Home Tags Posts tagged with "Naval Station Felix Apolinario"
Tag:

Naval Station Felix Apolinario

Community

AFP Reserve Command honors new reserve officers during donning of ranks, commissioning ceremony

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY ALEX ALAGON

THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve Command formally welcomed a new batch of reserve officers and recognized a newly promoted senior officer during the Donning of Ranks Ceremony for Newly Promoted and Newly Commissioned Tactical Administrative Service (TAS) Reserve Officers, held in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the assembly test on July 12 at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City.

The ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Geminic P. Ramirez, PA, commander of the Reserve Command, AFP, who led the donning of ranks and commissioning rites before military officials, reservists, family members, and invited guests.

In his keynote message, Ramirez emphasized that becoming a reserve officer is both an honor and a responsibility. He challenged the newly commissioned officers to exemplify professionalism, integrity, and patriotism while serving as force multipliers in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ mission of protecting the nation and responding to emergencies and humanitarian needs.

During the ceremony, Col. Allan L. Rellon was formally recognized for his promotion, marking another milestone in his continued service to the AFP Reserve Force.

Meanwhile, the following professionals officially received their commissions as Tactical Auxiliary Service Reserve Officers: Maj. Hannah Karina P. Latayan, Maj. Shiela Gay B. Bragat, Maj. Merlito L. Abrera,   Cpt. Gemma D. Dela Cruz, Cpt. Carizza Joy Y. Gonzales, Cpt. Alain S. Origenes,   Cpt. Denise Christine C. Lim, Cpt. Joan B. Alceso, Cpt. Helen C. Caberto, Cpt. Tyron M. Pancho, 2nd Lt. Angelo Bruno Y. Del Mar, Master Sergeant Arnel L. Marcon, and Master Sergeant Amando R. Blanco.

The event also signaled the official opening of the Assembly Test, an annual activity that assesses the readiness, accountability, and operational capability of reserve units. The exercise serves as a vital component of the AFP’s continuing efforts to ensure that reservists remain prepared to augment regular forces during national defense operations, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and community support initiatives.

The ceremony highlighted the indispensable role of the country’s reserve force, composed of professionals from various fields who voluntarily dedicate their expertise and time in service to the nation while pursuing their civilian careers.

The successful conduct of the donning of ranks, commissioning ceremony, and Assembly Test reflects the AFP Reserve Command’s continuing commitment to building a disciplined, competent, and mission-ready reserve force capable of responding to the evolving security and humanitarian needs of the Philippines.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

EastMinCom marks decade of Hague victory; reaffirms West Philippine Sea sovereignty at Davao ceremony

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) held a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the landmark 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling on the West Philippine Sea on Monday, July 6, at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan. 

Led by Commodore Ireneo D. Battung, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) commander, alongside Col. Jorry L. Baclor, acting deputy commander of EastMinCom, the event brought together military officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources across various tenant units stationed at Camp Panacan.

The observance marks exactly ten years since the Arbitral Tribunal at The Hague issued its historic ruling on July 12, 2016, invalidating China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claims. 

The case, originally lodged by the Republic of the Philippines under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), officially recognized Manila’s exclusive sovereign rights and maritime entitlements over its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Defense officials highlighted the anniversary as a symbol of the country’s enduring commitment to international law and the peaceful resolution of territorial friction.

During the ceremony, Battung read a directive from AFP Chief of Staff Romeo S. Brawner Jr., reminding troops that defending territorial boundaries remains an absolute, non-negotiable constitutional mandate.

“Today, we commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the West Philippine Sea—a milestone that continues to strengthen our resolve as a nation,” Brawner’s statement read. “For us in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, it carries a clear responsibility. We are called to protect our people, uphold our sovereign rights, and strengthen our territorial defense posture… The West Philippine Sea is ours. The West Philippine Sea is ours. Ours is the responsibility to care for it. Ours is the duty to defend it—with dignity, professionalism, and love for country).”

While EastMinCom’s geographic jurisdiction primarily covers the defense and security of eastern Mindanao, the command explicitly renewed its pledge to back national territorial integrity maneuvers. 

