Huge boost to Naval Forces Western Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Naval Forces Western Mindanao's capability against terrorism and kidnapping gets a huge lift with the deployment of a missile-capable gunboat on the country's southern border.

NFWM information officer Lt. Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera disclosed that the Philippine Navy has deployed one of the two newly-acquired missile capable gunboats, BRP-Nestor Acero to the NFWM area of responsibility.

Capt. Dwight Steven Dulnoan, NFWM acting commander, rendered an arrival ceremony for PG901 and its crew Thursday at Ensign Majini Pier of the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, which houses the NFWM headquarters here.

PG901, one of two PN's Acero-class patrol gunboats, is a missile-capable Shaldag Mk. V Fast Attack Interdiction Craft Missile.

Cabaltera said the 32-meter high-speed vessel is equipped with quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable to deliver precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land or sea.

BRP-Nestor Acero will augment the existing NFWM fleet guarding cross-border terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes in the southern seas.

The PN's two Acero-class gunboats are named after Philippine Marine Corps heroes and Medal for Valor recipients, the late Pfc. Nestor F. Acero, and the late 1Lt. Lolinato G. To-ong.