Westmincom kicks off naval exercises in Zamboanga City

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday kicked off their five-day naval exercises in Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City.

“Exercise Pagsasama 2019” seeks to  improve the readiness and interoperability between the Philippine Navy units and the Philippine Navy Reserve Force.

The program include civic action and community relations activities, training on maritime operations, communication procedures, and information sharing.

“This activity aims to push us further to hone the skills and improve strategies and good leadership while instilling discipline, solidarity, and teamwork among all participating units,” said Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

The exercises also aim to improve the readiness and interoperability between the Philippine Navy units and the Philippine Navy Reserve Force.

“Through the various scenario-based exercises like actual shipboard exercise, maritime surveillance, maritime search and rescue, and amphibious operations where the reserve force will be incorporated with the regular force, I am certain that the readiness and interoperability will be much enhanced,” said Westmincom Commander Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said. — BAP, GMA News