Mayor Celso Lobregat Thursday night led city government officials in paying tribute to Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, outgoing commandant of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command in a testimonial dinner attended by representatives from different sectors of the city.

Mayor Lobregat has isused Executive Order No. CL 352-2010 expressing the city’s gratitude, recognition and honors honors for the exemplary service rendered by Pama during his stint as Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao and Task Force Trillium.

The executive order, engraved in a plaque was presented to RAdm Pama during dinner. The mayor together with Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and members of the City Council also presented to RAdm Pama miniature bolo, as a memento and token of appreciation.

Pama is a decorated navy man who holds the distinction as the first graduate of Philippine Military Academy Class 1979 to be promoted as Rear Admiral. He is also a recipient of numerous military medals, ribbons and honors like the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer), four-time Distinguished Service Star, two-time Navy Cross, Outstanding Achievement Medal, The Silver Wing Medal, The Senior Command-at-Sea Badge and the Marine Command Badge (Brigade Level).

Mayor Lobregat commended Pama for his contributions to the City Crisis Management Council and the Peace and Order Council of Zamboanga in addressing the issues and concerns related to terrorism, abduction and kidnapping, including the rescue of the three teachers from Zamboanga from Sacol Island.

Present during the affair were Vice Mayor Iturralde,  Coundilors Rudy Lim, Myra Paz-Abubakar, Rommel Agan and Rogelio Valesco Jr., Rev. Fr. Antonio Moreno, ADZU Preseident, Deputy of Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao PSSupt. Francisco Cristobal; PCSupt. Edwin Corvera, Regional Director, PRO-IX; Regional Police Deputy Director Col. Mario Yanga, PSSupt. Edwin de Ocampo, Director, Zamboanga City Police Office, the City’s Department Heads and other civic organizations.

Brigadier General Eugenio Clemen, AFP, was also present during the testimonial dinner. He formally assumed as Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao command yesterday with Acting Flag Officer in Command RAdm Danilo Cortez as presiding officer.

RAdm Pama will be assigned to the Navy Headquarters in Manila Naval Inspector General. (Richard Aliangan)