Speech for CNFW COC

Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat!

Not long ago, I stood before you for the first time and spoke of my five focus areas where we
can significantly contribute to our objective as I assumed my post as the commander Naval
Forces West, taking over from my predecessor, RADM ONG. In line with those focus areas and
pursuant to its objectives, during my incumbency as this force’ commander, we have initiated
and successfully completed various policies, reports and projects both in the operational and
the administrative sectors.

In the span of 1 year and 7 months of collaborative service with you, I could say that we have
already accomplished a lot that demonstrated our perseverance in protecting our seas, the
Philippine sovereignty and its national integrity in the West Philippine Sea amidst constant
challenges that we face through our continuous conduct of naval, ground, maritime, air and
special operations in the WESCOM JAO.

All of these will never be possible if not for the collective effort from you my fellow officers,
enlisted personnel, and civilian employees. Today, as the Naval Forces West courses through
another chapter in its history, I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart and very grateful
for the opportunity to have served with you in the eventful duration of my tour of duty here at
NFW.

Although we take pride in these multiple accomplishment, today’s event is in celebration of

To my Deputy Commanders for Fleet Commo Chappy Reyes and now Capt Caloy Sabarre - both
of you have proven your worth in the field of operations. Work has been a breeze for me in
terms of our naval operations with you at the helm of NTF41 and 42. For Capt Sabarre, just like
Commo Reyes when he was relieved here at NFW, your first star as the incoming AJ3 is well-
deserved.

To my deputy operations for Marine Operations - Col Camilo Balutan, for a short time Col
Ferdinand Fraginal and now the current Col Chuck Mangoroban. I extend my sincere
appreciation for your constant support in the conduct of planning and for the successful
execution of all NTF43 mission supporting our 3rd Marines Brigades on the ground.

To my Chief of staff - Col Djo Jalandoni and now Capt Frank Tagamolila - thank you for leading
and honing the staff to be hardworking, professional and experts at their crafts. Both of you are
indeed leaders with set of independent mind which put you above all other officers in your
category.
I also extend my gratitude and appreciation to our Command Master Chief Petty Officer, Mario
Lamorena, Angel King King, and our current acting MCPO, Chief Amador Monserate - who
commits himself to continuously uplift the morale of our personnel.

To all coordinating staff under me, past and present - thank you, for your unwavering
dedication and perseverance in doing your tasks, ensuring the sustained conduct of the
commands operations and programmed development projects. You have all been very
hardworking, going above and beyond that which your duty requires, such as undertaking
complex tasks in particular, being OIC’s of the different island detachments, head of mission of
Rotation and Reprovisioning operations and other special orders as directed. Despite all this,
not one of you complained. If I can only give you more awards, I would do it because you
deserve recognition for all your work. I will miss each and every one of you.

To all the enlisted personnel assigned here, I value you all for the loyalty, hard work and
commitment you have given to the execution of your individual tasks.

Also, I extend my appreciation to all our civilian employees, for you have showcased
competence and untiring efforts in supporting the smooth flow of this commands operations.
You provide us with your expertise making admin work better and simpler.

Let me also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the other PN units OpCon and admin control of
this Command:

To all Philippine Fleet units, comprising our floating units, special operations and Naval Air
Operations. You contributed to the bulk of this Commands accomplishments. Thank you for
your bravery. So far, I have not seen any other Navy whose souls as brave as you in the
performance of your task. Only we know what you have gone through and continue to
encounter in every naval operations in the WPS. Although these may remain unheralded, know
that you have contributed significantly to your country.

To the 3rd Marine Brigade – as the NFW supports you on your group operations with our fleet
assets, you also supported us on our Maritime operations on WPS by fielding half of the
personnel requirements in seven of our island detachments. Thank you for your continuous
support.

To team NIF West - Thank you for your support through NTF44. You aided this Command on
both administrative and operational requirements. Although lacking personnel, your officers
and men have been hardworking providing all within your ability aside from specific fleet and
marine components. Your medical and dental specialists have been phenomenal, supporting
both CMO and WPS operations and your engineering group is equally excellent.

To MSAC-W, NISG-W and NICTC-W, I think it is common knowledge, and equally recognized by
all that your efforts are crucial to the success of this command’s endeavors.
To other units CMOU-W, NRCEN-West, NFSU Palawan, 21st GCC, and of course NAVSOU4, I
express my gratitude for your professional conduct in performing your assigned tasks and
upholding the command’s standard of excellence in your jobs.

To all of you, who compose and build up the reputable team Naval Forces West, you have
unselfishly devoted your time in promptly accomplishing every task you have been assigned to.
Your pro-activeness, perseverance and determination in each designated task have made the
burden seem light and the yoke easy. For that, I thank all of you.

I would like express my gratitude also to our friends from civilian agency who supplement and
come to the aid of our unit as needed specially to our Governor, Hon. Jose Chaves to his
secretaries, Anna and Vivian Musngi, and to the Kinabuch family.

Lastly, I also like to thank Wescom for the support and leadership it showed to NFW. I will defer
my message for later during our turnover of JTFW this afternoon.

My tour of duty as your commander has finally come to a close, and my last act is to properly
relinquish my watch to my successor. To my gallant warriors and defenders of the West, may
you upkeep and continue your support to your incoming force commander for a noble service;
take part of the race, involve yourself, don’t quit and keep the pace.

I know that COMMO VILLA is capable enough to lead the NAVFORWEST. I know that a post as
crucial as commander of NAVFORWEST will not be given to an undeserving individual, and I
know for sure that COMMO VILLA is deserving of this post and he is highly capable of handling
the responsibilities that goes with it. For we were on a similar situation before, he took over
from me as the Deputy Commander of the Philippine Fleet. I hope you will grant him the same
overwhelming support that I have received from all you in all ways.

Once again, maraming salamat Team Naval Forces West! You have already became a part of my
service. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

At this juncture, before I read my relinquishment order, I would like to present my After Tour of
Duty Report to the Acting Flag Officer in Command sir…

(hand over the After Tour of Duty Report to VCOM, PN)

I will now read my relinquishment order...