We can then send the bigger ships to the Spratly's to protect our interest there.

"I believe the Cyclone is needed somewhere else."

The beachgoers are helping our economy a lot though. So, they have one good reason to deploy that ship there."


:exactly:

It is needed somewhere. And as I remember with so much funfare it was assigned to Task Force Stingray and that is in Mindanao.

In guarding the beachgoers, does it need 3 PN gunships? And there are smaller PCG boats if it involves only beachgoers.

How about the RHIB? Do they have the right to use it for a wedding ceremony? It could be of better use for our forces in the Sulu area. Or extraction operations we are talking about like in the SR Sniper teams.

All of us here are giving suggestions on how to expand the patrol duties of our limited assets and arguing that we are forgetting other areas such as the Spratlys, but seeing that :dunno:

Come to think of it, do you also see now that even with our current inventory, "PROPER ALLOCATION" remains a problem?

Even in our national budget, I know we can give a small share to get the modernization program going... BUT THE LAWMAKERS ARE PUTTING THE MONEY INSTEAD TO WHERE THEY CAN EARN THE MOST.

WE HAVE THE MONEY AND EVEN THE RESOURCE TO PROTECT OUR INTEREST... but we just dont seem to know how to put things right.

Or is it that, we just dont want to?

I hope Gen. Abu, Sec. Cruz and PGMA will realize that soon enough.

Well internal security must be pass on to the PCG and PNP MG. Those small gunboats and patrol crafts is suited for these two organization. With that set-up, our PN can concentrate more on the external side, remember? Much bigger ships for much bigger treaths such as the Spratlys, Sulu area, etc.

That should be our long-term focus. The PCG and the PNP-MG should be the ones doing this.

But for now, or until the ASG threat subsides to a very negligible level, it is best that the Navy takes control of this concern.

Moreover, the anti-terrorism problem can only be handled effectively by a hard-hitting group like that of the Stingray. I believe they will be at the forefront of this counter-terrorism operations for a very long time.

BTW, check this; :thumb:



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Philippine Navy and DoT move to protect beaches


BORACAY, ISLAND – The Philippine Navy personnel demonstrated here over the weekend its capability to provide the country’s beaches and resorts with adequate security to ensure the safety of tourists.

"Our beaches are well protected," PN flag-officer-in-command chief Vice Admiral Ernesto H. de Leon as the Navy, in support of the DoT is "providing our beaches and resorts with adequate security" to ensure the safety of tourists.

The Navy’s elite task force group Stingray (NTG Stingray) demonstrated here tactical maneuvers, rounds of synthetic gunfires, and vertical insertion maneuvers using a helicopter to track down a suspected terrorist group.

The event was graced by Navy Chief Vice Admiral Ernesto H. de Leon and Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano, as a way of assuring foreign and local tourists that the beaches of the Philippines are safe for them.

With the presence of several Philippine Navy gunships, Navy helicopters, and Navy SEALs safeguarding the island’s shores everyday, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Pehlmana, Swiss nationals visiting Boracay for the first time, said "Their presence made us feel very safe’’.

In a bid to bolster the country’s tourism industry, De Leon ordered all Navy operational commands nationwide to heighten their vigilance and readiness to stop any possible terror attacks and lawless activities at sea.

"Navy assets are patroling areas near tourist facilities to ensure that they are free from interference by lawless elements," said De Leon.

NTG Stingray is the Navy’s sea-based anti-terror and anti-kidnapping force set out in line with its commitment to fight terrorism and maintain peace and security in the country.

Stingray is composed of fast patrol gunboats and aircraft, manned by highly trained sailors, marines and Navy SEALS, and backed up by competent naval intelligence operatives. De Leon asserted that since the Navy has organized NTG Stingray, there has been no repeat of the Dos Palmas kidnapping incident.

De Leon said with the Navy’s intensified anti-terror operations, and enhanced fighting capabilities against group threats, the country can gain back the confidence of foreign investors and tourists, after the setbacks it has suffered following the spate of kidnappings and terror activities perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf and kidnap for ransom groups.

