Sailors and Marines Received Awards and Recognition

CALARIAN, ZAMBOANGA CITY (April 23, 2019) – Sailors and Marines received awards and recognition during the conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony on April 22, 2019 at Headquarters Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

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 during the last quarter of 2018 and in the first quarter of this year. 

The Commander Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Admiral Erick A Kagaoan AFP 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 Intelligence Security Group - Western Mindanao for: the successful surrender of Abu Sayyaf Group Leader Berham Lutian, with his cohorts and the recovery of their firearms with ammunitions at Brgy. Karugtong Caluang and Brgy. Ipil in Maimbung Sulu on May 10 2018; and for the successful interception of one (1) Motor Launch boat, identified as ML MONEZA, loaded with seventy five (75) Trafficking-In-Person (TIP) in sea waters of San Mateo, Zamboanga City on February 11, 2019.  

Further, the award of Military Merit Medal is received by the Officers and men of BRP IWAK (LC289), under Naval Task Force 61 of Naval Forces Western Mindanao for the successful execution of Fleet-Marine Amphibious Operations at Simisa Island and Bangalao Island, Sulu from October 17 to 19, 2018 which involved 194 Officers and Enlisted Personnel composed of Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu, 31st Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 and Force Recon Group. The Amphibious Operations conducted contributed to the mission to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group and other lawless elements in Basilan Island, Sulu. Moreover, BRP IWAK (LC 289) conducted a naval blockade to deter the escape of said ASG and lawless elements in the area.

In his message, Rear Adm. Kagaoan commends the troops, “These series of military operations wouldn’t be successful without all the hard work and sacrifices you have done to continue our mission as a team and to become strong and credible for our nation as the defenders of the Western Mindanao Frontier.” “With that, I thank and congratulate all of you”, the Commander NFWM added.

With this accomplishment, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, under Western Mindanao Command, 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 NFWM PAO PR and Photos)