WestMinCom pays tribute to fallen comrades-in-arms

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (July 12, 2021) - The Western Mindanao Command joined in the AFP-wide Simultaneous Interfaith Memorial Service, and Wreath Laying and Flag Retreat Ceremonies on Saturday, July 10, 2021, in honor of the fatalities of the ill-fated C-130 aircraft.

The said activity was done purposely to honor and recognize the service of the 49 fallen soldiers who died in the C-130 mishap in Sulu on July 4, 2021.

Interfaith memorial prayers were offered by the Islam, Catholic, and Evangelical Chaplains of the Command at the Evangelical Chapel at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city.  This was followed by the wreath-laying ceremony spearheaded by Deputy Commander for Admin Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete and Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

During the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Dambana ng Kagitingan of the command, the symbolic ringing of bell and 21-gun salute was done to pay respect and to honor the deceased soldiers.

Present during the half-day activity were the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources of the WestMinCom. Families and relatives of the fallen soldiers from this city, Sulu, and Cotabato joined in the memorial services.

Brig. Gen. Nafarrete conveyed the message of Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria, the Acting Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the wreath-laying ceremony.

“Each of our fallen comrades decidedly took the difficult path of serving in the noble profession of arms, united in the common aspiration of dedicating their lives in pursuit of peace and progress in the country, particularly in Mindanao. Today, we are giving the highest tribute we can offer, to them who made the ultimate sacrifice all in the name of honest public service to the Filipino people,” said Lt. Gen. Gloria.

“On behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are one with the Filipino people as we ask the Lord Almighty to guide and eternally bless the souls of our fallen comrades. Together, let us solemnly salute each of our fallen heroes for their unrivaled sacrifices for the country,” he added.

The last part of the activity was the flag retreat ceremony held at the parade ground of the command. This symbolizes the culmination of the week-long national solemnity or the mourning period with which the national flag was flown at half-mast. The mourning period started on July 5, a day after the air mishap.

Military units under the command and control of the Western Mindanao Command also joined in the AFP-wide Simultaneous Interfaith Memorial Service, and Wreath Laying and Flag Retreat Ceremonies. (By JONG CADION with report and photos from WestMinCom)

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