THE NAVAL Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) conducted its Civil-Military Operations (CMO) from the Sea in Barangay Carmen, Loreto, Dinagat Island, on Friday, April 24.
Commodore Ireneo D. Battung, commander of NFEM, led the strategic initiative, which utilized naval assets to transport essential government services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) within the province.
The mission provided free medical and dental services to a total of 1,804 residents, addressing critical healthcare gaps in the island community.
The outreach was a joint effort involving the Civil Military Operations Unit–Eastern Mindanao, the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands, and the local government of Loreto.
Non-government partners, including the Davao Advent Mission and medical personnel from Camp Panacan Hospital, also joined the fleet to ensure the delivery of comprehensive care.
“This mission underscores our commitment not just to maritime defense, but to humanitarian assistance and active community engagement,” the NFEM stated.
In addition to medical consultations, the Navy facilitated community relations activities, including the distribution of food packs and gift-giving for pre-identified beneficiaries.
The “CMO from the Sea” framework is designed to project a “mission-oriented presence” in areas that are difficult to reach by land, ensuring that residents in the furthest reaches of Eastern Mindanao feel the presence of the national government.
Authorities confirmed that the high turnout of nearly 2,000 residents highlights the continued need for mobile government interventions in remote island clusters.
