By
Jong Cadion
ZAMBOANGA
CITY (November 14, 2017 AFP) - Fleet-Marine Troops headed by the Commander of
Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Adm. Rene V. Medina AFP, were recognized
and given awards by none other than the Commander of Western Mindanao Command,
Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. AFP, on Monday (Nov. 13) at the Western Mindanao
Command grounds, military official said.
It
was a different Monday for the officers of Naval Forces Western Mindanao as
they observe the Monday flag raising not in the grounds of Naval Station Romulo
Espaldon, but at the WesMinCom grounds to witness at the same time the awarding
of Fleet-Marine personnel who accomplished outstanding feat in their own
mission areas.
“We
would like to convey our congratulations to you and your troops for a job well
done not only in Marawi but in your other areas of operation,” Lt. Gen. Galvez
told the troops in formation.
“The
Fleet-Marine contingent of the troops who fought in Marawi City have shown
their gallantry in action. They were the first ones who cleared their sectors,
including the bridges… Today, we are giving importance to them because they
deserve this kind of recognition…. This is because of the sterling leadership
and good management of our Commander NavForWeM.”
The
General likewise spoke of the Admiral’s dedication to his duty and described
how the latter would go to the farthest islands and be present in critical
locations of his area of responsibility to personally oversee the welfare of
his troops.
Rear
Adm. Medina received a Command Plaque for his outstanding leadership and
intelligence management skills as the Commander of Naval Forces Western
Mindanao that led to the interception of the plan of the Daesh-inspired
terrorists to gain control of Marawi city and the neutralizations of
terrorists, rescue of hostages and recovery of assorted high-powered fire arms.
The
Distinguished Navy Cross Medals were also given to the Marawi troopers for acts
of courage and gallantry in the face of armed enemy during the conduct of
Focused Military Operations (FMO) of Government Forces against the terrorist
groups. This life-risking, intelligence driven operations and valiant acts to
take hold of the enemy’s stronghold distinguished this men in combat, thus
earning honor not only for themselves but also for the Philippine Navy and the
AFP as a whole.
Moreover,
Gold Cross Medals were awarded to the officers and men of the Fleet-Marine Team
for their gallantry in action during an encounter with unidentified number of
local terrorist group, and their courage and determination to seize and
fiercely fight against LTGs during the Marawi City Crisis.
The
General likewise acknowledged the recent accomplishment of the Fleet-Marime
Team in rescuing the last of Vietnamese KVs. “As a Commander, I am very happy
with your performance in rescuing the last of Vietnamese kidnap victims [from
the hands of their captors].” The Vietnamese nationals were rescued by the
operating elements of Naval Forces Western Mindanao and Joint Task Force Tawi
Tawi at the vicinity off Kang Tipayan Island, Languyan, Tawi Tawi last Nov. 10,
2017.
“On
behalf of Western Mindanao Command, we would like to dedicate this activity to
NFWM and to all sailors and marines for a job well done,” he added as the
simple but meaningful ceremony came to a close.
Giving
recognition and awards to troops is one of the military customs that greatly
boosts the morale of the soldiers. It is also one way to recognize their share
of sacrifices for the liberation of Marawi City and for putting their lives at
risk when duty calls for them to go and fight for the Armed Forces of the
Philippines and for the Filipino people.
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