2 Fil-Ams re-enlist in US Navy

From GMA News (Sep 12): 2 Fil-Ams re-enlist in US Navy

Two Filipino-Americans accepted an offer from the United States military to re-enlist and continue their service with a special task force.

Manila-born US Utilitiesman First Class Jessica C. San Roque and US-born Navy Special Warfare Operator Hermelito U. Rafol underwent their re-enlistment ceremony with the Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOPTF) at the US Embassy in Manila last September 10.

A statement from the US embassy in Manila said the two wanted the re-enlistment ceremony to be held in the Philippines, citing their close ties with the country.

US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg said the two service members were "an inspiration to others, role models for dedicated service, and a representation of the commitment that our two countries share for one another."

The Philippines and the US have long been military allies. Early this year, US President Barack Obama vowed to back the Philippines against China, should the latter force military actions due to their dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines, which has one of the weakest militaries in the region, has repeatedly called on the US for help as China has increased military and diplomatic pressure to take control of the contested areas.

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