Officials concluded that bolstering local defensive capabilities directly supports the wider AFP mandate to protect Filipino fishermen and safeguard maritime assets for future generations.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

EastMinCom honors families as the true heart of military service

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

BEHIND every soldier standing guard in Eastern Mindanao is a family waiting at home—a reality that took center stage at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario (NSFA) in Panacan on May 9.

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) hosts a massive Family Day Celebration, transforming the military camp into a hub of unity for soldiers, civilian personnel, and their loved ones.

The event was more than just a break from the rigors of service; it was a strategic move to bolster the “human infrastructure” of the command. 

Recognizing that military resilience starts at home, the day featured team-building games, recreational activities, and raffle draws that saw families taking home appliances and gadgets.

For the command, the celebration serves as a vital pressure valve for personnel tasked with the high-stakes mandate of preserving peace and stability across the region.

Lt. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commander of EastMinCom, delivered a poignant address that stripped away the formality of rank to speak as a fellow family man.

“While duty calls us to serve the nation, family gives us the reason to keep going,” Orio told the crowd. “Today is about the people who continue to give meaning to our service and strength to our sacrifices.”

He emphasized that the bond within the command has transcended professional hierarchy, evolving into a “family beyond blood relations” forged through years of shared victories and challenges.

The atmosphere of the day was one of solidarity and work-life balance. As the military continues its various peace initiatives in Mindanao, the leadership underscored that a soldier’s effectiveness in the field is directly tied to the strength of their support system at home.

The celebration concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, reminding the troops that while they protect the community, their own families remain the primary source of their strength and inspiration.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

EastMinCom honors victims of 57-year insurgency in solemn candle-lighting rite

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a nationwide simultaneous flag-raising and candle-lighting ceremony on Monday, March 30, to honor the thousands of Filipinos who have fallen victim to decades of terrorism and local communist armed conflict.

The tribute specifically highlighted the civilians who have endured false accusations, coercion, and the tragic loss of life at the hands of rebel groups.

Held at Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, the solemn event marked a “remembrance of 57 years of hardship” brought about by the prolonged insurgency. 

The human cost of conflict

Lieutenant General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commander of EastMinCom, led the ceremony and delivered a message from AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. The address highlighted the profound human suffering caused by the conflict.

“It is often our ordinary citizens who have paid the heaviest price—families torn apart, communities displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and innocent lives lost,” Orio said. “We have seen how conflict and violence leave lasting wounds—not only in places of fighting, but in homes, in communities, and in the quiet lives of ordinary Filipinos.”

The general emphasized that the military’s role has evolved beyond combat to include the “sacred duty” of preserving the peace that allows communities to rebuild.

 He noted that while some families are still finding their footing, the stories of their loss must serve as the foundation for the nation’s resolve against terrorism.

“As members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are called not only to confront threats but also to protect the peace that allows our people to live, work, and hope for a better future,” he added.

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic lighting of candles, representing a collective prayer for the victims and a renewed pledge to safeguard the Filipino people from future violence.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

President Marcos visits EastMinCom, orders pivot to external defense

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. visited the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) headquarters on Dec. 4, signaling the near-end of the long-running communist insurgency in the region and announcing a strategic pivot to external defense.

The commander-in-chief’s visit to Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, began with military honors led by EastMinCom commander Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, and was attended by division and brigade commanders.

During the executive and operational briefing, President Marcos commended EastMinCom for its significant achievements in internal security operations, noting the effective reduction of rebel forces.

“The number of CTGs [communist terrorist groups] and their organizations has been significantly lessened, and the downward trend is very noticeable. What you have been doing has been very effective,” the President stated.

He then announced a major security projection: “Our general orders projection is to announce that the entire area of responsibility is CTG-free, hopefully by early next year. We will look forward to that.”

Strategic shift and pay hike

Following the briefing, the President addressed the troops in a “Talk to Troops” engagement, underscoring a crucial transition in national defense priorities. He commended the shift from successfully addressing internal security operations to strengthening the nation’s external defense posture. 

President Marcos emphasized that the country now requires its armed forces to prioritize the emerging external security challenges.

To support this shift and bolster morale, the President announced that the base pay of all military and uniformed personnel (MUP) will be increased early next year. 

The EastMinCom visit was part of the President’s itinerary in Davao City, which also included the inauguration of the Bucana Bridge—a 1,340-meter structure and key component of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Verified by MonsterInsights