Defense Leadership visits WestMinCom

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- April 12, 2016 (10:00 A.M.) – The Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin along with the Chief of Staff, AFP General Hernando  DCA  Iriberri  AFP and Commanding General, PA  LtGen Eduardo  M. Año AFP arrived Sunday from Manila to check on the status of the ongoing operations, award wounded personnel medals and extend financial assistance to our wounded troopers and look into the concerns of the families of our troops who died in battle. Two Surgical Teams were brought from higher headquarters to augment the medical staff of CNGH.

WestMinCom Commander LTGEN Nayoralgo M Dela Cruz AFP received Secretary Gazmin. He was briefed by Col. Rolando Bautista, Commander, JTG Basilan regarding the operations in Basilan and status of the troops on the ground.

The Chief of Staff also had a press conference with the local media and emphasized that the operations will continue without let up. The group then proceeded to CNGH where Gen. Iriberri awarded those wounded in action and extended financial assistance to the troops.

 

Sec. Gazmin and party visited the WestMinCom Mosque to pay tribute and honor to our deceased Muslim brothers. The cadavers of our Muslim brothers were immediately airlifted to their respective hometowns in Sulu and Tawi-tawi for immediate burial as part of their tradition. 

As a form of sympathy, WestMinCom decided to forego with the PAC-BRAD III viewing at the gym to solemnly mourn the loss we had. Troopers who were brought home by their families were given appropriate honors, vigil and will be given full military honors during their interment.

During the flag raising, the soldiers mourned and offered prayers.  Likewise, the flag was hoisted at half-mast. LTGen. Dela Cruz along with JTF ZAMBASULTA Commander MGen. Barrientos flew to Basilan Tactical Command Post to oversee the general conduct of operations.

They likewise visited the wounded troops and handed the financial assistance from the AFP Chief of Staff.  Officers from Western Mindanao Command went to St. Peter Chapel to condole with the families of our troops that were killed in action.    

Meanwhile, JTG Basilan continue its pursuit operations to neutralize the kidnap for ransom group Abu Sayyaf and prevent them from conducting terroristic activities in the future.    

WestMinCom Chief ordered to intensify the operations not only in Basilan Area but as well as the whole of Western Mindanao Command Area of Responsibility to free our constituents from the threats posed by these lawless elements.