Centino visits Navy vessels in Subic, ‘northern frontier’

THE Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Andres Centino visited Subic Bay in Zambales over the weekend and checked three of the five Philippine Navy ships docked there.

Checking on the morale, capability and readiness of troops, the top military chief has spent the past days visiting units and military camps in Northern Luzon, including Itbayat in Batanes.

On Saturday, Centino, fresh from a visit to a Marine base in Ilocos Norte, went to Subic and inspected the modern warfare capabilities of the three vessels of the Navy’s Philippine Fleet.

The chief of staff boarded BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the Navy’s missile-armed frigate which recently gained anti-submarine warfare capability through the arrival of the AW159 ASW “Wildcat” helicopter.

The FF-151 conducts multi-role operations and is equipped with surface-toair missiles. It is the second ship of the Navy’s Jose Rizal-class, missile-guided frigates that is capable of anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-air warfare (AAW).

Centino also checked on the equipment aboard BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), and subsequen tly addressed all the sailors electricity output is being traded in the WESM.

PSALM argued that the agreement signed on January 31, 2008 and its protocol constituted undue delegation of authority by the ERC of its exclusive powers under Epira to enforce the rules and regulations of the electricity spot market, investigate and act against any participant or player in the industry for violation of any law, rule or regulation governing the same, including rules on cross-ownerships, anti-competitive behavior, abuse of market, positions and other similar acts. of the three warships and those aboard the two other vessels, BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) and BRP Davao del Sur (LD602).

It claimed the procedure adopted for investigation of breaches of the WESM rules under the protocol violates due process.

The ERC, however, posed no objection to PEMC’s conduct of investigation.

This prompted PSALM to file a suit for prohibition before the CA on May 5, 2008, seeking to enjoin PEMC from performing such function.

However, the CA denied PSALM’s urgent motion for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction and subsequently junked the main petition.

D uring his “talk to the troops,” the chief of staff underscored the military’s efforts in further developing the capabilities of its naval assets as it gradually shifts its focus from internal security to territorial defense operations.

“Being an adviser to the President and the Secretary of National Defense, it is important that I have firsthand knowledge of our ships’ capabilities by inspecting and visiting them myself,” he told the sailors.

“Even more important is seeing our competent and dedicated troops who continue to develop their skills to better perform their mission,” he added.

Centino commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication despite the challenges they are facing.

“Because of our continued presence and maritime patrols, we are able to deter intruders from entering our territorial waters, therefore keeping our people safe and our country protected,” he said.

On Friday, the chief of staff visited the headquarters of the 4th Marine Brigade