Fleet-Marine team receive awards for foiling seajacking attempt in Basilan

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 20, 2018) - The Commander, Western Mindanao Command, LTGEN CARLITO G GALVEZ JR AFP together with Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, REAR ADMIRAL RENE V MEDINA AFP awarded the gallant sailors of PC381, PC386, BA485, and NAVSOU6 with Bronze Cross Medal for their acts of heroism during the recently foiled seajacking attempt of M/V Kudos with 27 crew onboard in Basilan waters, military official said.

During the conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony at Western Mindanao Command on  Monday (Feb. 19), the said award was received and represented by LCDR RANDY A FERRAREN PN (CO, PC386), LT JEFFREY C MENDOZA PN (OIC,  BA485), GM1 Heremias Quijada PN (POIC Gunnery, PC386) and S1UO Jay A Ancheta PN (NAVSOU6).

“Akoy masaya sa kahusayang pinamalas ni Rear Admiral Medina bilang namumuno sa Anti-Kidnapping Joint Task Force. Ang mabilisan at agarang pagresponde ay nagpapatunay lamang ng kahandaan at pagiging magaling ng ating Fleet-Marine Team.”, said LtGen Galvez.

“Nawa’y ang mga sundalong ito ay maging ihemplo nating lahat para nahandang magsilbi sa anumang oras ng pangangailangan.”, added LtGen Galvez.

The award accorded to the gallant sailors merits their selfless devotion to duty at all times to protect our waters against any threat and terror acts.