CAVITE CITY, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 – A joint graduation ceremony for Naval Explosives Ordnance Disposal (NEOD) Class 16 and Special Boat Operators Course (SBOC) Class 3 which was attended by 2 Royal Brunei Navy officers, Lieutenant Ak Muhd Rajaie bin Pg Razali, RBN and Lieutenant Junior Grade Muhammad Nuh bin Haji Moksin, RBN. The ceremony was held at the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) open court. The guest of honour who officiate the ceremony was Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, Flag Officer in Command Philippine Navy (PN).
Also present to witness the ceremony were, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Brunei Darussalam Defence Attache to Republic of the Philippines, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Wata bin Abdullah Awat, along with senior officers from the PN. Event started off with welcoming remarks by Commander Andro Val Abayon, Commander NAVSOG.
The Flag Officer in Command had the honor of presenting the certificates and awards to course participants. A total of 18 participants for both courses were presented with the award followed by certificate of recognitions presented to the course directors from each courses.
Subsequently, one of the RBN officers, Lieutenant Ak Muhd Rajaie bin Pg Razali, RBN was invited to give his short remarks. In his speech, he spoke of their experiences throughout their training as NEOD Technician. According to him, training as an NEOD technician requires both mental strength and physical endurance. He added that being an NEOD Technician requires one to be working in a hazardous environment and that safety awareness is paramount during operations as any mistakes might lead to fatal results. Hence, The NAVSOG NEOD technician and all the trainees are indoctrinated with the quote “Your First Mistake Might Be Your Last“ since their first day of training.
An exchange of mementoes between the RBN officers and Commander NAVSOG was conducted after the international student remark. The event followed by an introduction of the Guest of Honour and keynote speaker.
The Commander of the Philippine Fleet had the honour to introduce and invite the Flag Officer in Command as the keynote speaker himself to deliver a congratulatory speech. The Guest of Honour went on to preach about the importance of inviting foreign candidates to join courses under the NAVSOG in order to strengthen military ties and to build friendship between international military institution. He continued to praise the Naval Special Operations Group achievement in enrolling foreign candidates for the first time within their curricular programme.
The Flag Officer in Command ended his speech by congratulating the courses participants for successfully completing their courses and he hoped to witness more foreign candidates in the future. The event ended with a Luncheon and a tour around the NAVSOG compound.
