Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao

07/10/2026

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION | Installs New Commanders for Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Central
The Philippine Navy (PN) conducted a Joint Change of Command Ceremony for the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) and Naval Forces Central (NFC) on October 6, 2026, at the Navy Headquarters, with Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN, Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy, as the presiding officer.
Commodore Joel R Tamayo PN formally assumed command of the NFEM, while Commodore Junjie B Tabuada PN assumed command of the NFC.
In their respective remarks, Commodore Tamayo and Commodore Tabuada expressed their gratitude for the trust and confidence reposed in them and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with leading their respective commands. They likewise affirmed their commitment to sustaining the gains and momentum of their units, strengthening operational readiness and organizational effectiveness, and ensuring the continued fulfillment of their mandates in support of the Philippine Navy’s mission.
Vice Admiral Ezpeleta emphasized the importance of effective leadership, continuity of command, and steadfast commitment to the Philippine Navy’s mandate. He likewise called on the newly installed commanders to lead with professionalism, integrity, and dedication as they carry out their respective responsibilities and advance the missions of their commands.
The occasion underscored the Philippine Navy’s commitment to leadership continuity, organizational excellence, and the sustained advancement of its operational capabilities in support of maritime security and national defense.
PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

06/10/2026

IN PHOTOS | BRP TAUSUG Departs Davao City for Balut Island Food Pack Delivery

The BRP Tausug (LC803), under the operational control of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Philippine Navy, departed Captain Feranil Pier, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, on October 5, 2026, to transport 2,000 boxes of food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI (DSWD XI) to Balut Island, Sarangani Province, Davao Occidental.

The food packs, with a total cargo weight of approximately 17.1 tons, are intended for delivery to communities in Balut Island.

The transport mission highlights the Philippine Navy’s continued commitment to supporting government efforts to deliver essential assistance to communities in far-flung areas of Eastern Mindanao.

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

02/10/2026

IN THE NEWS | NFEM SUPPORTS BUREAU OF CUSTOMS IN INTERCEPTION OF SUSPECTED SMUGGLED RICE

On September 18, NFEM’s Naval Task Force 71, through BA488 of the 3rd Boat Attack Division, assisted the Bureau of Customs in the interception of M/V Tay Son 2, which was carrying approximately 312,000 sacks of Vietnamese rice, reportedly valued at an estimated ₱100 million to ₱300 million, without the required permit. The vessel was intercepted off General Santos City in Sarangani Bay.

For the full report, watch the video below 👇

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1038235022579117/?mibextid=ZZyLBr

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

02/10/2026

NFEM Conducts Unilateral Exercise in Davao Gulf

DAVAO CITY — The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) conducted the Unilateral Exercise 2026 on September 29, 2026, in the waters of Davao Gulf to enhance the operational readiness and interoperability of its operational and tactical control (OPCON/TACON) units in conducting maritime operations within its area of responsibility.

The exercise opened with a ceremony at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, led by CAPT LEO C. DIMOC PN(GSC), Acting Commander, Joint Task Force Sinaya and concurrent acting Commander NFEM, who served as the Officer Conducting the Exercise and Exercise Director.

Following the opening ceremony, participating naval assets departed from Captain Feranil Pier to commence the sea phase, which focused on applying naval doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures in a simulated operational environment.

Participating forces included sailor and marine reservists from Naval Reserve Center-Eastern Mindanao; BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21); BA488 and BA489 of the 3rd Boat Attack Division; BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37); BRP Tausug (LC803); NV392 of Air Warfare Operations Squadron-Eastern Mindanao; and Naval Special Warfare Unit 7.

The sea phase featured a series of exercise serials designed to assess the units’ ability to operate and coordinate as an integrated force. These included Communications Check, Sortie Out, Minefield Transit, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), Officer of the Watch Maneuvering Exercise (OOW MANNEX), Amphibious Landing, and Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX) with the support of NV392.

The exercise scenarios further tested the participating units’ ability to detect, identify, interdict, and neutralize hostile maritime forces through integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), maneuver, and maritime interdiction operations under wartime rules of engagement. The units also responded to simulated external threats, illegal intrusion, and attempts to compromise key coastal infrastructure within the Sentinel Islands scenario under Joint Task Force Sinaya.

The exercise culminated in an amphibious landing conducted by BRP Tausug (LC803) in coordination with Marine Reservists, highlighting the integrated employment of naval and reserve forces in amphibious operations.

Unilateral Exercise 2026 forms part of NFEM’s continuing efforts to sustain a credible, responsive, and capable maritime force by enhancing the readiness and interoperability of its OPCON/TACON units. The exercise likewise supports the Philippine Navy’s mandate to secure the maritime domain and protect the nation’s interests within its area of responsibility.

24/09/2026

NFEM HOLDS CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Philippine Navy, conducted its Change of Command Ceremony held aboard BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) at Captain Feranil Pier, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, on September 23, 2026.

The ceremony marked the formal relinquishment of command by the outgoing Commander, NFEM, Commodore Ireneo D Battung PN, to the incoming Acting Commander, NFEM, Captain Leo C Dimoc PN(GSC), signifying the continued leadership and operational readiness of the naval force in Eastern Mindanao.

The momentous activity was presided over by the Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN, who commended the outgoing Commander for his accomplishments and contributions throughout his tenure as Commander, NFEM. The Presiding Officer also encouraged the incoming Acting Commander as he assumes responsibility for leading the Force and sustaining its mission in Eastern Mindanao.

