Sailors and Marines Receive Recognition and Awards

PAGADIAN CITY ( 7, 2019) – Sailors and Marines received awards and recognition during the conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony on January 7, 2019 at Headquarters Naval Forces Western Mindana (NFWM), Phil. Navy official said.

NFWM  Commander  Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina disclosed that  as a year starter, Naval Forces Western Mindanao gave recognition to the Fleet-Marine Team for their exceptional deeds in the performance of their duty, their shared sacrifices and persistent efforts made in the previous year. 

Medina with the Deputy Commander for Fleet Operations, CAPT Richard N Gonzaga PN(GSC) led the awarding of Bronze Cross Medal to the gallant sailors and marines of Naval task Group Sulu/Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu (PMRF-S) and BRP Waray (LC 288) for the successful conduct of Amphibious Operations/Focused Military Operations at Minis Island, Patikul, Sulu on Dec 13, 2018; Military Merit Medal with Spearhead Device to the Officers and men of BRP Agta (LC 290), BRP Juan Magluyan (PC392), Naval Special Operations Unit 6 (NAVSOU6), 82nd Inshore Boat Company and Multipurpose Attack Craft (BA 484) for carrying out naval operations with other Fleet-Marine units in Minis Island, Patikul, Sulu and a Military Commendation Medal is also given to the members of support elements of NTG Sulu and PMRF Sulu. The operation at Minis Island resulted to the neutralization of seven ASG members, apprehension of 10 individuals and recovery of several firearms and military items.

Further, the award of Military Merit Medal with Spearhead Deviceis also received by the members of Naval Task Group Sulu/Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu, 83 Inshore Boat Company, IBBN for the conduct of Focused Military Operations in BrgyLibogKabaw, PanglimaEstino, Sulu and BrgyTimpook, Patikul, Sulu held on Oct 26-30, 2018, which resulted to the neutralization of three ASG members and recovery of various war materials.

Military Merit Medal is also given to the officers and men of NFWM, Civil Military Operations Unit-WM, Naval Reserve Center-WM, NAVSOU6, NISG-WM, Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 and BRP Waray for the successful conduct of Community Outreach Program and Propaganda and Counter Violent Extremism (PCVE) at Brgy Doña Consuelo, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental on Nov 18, 2018. The said activity benefitted a total of 2,137 individuals.

In his message, Rear Adm. Medina commend the troops, “It is just fitting for us to start this year with awards and honors for all the hardwork and sacrifices you had done for the past year to continue our mission as a team, to become strong and credible for our nation as the defenders of the Western Mindanao Frontier.”

“These series of military operations and outreach program wouldn't be successful without the help of everyone, with that, I thank and congratulate all of you”, the Commander NFWM added.

With this accomplishment, NFWM with the Sailors and Marines in Western Mindanao will continue its commitment and dedication in the performance of its mandated task to promote a peaceful, safe and secured Western Mindanao. (By JONG CADION with PAO NPWM and photos)