CEBU - The chief of the military’s Central Command has acknowledged the big contribution of the Naval Forces Central (NavForCen) in the government’s fight against insurgency in the Visayas area.
Speaking during yesterday’s 31st foundation anniversary celebration of the NavForCen, which is based in barangay Canjulao, Lapu-Lapu City, CentCom chief Lt. General Pedro Ike Inserto said the continuing patrol made by the Naval forces made it difficult for the New People’s Army to penetrate Cebu.
Inserto said they received reports before that wounded members of the NPA rebels were brought to Cebu for medical assistance. But the presence of naval forces at Tañon strait made the travel difficult for them.
According to Inserto, the fight against insurgency needs strong cooperation of the people but that absolute respect for human rights should also be the top priority.
He said the military has been getting the respect of the people by treating them properly. “In insurgency, he who wins the people wins the war,” he said, quoting a passage in Sun Tzu (The Art of War).
Apart from respect for people’s rights, teamwork among soldiers should also prevail, Inserto said.
For his part, NavForCen commander Capt. Honorio Robert Balanon thanked the different sectors for the continuing support to their activities, saying that without them, NavForCen will not exists.
Also highlighted the event was the giving of special awards to the NavForCen personnel and civilians.
Service Ship of the Year goes to BRP Mangyan; Patrol Gun Boat of the Year, BRP Abraham Campo; Patrol Craft of the year, DF338; Reservist Unit of the Year, 802nd Disaster Response and Rescue Unit; Environmental Watercraft of the Year, EW5584; Naval Intelligence Security Unit of the Year, NISU Tacloban; Enlisted Personnel of the Year, BM2 Rodolfo de Guzman; and Civilian Employee of the Year, Maribet Milares.
NavForCen also thanked those who supported their activities such as Capt. Gian Carlo L. Cabanag, Rotary Club of Mactan, Kiwanis Club Cebu-Mandaue North, Petro Corporation, Chevron Philippines Incorporated, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Incorporated, Philippine Navy Coastguard Enlisted Personnel Association, Inc., Lapu-Lapu City Social Welfare Office, Dr. Shelly Veronica S. Andaya, Mr. Arnel Aparis, Ms. Sherry Tuvilla and Ms. Marites Balubar. — Jose P. Sollano/LPM (THE FREEMAN)