ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) has honored the sailors who foiled the smuggling of PHP67-million worth of rice in the region last month.
The awardee-sailors, who are assigned with the BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (BA485), and Naval Special Operations Unit-6 (NAVSOU6), apprehended 15 foreign crew and 51 illegally employed Filipinos, including three minors, when they intercepted the M/V Diamond 8, a Mongolian-registered bulk carrier, near Olutanga Island in Zamboanga Sibugay province on April 14.
Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Navforwem commander, and Capt. Joe Anthony Orbe, Naval Task Force 61 acting commander, led the awarding ceremony held at the Romulo Espaldon Naval Station that houses the Navforwem headquarters here last Monday.
Medina said the award was received by each unit’s representatives, namely Lt. Commander Ted Cerezo Jr., BRP General Mariano Alvarez; Lt. Commander Cesar Pangan Jr., Boat Attack Division; Lt. Junior Grade Jaymar Jayson, Philippine Navy; and Seaman 1st Class Underwater Operator Rey Tano of NAVSOU6.
The award recognized the sailors’ efficiency, loyalty and selfless devotion to duty in connection with the seizure of the smuggled rice.
“We witness the awarding of our deserving units in the recent successful anti-smuggling operation. Having heard the contents of the citations of the award for Bronze Cross medal, I hope that it will convey to all of us, the inspiration of fulfilling our duty and mandate with bravery, dignity, and honor,” Medina said. (PNA)
