Westmincom marks International Women’s Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2020): Westmincom marks International Women’s Day (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Female officers and enlisted personnel of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) based in this city led Monday the troops in commemorating the International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month.

During the flag-raising ceremony, the Westmincom leadership relinquished the major ceremonial duties to women officers and enlisted personnel in a symbolic act that signifies women empowerment.

Maj. Frances Vitug, the most senior female officer of Westmincom, acted as reviewing officer, while Maj. Filipina Abraham became the troop commander.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Westmincom spokesperson, said other female officers and enlisted personnel also performed tasks regularly executed by male officers and enlisted personnel during Monday's formation.

Meanwhile, Encinas said Westmincom also recognized the invaluable support of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) Site 3 to the peaceful objectives of the command from March 14, 2019 to February 28, 2020.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, presented a Command Plaque to the team, which was received by Col. Mohd Saifulisham Bin Baharun of the Royal Malaysian Army, the team leader.

Likewise, Saifulisham received a Military Civic Action Medal for his "meritorious and valuable contributions to the peace, security and development of Western Mindanao."

Also recognized were Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan of the Philippine Army, Deputy Superintendent Police Bhoi Ariff bin Abdul Wahal of the Royal Malaysian Police, Lieutenant Muhammad Alimin Bin Haji Kina of the Brunei Land Force, and five others.

Sobejana expressed his appreciation to the IMT Site 3 for supporting the Westmincom "in its journey to attain peace and progress in the region."

“The Bangsamoro success magnifies our feats in combating armed struggles through collective efforts. The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the Filipino people attribute this progress to the support and contribution of the monitoring teams in keeping the peace process in tune,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095999