Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, pins Bronze Cross Medals to the gallant sailors in an awarding ceremony on Monday. Assisting him is Read Adm. Rene Medina, Navforwem commander. (Photo courtesy: Westmincom
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) awarded on Monday the Bronze Cross Medal to the gallant sailors who foiled a hijack attempt of a cargo vessel by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-linked pirates off Basilan province.
The awardees were the personnel assigned with the three patrol crafts--PC381, PC386 and BA485--and Naval Special Operations Unit-6 (NAVSOU6) of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem).
Lt. Commander Ferraren and Lieutenant Jeffrey Mendoza, skippers of PC386 and BA485, respectively, received the awards on behalf of the gallant sailors.
The others who received the award were GM1 Heremias Quijada, Petty Office-in-Charge (POIC) Gunnery, PC386) and S1UO Jay Ancheta of the NAVSOU6.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, and Read Adm. Rene Medina, Navforwem commander, led the awarding ceremony, which was held during Monday’s flag raising ceremony at Camp Basilio Navarro.
Camp Navarro houses the Westmincom headquarters in this city.
“I am happy for the ability displayed by Rear Adm. Medina as the leader of the Anti-kidnapping Joint Task Force. The quick and immediate response only proves the readiness and effectiveness of our Fleet-Marine Team,” Galvez said.
He said the award accorded to the gallant sailors “merits their selfless devotion to duty at all times to protect our waters against any threat and terror acts.”
“I hope these soldiers will serve as an example to all who are ready to serve anytime and as the need arises,” he said.
The timely response of the sailors coupled with evasive maneuver have prevented the ASG-linked pirates to hijack a cargo vessel, M/V Kudos 1, in the evening of February 18 near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.
The M/V Kudos 1 was on its maiden voyage from Davao to Manila when around 12 pirates aboard on three motorboats pursued and tried to board the ship.
The ship, which was loaded with tons of steel bars, is manned by a 27-man crew, including the skipper.
The pirates, who are equipped with hooks and ropes, tried but failed to climb on the ship as the crewmen splashed them with hot water mixed with oil. (PNA)
