Friday, June 29, 2007 Mayor welcomes Malaysian delegates
MAYOR Celso Lobregat has warmly welcomed to Zamboanga City the members of the Malaysian delegation attending the culminating activities of the 13th RP-Malaysia Coordinated Border Patrol Operations.
Lobregat, at the same time, thanked the Malaysian government through the delegation led by First Admiral Dato Pahlawan Mohd Rashid Bin Harun, for its efforts to coordinate with the Philippine government in the campaign to guard the seas that join the two countries.
The City Government Wednesday night hosted a dinner in honor of the Malaysian delegation composed of officials from the Sandakan Municipal Council border patrol coordinating group members and observers from various Malaysian maritime agencies and other government agencies. The affair was highlighted by a cultural presentation, exchange of tokens and fellowship activities.
"We warmly welcome you to Asia's Latin City," Lobregat told the Malaysian guests in his message. He said Zamboanga City is extending its hand of friendship and cooperation in line with the common goal of attaining mutual peace and harmony.
He also briefly explained the reason for the new branding of Zamboanga as Asia's Latin City and urged them to go around the city and look at the things it has to offer.
For his part, First Admiral Harun thanked Mayor Lobregat for graciously hosting the affair stressing that he feels "great and at home" in Zamboanga City because of the people's hospitality and friendship.
He also expressed apologies on behalf of the Malaysian government for any shortcomings on the part of the Malaysian delegates or any untoward incidents that might have occurred during their stay in the city.
The border patrol operations were conducted from June 7-19 on the common borders of the Philippines and Malaysia to enhance border cooperation of both countries.
It was participated in by the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Coast Guard units and their Malaysian counterparts.
The Harun-led Malaysian delegation, composed of 40 members, arrived in the city to attend the closing ceremonies of the operations.
Other officials in the group were Hadji Mohammad Yusop bin Hadji Mansor, Director, Customs Bureau of Malaysia and Senior Assistant II Chua Ghee Lye, Commander of the Police Air Unit.
Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag Jr., Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command and other WESMINCOM officials were also present.
From the City Government side, District I congresswoman-elect Beng Climaco and some incoming and outgoing members of the City Council were on hand to assist Mayor Lobregat in entertaining the Malaysian guests. (SEC)
