By Jong Cadion
ZAMBOANGA
CITY (February 10, 2018) – The Naval Forces Western Mindanao through the
1st Western Mindanao SCAA Squadron (1st WMSS) convened a Special CAFGU Active
Auxiliary (SCAA) Basic Military Training (BMT) CY 2018 to newly recruited SCAA
members at NY Compound, Sinunuc, Zamboanga City on Wednesday (February 7),
military official said.
The
Opening Ceremony was attended by the Commander of Naval Forces Western
Mindanao, Rear Admiral Rene V Medina AFP as the Guest Speaker with the Deputy
Commander for Marine Operations, Col. Hernanie S Songano PN (M)(GSC) and
Commander of 1st Western Mindanao SCAA Squadron, Lt. Col. Noel R Precioso
PN(M).
Rear
Admiral Medina said that the ceremony composed of 196 individuals from
different fishing companies of SOPHIL, BMT Class 2018 will undergo 10 days
training to learn the basic military doctrine and policies. It is to equip them
with knowledge and skills essential in the performance of their role as the
Navy's partner in maintaining peace and
stability in waters surrounding Western Mindanao. Prior the said training of
new members of SCAA, NAVFORWEM conducted refresher training for other SCAA
members last 23-27 January. This training was initiated to continuously improve
their capabilities and individual abilities to counteract attempt of piracy and
seajacking.
Under
the direct control of NAVFORWEM, SCAA plays a significant role in accomplishing
the command's mission. By putting eyes and ears on different ships and through
cooperation of fishing companies in the SCAA program, NAVFORWEM captured Omar
Amping, the fourth most wanted person in Zamboanga City, together with five
others believed to be ASG members last 20 November 2017 off the vicinity of
Bolod Island, Tonquil, Sulu, he added.
Knowing
that this program helps the Navy perform its mandate in Western Mindanao not
only in operational but also in administrative, NAVFORWEM convened this BMT
Class 2018. "Initial military training is an intensive resident programme
normally lasting several weeks or months, which aims to teach the new recruits
or applicants the social norms and essential tasks of the armed forces. The
main purpose of this training is not to impose fear nor is it there for you to
be battered into purple mesh. But it is to break your old self and mold you
into a better person, a person with values and principles, a person with hope
and vision." Rear Admiral Medina said.
Rear
Admiral Medina ends by saying that through this effort, NAVFORWEM aims to
completely eradicate or at least lessen the number of seajacking and other
lawless acts in the region. It is in order to provide a safe sea for commerce,
trade and peaceful living.
No comments:
Post a Comment