The Western Command (WESCOM), through Naval Forces West (NFW), brought Christmas care packages to the troops stationed in Lawak and Patag Islands on December 29, 2022.
“Even though it’s quite delayed due to the bad weather and sea condition in the past weeks, we are glad to be able to bring the joy of Christmas to our troops who are guarding our territory in the West Philippine Sea” said Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, Commander of Western Command.
NFW deployed BRP Mangyan (AC71), skippered by LCdr Carlo Cazcarro, on December 28, 2022 to deliver the gifts and other supplies to our troops in Lawak and Patag Islands.
“As the weather has improved, we took the opportunity to deploy AC71 to these islands and somehow bring Christmas cheers to our troops there” said Captain Alan Javier, the Commander of Naval Forces West.
Other island stations in the WPS have also received their Christmas care packages, to include BRP Sierra Madre LS 57 in Ayungin Shoal.
“May these gesture inspire the guardians of our territory in the WPS. They are constantly in our thoughts and prayers, always grateful for gallantly protecting our rights in this part of our country,” Vice Admiral Carlos said.
Likewise, Team WESCOM continues to spread goodwill in its joint area of operation such as the recent rescue of the Tubbataha Park Rangers in Cagayancillo and humanitarian assistance extended to 17 Vietnamese seafarers in Balabac. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
