CAMP AGUIN
ALDO, Quezon City – The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) visited the Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN) in the Visayas to commend troops for their disaster response efforts during typhoons.
General Andres Centino was at the Naval Base Rafael Ramos in Brgy. Looc, Lapu-Lapu City on Thursday, April 28, for a traditional command visit and talk to troops. He was received by its Commander, Commodore Florante Gagua.
"I am here to personally commend all the commanders, staff, and members of the NAVFORCEN for always being present in times of need. We do this out of our sense of professionalism and duty," General Centino said.
The NAVFORCEN was among the active units of the Philippine Navy during its humanitarian assistance and disaster response for victims of Typhoon Odette in December 2021 and the recent Typhoon Agaton in April 2022.
The AFP Chief related the NAVFORCEN's dedication to helping the typhoon victims to the public's positive impression of the military organization, as manifested in the recent Publicus Asia survey.
"The AFP gained the highest trust and approval ratings among government agencies – that is because of our members, especially what the men and women of the NAVFORCEN did for being so visible during the height of our disaster relief operations after Typhon Odette and just recently, Typhoon Agaton," he said.
The Chief of Staff's visit was also to check on the state of morale of the troops and to extend his gratitude for their support in the overall mission of the AFP.
"I thank you for your contributions in the accomplishment of our campaign. You may not be directly engaged in operations against insurgents and terrorists, but you have contributed so much in making sure that the tasks given to our troops going after the armed groups are unhampered," General Centino said.///(Photos by TSg Randulf Obinque PAF/PAOAFP)