The Navy Chief also assures business communities that it is safe to do business in the Philippines adding that, "their investments in economic activities within our territory and areas are adequately protected from lawless elements by helping ensure an environment of peace and safety."

The capability demonstration exercise was participated in by 4 Navy ships BRP General Mariano Alvarez, a patrol killer gunboat BRP Salvador Abcede, a 78-footer patrol gunboat BRP Juan Migluyan and a coastal interdiction craft DP341; 2 Navy island aircrafts 310 and 420, and a helicopter; 2 Navy SRAL teams; a force protection team; and a signal intelligence team. A total of 200 personal took part in the exercises.

The Navy has to acquire bigger ships though like the Peacocks in order for it to fulfill its external defense duties.

BTW, the Cyclone-class is most suited for counter-terrorism and special ops. Its not even armed enough to face the modern ships of our neighbors anyway.

External defense?

The Navy has to start buying missile boats if it wants to be that effective!

With the capability of the Cyclone-class ships and its ability to deploy RHIB that fast, plus the fact that it can accomodate a team of SWAGs effectively,...

... i believe we need to acquire more of these to protect our shores particularly our tourism industry.

MORE CYCLONES! :bow: :bow: :bow:

BTW, the Tennix ships can deploy RHIB fast too.

It is a good option also if we will look into the possibility of acquiring the Tennix built ships for this mission. IT EVEN HAS A HELIPAD.

PERFECT FOR LONG-RANGE PATROL AND EVEN HAS A MEDICAL FACILITY INSIDE.

PCG rescues Chinese Cook



It has sent 2 PCG helicopters for the job. Maybe one took this picture.
Looking on the MBB105, it's quite small, maybe the PAF S-76 or Huey ii is fitted to do the job?



Anyway. good job guys! :thumb:

Coast Guard steps up security in Cebu ports

First posted 09:14pm (Mla time) Nov 08, 2005
By Jolene R. Bulambot, Romy G. Amarado
Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on Page A18 of the November 9, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

CEBU CITY -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has stepped up security at port areas and vessels here following the arrest of two brothers who were allegedly caught carrying chemicals initially suspected to be ingredients in the manufacture of explosives.

Commodore Arthur Liwag, PCG-Central and Eastern Visayas district commander, said more sea marshals have been deployed to secure ports and vessels.

The shipping companies also stepped up security by detailing more bomb-sniffing K-9 dogs at port terminals, he added.

“Cebu is generally peaceful … and the authorities are in full control of the exits and approach areas but we could not discount any possibility that some people may disrupt peace and order,” he said.

The brothers were arrested aboard SuperFerry 2 on Saturday night after they were allegedly found carrying chemicals, which authorities said were to be used for explosives.

Edito Bobila, 39 and younger brother Daniel, 30 were detained at the police
station in Dumaguete after illegal possession of chemical charges were filed against them at the city prosecutor’s office.

Edito, however, denied they owned the substance and maintained that Daniel was mentally ill and was wondering around the ship’s restricted area when arrested.

He denied they were terrorists, saying they were on their way to Barangay Kasabalan, Sibugay, Zambonga del Sur to take his brother home.

Edito said his brother was mentally ill but nobody could take care of Daniel because his wife and their three kids left him.

The brothers boarded SuperFerry 2 in Manila, which made a short stopover in Cebu. It sailed to Dumaguete for another stopover before proceeding to Dipolog City, its final destination.

While the ship was sailing to Dumaguete on Saturday night, SuperFerry 2 crew members spotted the brothers through a security monitor entering the forward compartment of the ship, a restricted area.

PDI Visayas Bureau

it's good to go one step ahead! :thumb:

PCG seizes shipment of marine species
By Nestor Etolle
The Philippine Star 11/30/2005

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) seized yesterday a shipment of endangered marine species misdeclared as sea cucumbers inside a 20-footer container van in North Harbor, Manila.

The van contained 252 sacks of dried sea horse, dried sea turtles, dried porcupine fish and shark fins. These are protected by international law, the PCG said.

