Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon, Bgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City-The Naval Forces West (NFW) honored here today, through a simple awarding ceremony, the outgoing security personnel of Kota and Panata Detachments of Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), West Philippine Sea (WPS) while ensuring strict observance of safety protocol against COVID-19.
Commodore Renato P. David, the Commander, NFW, led the awarding of the ten (10) sailors and marines who stood as guard of the two (2) of the nine (9) Philippine-held features in the WPS for almost four months.
The Military Merit Medal was awarded to each of the outgoing personnel as a tribute to their selfless service in support to mission accomplishment of the NFW in territorial defense operations and sustaining nationalistic pride and presence in the disputed islands.
The said awarding is the second of its kind for this month, a manifestation of the Command’s continuous mission in protecting the country’s western frontier despite the prevailing challenge brought about by COVID-19.