Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Naval Station Felix Apolinario (NSFA), Panacan, Davao City
August 23, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the 12th Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) anniversary held at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Naval Station Felix Apolinario (NSFA) in Panacan, Davao City.

The President viewed the display of 1,018 recovered and surrendered firearms within the EASTMINCOM’s area of responsibility.

He also led the awarding of the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kamagi, as well as the Gold Cross Medals and the Stakeholders’ Awards, to various military personnel with the assistance of Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Cordozo Luna and EASTMINCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr.

In his keynote address, President Duterte shared his vision for the country and for the future generation. “We will see to it that the nation that we handover to our children is one that is more stable, harmonious, progressive. I therefore ask you to join me in this endeavor not for ourselves but for the sake of the generations to come,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

The EASTMINCOM of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was officially activated on August 28, 2006 under its first commander, MGen. Rodolfo Obaniana. Its headquarters was first established at the Old Airport of Davao City before transferring to Panacan in 2007.

The Command covers the whole regions of XI and XIII, and portions of Regions X and XII composed of 17 provinces, 20 cities, 185 municipalities, and 4,129 barangays.

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