MANILA — The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday accorded boxing champion and naval reservist Jerwin Ancajas a hero’s welcome after successfully defending his International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight belt in Oakland, California last September 30.
PN spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said Ancajas was honored at the Acero Hall of the Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The Filipino boxer, a chief petty officer in the PN reserve force, was donned a medallion before riding a military jeep, also called the “white carabao”, on his way to Acero Hall.
Leading the crowd to welcome the boxing champion was Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.
“This welcome honors manifest the Navy’s recognition of its outstanding personnel who embodies the core values of the organization, and brings honor and pride to the flag, and the Filipino people,” Zata said.
The Panabo, Davao del Norte native defended his belt for the sixth time against Mexican Alejandro Santiago in 12 rounds. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
