SANTA CLAUS, GODFATHER. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, on Thursday (Dec. 12) stands as godfather in a mass baptism (upper photo) at the Westmincom Chapel. He also distributes Christmas gifts (lower photo) to children who are dependents of soldiers as the Westmincom celebrates the Yuletide Season. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, thanked the officers, enlisted men, and civilian employees for the support they extended to the command.
Sobejana and other top military officials stood godfathers to the baptism of more than a hundred infants and adults that followed after a thanksgiving mass Thursday at the Westmincom chapel.
The thanksgiving mass and mass baptism were part of the Christmas celebration activities of Westmincom.
The mass and baptism were officiated by Fr. Francisco Bustamante of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Lt. Col. Reynaldo Narisma of the Westmincom Post Catholic Chaplain, and Maj. Randolph Lanaja of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Post Catholic Chaplain.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank you (Westmincom personnel) for your unwavering support and cooperation, enabling us to accomplish our various missions during the past 12 months,” Sobejana said.
“You extended extra efforts to ensure that the spirit of Christmas is felt in this camp. This definitely inspires us to cleanse our hearts from all bad feelings and unite us even more as a great team that we already are. Remember that there is no bigger gift than being together as a family, enjoying the peace and love of this wonderful season,” Sobejana added.
Sobejana and his wife, Edna, gave financial assistance and packages to families while Christmas gifts were distributed to more than 150 children of organic personnel who participated in the series of games held at Westmincom Clubhouse.
Maj. Alvin John Encinas, Westmincom information officer, said the personnel and their dependents also gathered during the party hosted respectively by the various offices under the Westmincom.
Security counterparts and other stakeholders joined military and non-uniformed personnel during the Christmas Village Party at the Westmincom’s grandstand at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Encinas said the Westmincom personnel were divided into five clusters, each presenting their skit and dance number. They received raffle draw prizes, awards, and packages from the commander. (PNA)