The shipment reportedly came from Zamboanga City and was transported to Manila on Nov. 2 aboard the MV Lorcon Cagayan de Oro of Lorenzo Shipping Lines.

Its consignee as per bill of lading is a certain "Cesar Almendras."

According to PCG spokesman Lt. Armand Balilo, they received intelligence information that the shipment of the marine was being passed off as a legitimate commodity.

After coordinating with the Bureau of Customs, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the van was held for inspection at the Coast Guard Farola station yesterday afternoon.

"The Philippines is a signatory to the international agreement on the protection of endangered marine species. Proper charges will be filed against the alleged consignee," Balilo told The STAR.

Dried sea horse, sea turtle and shark fin are commonly used as food additives and medicine. They command high prices at the market.

Unscrupulous traders continue to trade them despite the law banning such illegal activities.

Balilo is also calling on the public to report to authorities the illegal distribution and shipment of the endangered species.

The shipment was turned over to BFAR for proper disposition.


http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200511306303.htm

Does our boys still field those wood-hulled motorized big bancas (midway in size from the ordinary banca and the basnig) crewed by 3 and equipped with a .30 cal machinegun?

Gensan CoastGuard station adjudged best nationwide



By Julius I. Valmores

General Santos City (17 January) -- The local Coast Guard Station here was adjudged the best Coast Guard Station for the year 2005, Class B category.

Gensan coast guard station bested other stations situated in premier locations of the Philippine Archipelago such as Dumaguete City in the Visayas Island, Legaspi City in the island of Luzon and City of Pasig in the Metropolitan Manila Area.

Lt. Cmdr. Oscar Endona, Jr., the local coast guard commander here received the Plaque of Appreciation during the 104th Philippine Coast Guard Founding Anniversary held in Manila last year.

In a press statement issued by the City Public Information Office, Endona, it said expressed his gratitude to the city government and to local residents in helping the local Coast Guard station achieved such a distinction.

Endona attributed the award to the people's vigilance for making a great contribution to the intelligence work of the military and the police.

He vowed to work hard to help secure SocSKSarGen seas saying he is grateful to the trust and confidence of the local residents in his area of responsibility. (PIA-SarGen/CPIO)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news.asp?fi=p060117.htm&no=11

Taiwan protests to Philippines over skipper's death

TAIPEI (AFP) - Taiwan Tuesday made a strong protest to the Philippines for what it called the improper use of weapons, after a Taiwanese fishing boat skipper was shot dead off the northern Philippines.

"The foreign ministry has filed a strong protest while summoning the Philippines' deputy representative to Taipei," foreign ministry spokesman Michel Lu told reporters.

The 68-year-old skipper of the 16-tonne "Manchunyi", Chen An-lau, died when a group of men fired on his boat off Luzon on Sunday, Taiwan's coastguard said.

Chen's brother, who was wounded in the attack, was transported back to Taiwan by coastguards for treatment Monday. Two other sailors on board, both from China, escaped unscathed.

Television footage showed the boat riddled with dozens of bullet holes.

Lu quoted Taiwan's representative in Manila as saying that the Philippines had admitted firing on the boat for alleged poaching in its waters.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS_FLAS...20065174_14.htm

Missing Australian, two others rescued from yacht

First posted 09:57am (Mla time) Feb 07, 2006
Agence France-Presse

COAST guards said Tuesday they had rescued an Australian national, his Filipina wife and a companion from their yacht drifting off the Philippines, three days after they went missing.

A coast guard patrol plane spotted the stricken yacht, ML Passat on Monday, drifting off the island of Lubang after it went missing on Saturday, the coast guard said.

Australian scuba diver Tony Walsh, 60, his Filipina wife, Lecerita, 49, and the Filipino yacht operator were all safely rescued.

It was unclear why the yacht, which was en route to a dive site near Lubang, was left drifting.

http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?in...&story_id=65395

=================================================

Good Job, Coast Guard!

The CG people may not realize how important that action was but it projected how safe our tourists are here in our country.

Security and the capability in handling emergencies such as "search & rescue" are always being considered by tourists.

Good job, guys!

God bless you all. :thumb: :thumb: