ARMED Forces chief Gen. Andres Centino recently visited military units and three Navy ships in the northern part of Luzon and commended troops for ensuring the country’s territorial integrity.
Centino’s first stop was a naval detachment at Mavulis Island, the northernmost point of the country in Batanes last Thursday. At the island, he led the flag ceremony at a sovereignty marker.
“It’s very important for us to see for ourselves the conditions, hardships, and challenges that our soldiers have sacrificed just to ensure that we are able to assert our sovereignty here at this part of our country,” Centino told troops stationed at the island.
From Mavulis Island, he proceeded to a naval detachment at Itbayat Island, and to the headquarters of the 10th Marine Company in Basco town, also in Batanes.
On Friday, Centino visited the naval detachments at Calayan and Fuga islands, both in Cagayan, and the headquarters of the 4th Marine Brigade in Burgos town, Ilocos Norte.
At the headquarters of the 4th Marine Brigade, which is providing personnel to Mavulis, Itbayat, Fuga and Calayan islands, Centino thanked troops for their service.
“I hope that you also understand the importance of our mission here and in the islands further north of our borders… What we are doing is of national significance. Our presence in those islands is very important to ensure that we monitor and identify those who enter and pass through those waters,” said Centino.
Navy spokesman Capt. Benjo Negranza said the visits were aimed at ensuring “the high state of morale and welfare of troops deployed on the different islands and highlights the commitment of the AFP leadership to ensure the operational readiness of its personnel and facilities.”
“Moreover, it intends to showcase the AFP’s commitment to protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our maritime territory,” added Negranza.
On Saturday, Centino visited three Navy ships docked at Subic, Zambales — frigate BRP Antonio Luna; and patrol ships BRP Conrado Yap and BRP Ramon Alcaraz. Centino inspected the equipment of the three warships.
“Being an adviser to the President and the secretary of National Defense, it is important that I have firsthand knowledge of our ships’ capabilities by inspecting and visiting them myself. Even more important is seeing our competent and dedicated troops who continue to develop their skills to better perform their mission,” said Centino.
He thanked the personnel of for their professionalism and dedication to service.
“Because of our continued presence and maritime patrols, we are able to deter intruders from entering our territorial waters therefore keeping our people safe and our country protected,” said Centino.
