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)

Cotabato City gov't offers ₱500,000 reward for suspects in mall blast

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City SDO conducts DRRM year–end evaluation&planning

        The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Cotabato City  conducted a three-day Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Year-end Evaluation and Planning on December 17-19, 2018 at the Cotabato City Central Pilot School which was aimed to further strengthen the roles and responsibilities of field offices and coordinators at all levels.

       

The activity was participated by 43 DRRM coordinators, both from the elementary and secondary public schools.

Among the topics discussed were updates and presentation of 2018 Division accomplishments, Division DRRM. programs aligned with the region and central office, Best Practices / Innovation, challenges, and 2019 Division Plans.

Participants were grouped by district clusters to present their outputs, particularly on best practices and innovation along with the challenges they encountered in the implementation of the DRRM programs, projects, and activities.

All groups have the commonality when it comes to best practices such as: quarterly conduct of drills, poster and slogan contest, school hazard mapping, capacity trainings, psycho – social first-aid, and observance of National Disaster Resilience Month.

The highlight of the activity was the Search for Mr. and Miss DRRM 2018 wherein the winners were Raquel T. Rubio of Kimpo Elementary School and Nelson Jade T. Masong of Notre Dame Village National High School. (PRISCO R. LOZANO, III – MT – I  NOTRE DAME VILLAGE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Editorial

Calmness amid threats

Cotabato City is beset and troubled by the December 31, 2018 bombing that killed two and injured scores more outside the main entrance of South Seas mall. More fatalities could have been chronicled if the explosive at the second floor exploded. Our region remains to be haunted by terroristic acts of evil doers which hapless civilians and sectors could only condemn and pray it would never happen again for dear lives.Again, there is constant call to end the vicious cycle of violence in the backdrop of the peace process in Mindanao?

There are those who say the recent bombing  is related to the Bangsamoro Organic Law which advocates would want the city to be a part of the new political entity… Is the link speculative when some see it as a form of harassment or threat when BOL ratification is rejected by city residents? But let democracy work for either a vote for “yes” or “no” and let the fate take its course. But who really is behind the bombing and for what purpose? This is for the intelligence network to decipher. Let not the bombing incident brew into an antagonism between “yes” and “no” persuasions to the BOL.

Also to be verified are reports that some residents have moved to safety following talks or rumors of more violent attacks against the city… but where to go? We need facts and not merely rely on speculations and false news.

Certainly, more security forces have been augmented in the city to thwart any further threat attempts against its population and secure major infrastructures and facilities as well as service centers. Yes,we see military mechanized vehicles roaming the streets and people know what this means.

There is call for sobriety, reminding us not to disseminate false news that circulate by word of mouth and the social media. To stay calm and vigilant matter much at this moment rather  than resort to irrational acts so as not to worsen and complicate the situation.

We rely on the intelligence network so data or information can be deciphered for a well programmed security approach to eliminate the threat scenario. In the meantime, we the populace have to be cooperative with authorities to quell the threat to peace and security. At the outset, we pray for and join the peace movement as a resolution.

Let us imbibe peace in ourselves and radiate this outwardly to our community… so we pray for this.This is our meanest contribution to our society.