In his message, COMMO BATTUNG expressed his confidence in the men and women of NFEM, emphasizing their dedication and commitment to the mission.

“To my successor, I offer not a burden, but a promise: You inherit a command of men and women who are committed, capable, and proud to serve,” he said.

COMMO BATTUNG will retire from active military service after 37 years of dedicated service to the nation. A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maalab” Class of 1993, he has served in various leadership and command positions throughout his distinguished naval career.

As COMMO BATTUNG concludes his tour as Commander, NFEM, his legacy of leadership and service will remain part of the Force’s continuing pursuit of operational excellence and its commitment to safeguarding the maritime interests of Eastern Mindanao.

The ceremony concluded with a Passing Honors rendered by the floating assets of NFEM, PN and its maritime partner agency, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), in honor of the just-relieved Commander, NFEM, PN, marking a fitting tribute to his leadership and 37 years of faithful military service.

16/09/2026

IN PHOTOS | NFEM, PN Concludes Philippine Navy Reserve Force Eastern Mindanao Mobilization Exercise 2026

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Philippine Navy (NFEM, PN) concluded the Philippine Navy Reserve Force-Eastern Mindanao Mobilization Exercise 2026 during the Closing Ceremony held at the Multi-Purpose Covered Court, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, on September 13, 2026.

The three-day exercise featured a series of land-based and at-sea training activities designed to enhance the readiness, interoperability, and operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy Reserve Force in Eastern Mindanao. On the first day, PN Reservists participated in the R2P2 Exercise and Camp Defense Drill/Exercise.

The second day focused on at-sea serials, which included Communication Exercise, Emergency Getting Underway, General Quarters, Man Overboard to Search and Rescue Operations Exercise, and Fire-at-Sea Exercise. These activities provided the reservists with practical training in maritime operations, emergency response, shipboard procedures, and coordinated search and rescue operations.

The final day began with a debriefing and evaluation of the exercises conducted, followed by the Closing Exercise. The Commander, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, served as the Keynote Speaker and was represented by the Deputy Commander, NFEM, PN, CAPT LEO C DIMOC PN(GSC), who delivered the Commander's message during the ceremony.

The successful conduct of MOBEX 2026 highlights the Philippine Navy's ongoing efforts to the Reserve Force with the Regular Force to strengthen combat readiness and enhance the Navy's capability to respond effectively to emergencies, contingencies, and operational requirements.

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

14/09/2026

EAD | The Philippine Navy's Leadership Quote for the Week.
“A true leader commands with an unshakable character, listens with an open mind, confronts adversity with a resilient attitude and guides others through visible and decisive actions.”
RAdm Richard N Gonzaga PN
Commander, Naval Command Northern Luzon, Philippine Navy
PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready






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READ | The Philippine Navy's Leadership Quote for the Week.

“A true leader commands with an unshakable character, listens with an open mind, confronts adversity with a resilient attitude and guides others through visible and decisive actions.”

RAdm Richard N Gonzaga PN
Commander, Naval Command Northern Luzon, Philippine Navy

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready







⁩

12/09/2026

IN PHOTOS | NFEM,PN Kicks Off Philippine Navy Reserve Force Eastern Mindanao Mobilization Exercise 2026

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Philippine Navy (NFEM,PN) held the Opening Ceremony of the Philippine Navy Reserve Force-Eastern Mindanao Mobilization Exercise 2026 at the Multi-Purpose Covered Court, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, on September 11, 2026.

The ceremony was graced by the Deputy Commander, NFEM, PN, CAPT LEO C DIMOC PN(GSC), as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, bringing together 270 PN Reservists in attendance. The activity formally marked the commencement of the four-day exercise aimed at enhancing the readiness, interoperability, and operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy Reserve Force in Eastern Mindanao.

The MOBEX seeks to integrate the PN Reserve Force with the Regular Force in strengthening combat readiness and enhancing the capability of the Philippine Navy to effectively respond to emergencies, contingencies, and operational requirements.

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady

11/09/2026

LOOK | 𝗕𝗥𝗣 𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗢 𝗣𝗔𝗣𝗔 (𝗣𝗖𝟯𝟴𝟭) Welcomes its New Skipper

The Naval Task Force 71 of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Philippine Navy (NFEM, PN) held a Change of Command Ceremony for BRP Dioscoro Papa (PC381), at Headquarters NFEM, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, on September 11, 2026.

The ceremony was presided over by the Commander, Naval Task Force 71, Captain Leo C Dimoc PN(GSC). During the ceremony, LCDR MICHAEL JOHN B SAVILLO PN formally relinquished command of PC381 to LCDR JOSEPH M ISON PN, symbolizing the smooth and orderly transition of leadership and responsibility and reaffirming the unit’s commitment to mission continuity and operational readiness.

The outgoing Commanding Officer, LCDR SAVILLO, was recognized for his exemplary service and invaluable contributions to the Command. Meanwhile, the incoming Commanding Officer, LCDR ISON expressed commitment to further enhancing the operational capabilities, professionalism, and mission effectiveness of PC381 in support of the Philippine Navy’s mandate and the accomplishment of NFEM’s mission in the Eastern Mindanao seaboard.

Further, in his message, CAPT DIMOC emphasized that command is founded on the trust entrusted to every leader and the integrity with which that trust is upheld. He reminded both officers to lead with honor, remain steadfast in their responsibilities, and uphold the confidence placed in them by their personnel and the organization, as they continue to carry out their duties in service to the Philippine Navy and the nation.

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady