Naval training ends today

CEBU - The five-day training exercises of the Naval Forces Central Philippine Fleet and the Philippine Marine Corps in Lauis Beach, sitio Looc, barangay Poblacion in the municipality of Argao culminated yesterday.

Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos, barangays officials, and Argao residents witnessed the joint marine training exercise dubbed “Exercise Pagsisikap 2008”.

“Nalipay kaayo mi nga maoy napilian ang among lungsod sa Argao sa gihimo nga pagbansaybansay sa mga sakop sa Philippine Navy,” Galeos said.

Navy captain Honorio Robert Balanon Sr., exercise director, said that the training was designed to show that the Navy is capable of going after insurgents and of protecting the people.

According to Balanon, they also made an assessment on their personnel and their equipment during the training.

The joint exercise was aimed at testing and evaluating the effectiveness and operational readiness of the Fleet-Marine concept of the Philippine Navy.

A scenario, for example, at the seashore of barangay Looc showed around 40 rebels positioned in the place. After surveillance was made, Navy Special Forces carried out an attack that surprised the enemy.

The training included pre-exercise preparation, the establishment of a Fleet-Marine Planning Staff, and field training exercise.

Also highlighted during the activity was the turnover of comfort room facility, basketball and volleyball equipment, and garbage bins donated by naval officials to Argao town.

Galeos received the donations. — Jose P. Sollano/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)