Robredo, Bacalzo rescued at sea

MANILA, Philippines - A US Navy team rescued Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo, visiting US Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) David Carden and several others who were on a speedboat that developed engine trouble in the middle of Manila Bay last Monday.

The group had boarded a speedboat after their visit to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, which is anchored in Manila Bay about 30 minutes from the Mall of Asia in Parañaque City.

The speedboat was cruising toward Roxas Boulevard when the vessel developed engine trouble and stopped in the middle of the bay.

The aircraft carrier arrived in Manila last Sunday for a four-day routine port call.

The Carl Vinson was the vessel where the last rites for slain al-Qaeda leader and international terrorist Osama bin Laden were held while in the Arabian Sea.

“Charge it to experience,” was how Robredo described their ordeal.

Bacalzo also confirmed that they were stranded in Manila Bay for over an hour.

The officials used their cell phones to call for a rescue team from the US Navy.

He said the incident was no big deal and they just enjoyed the time afloat.

“We thought it was hilarious that we just came from a high-tech aircraft carrier only to be stranded,” Bacalzo told The STAR.

Meanwhile, Bacalzo had ordered National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Alan Purisima to ensure the safety of the crew of the Carl Vinson.

“We have been tasked to secure the crew going on shore leave to Manila,” Bacalzo said.

Purisima directed all district directors to intensify their patrol activities and to make their reports properly “so that we can react to situations.”

Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., Armed Forces Public Information Office (PIO) chief, said the statement of US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. that his government will support the Philippines if its security is threatened once again proved the strong relations between the two long-time allies.

Burgos said the Philippines and the US have a 58-year-old mutual defense partnership.

Thomas said during the reception on board the Carl Vinson that the US is ready to stand by the Philippines in the event of threats to its security.

“Now and in the future, we will maintain our strong relationship, and we are dedicated to being your partner whenever you are in harm’s way,” Thomas said. - With Jaime Laude