WESCOM lauds warship rescuers

The Western Command (WESCOM) thanked its personnel, civilians and private companies that helped in the retrieval of BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF15) which ran aground recently on Hasa-Hasa Shoal in the West Philippines Sea. Lieutenant General Rozzano Briguez, WESCOM commander led the giving of plaques and awards to those involved in the rescue operations during the flag-raising ceremonies Monday.

Recognized were the officers and enlisted personnel of the WESCOM,

Naval Forces West (NFW), Joint Task Force Malampaya (JTFM), Coast Guard District Palawan (CGDP), TOG7 and MSAC-West. Also given awards are private companies Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) in Bataraza town, and Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX), the operator of the offshore MalampayaDeep-Water-Gas-to-Power project. “The help extended by our partners, like Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., is something we are thankful for because they contributed to our sound and strategic decision-making during the crisis,” Briguez said. Briguez said SPEX immediately responded when the WESCOM sought its help to pull the grounded ship from Hasa-Hasa Shoal. SPEX managing director Engr. Don Paulino was unable to attend the event but expressed his appreciation to the WESCOM. “We see WESCOM as a great partner in providing 30 percent of our nation’s energy needs and having a positive impact in the communities where we work in,” Paulino said in a statement. On August 30, 2018, BRP Gregorio del Pilar ran aground in the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea while doing regular patrol. The WESCOM Command Operations Center convened its “battle staff” to map out the strategic plan of action and reconnaissance within the vicinity of the grounded warship.