AFP chief visits wounded Navy personnel

MANILA, Philippines — The new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief visited two Philippine Navy personnel who were injured during a China Coast Guard attack, at Camp Ricarte Station Hospital on Saturday.

Gen. Antonio Nafarrete conferred the injured sailors with the Wounded Personnel Medal in recognition of their bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty, the AFP said yesterday.

The two were wounded while serving as security personnel of the BRP Sierra Madre during territorial defense operations near Ayungin Shoal, West Philippine Sea, on July 20.

Nafarrete checked on their condition, expressed the AFP’s gratitude and assured them of full support for their recovery and welfare. He said their actions reflect the highest standards of military professionalism, patriotism, and selfless service.

“The visit highlights the AFP’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their resolve to uphold the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and territorial integrity through professionalism and restraint,” the AFP said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro raised with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi the Philippines’ strong protest against China for the July 20 incident.

Lazaro and her counterpart had a bilateral meeting on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Pag-asa Island visit

Meanwhile, Nafarrete visited Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan on Saturday and met with troops stationed on the island.

Nafarrete met with the personnel of Joint Task Unit Pag-asa and lauded the troops for their steadfast dedication, professionalism, and sacrifices in safeguarding the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

He also awarded the Meritorious Achievement Medal to Major Mark Erick Garcia (Philippine Navy), JTU-Pag-asa officer-in-charge and operations officer of 9th Marine Rifle Battalion, 3rd Marine Brigade; Major Thomas Joseph Chan (Philippine Air Force), squadron commander, Tactical Operations Squadron Pag-asa; and Ensign Kristian Pocsoen (Philippine Navy), acting commanding officer, Naval Station Emilio Liwanag.

“Your mission here is more than guarding an island. Your professionalism, discipline, and quiet determination embody the very best of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,”Nafarrete said.

He assured the troops of the AFP’s continued commitment to enhance their operational capabilities and provide the necessary support to ensure the effective and safe accomplishment of their mission.

“The visit highlights the AFP leadership’s continued focus on strengthening frontline defense units and recognizing the invaluable service of military personnel stationed in remote and strategic areas of the country,” the AFP said.

On Tuesday, the new AFP chief said the military will continue to “stand our ground” in the West Philippine Sea.

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