Joint Task Force Malampaya (JTFM) head Commodore Renato David has replaced Commodore Sean Anthony Villa as the commander of the Naval Forces West (NFW).
A change of command ceremony was held Thursday at the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon in Barangay San Miguel.
David also replaced Villa as the head of the Joint Task Force West (JTF West) whose area of responsibility is the West Philippine Sea. The change of command ceremony happened at the headquarters of the Western Command (WESCOM) with its commander, Vice Adm. Rene Medina.
Villa was conferred the distinguished medal with bronze Anahaw leaf by the Philippine Navy (PN) as commander of the NFW for leading it to participate in the peaceful conduct of the national and local elections this year, 27 various unit training activities, participation in Run for the Navy, successful and high results of command general inspection, and participation in several joint interagency maritime patrol operations, civil patrol and counteraction operations in different law enforcement agencies in the province.
He was also awarded for playing a major role in the conduct of peacekeeping missions and various naval exercises in the WPS which strengthened the Philippines’ ties with other navies.
Villa, who will become the inspector general of the PN, said when he assumed as commander of the NFW six months ago, he only emphasized two things: mission accomplishment and welfare of the men.
“I am happy to have served Palawan and the West Philippines Sea, and I hope nagawa ko ‘yong best ko at sa next ko na assignment for sure NFW is going to be on top of my list. Sabi ko nga sa kanila last time, ito ‘yong una kong i-inspect as inspector general,” he said.
He said Palawan will always have “a special place in his heart” because of the unwavering support of its people.
Villa challenged David to “keep the fire burning” in the leadership of the PN in Palawan and to outweigh the accomplishments of their predecessors.
David, on the other hand, lauded the accomplishments of Villa in leading the NFW in the province and for his leadership of the JTF West.
David said his leadership will mainly aim for organization and individual goals.
“Nasubaybayan ko actually, ang ginagawa ng NFW and excellently, nagampanan niya ang kanyang obligasyon sa WESCOM at sa Philippine Navy. Ako ay confident that I have the same team of officers who will assist me in rendering our services to fulfill our obligation,” he said.
David appealed to the officers, men, and women of the PN in the province to be obedient in order to foster teamwork and to set the armor of discipline among them.
The change of command was presided by Major General Dante Hidalgo, vice commander of the Philippine Navy.
Hidalgo in his speech gave recognition to Villa who served as the commander of the NFW for six months and nine days.
He cited Villa for securing and sustaining peace in Palawan, including the Philippine islands in the WPS.
Hidalgo also expressed confidence that David’s leadership will continue to steer the NFW to excellence in the service of the people.
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