AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner, Jr. on Monday has been awarded with an honorary membership in the Philippine Navy’s elite special operations forces.
AFP said the prestigious accolade came after he completed the grueling Philippine Navy SEAL rites at the Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) headquarters in Sangley Point, Cavite.
General Brawner’s initiation into this elite group involved a rigorous series of exercises reminiscent of Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal (BUDS) training.
The demanding regimen included intense warm-ups, boat paddling, a challenging one-mile run, and precision shooting with both a .45 caliber pistol and a sniper rifle.
In his address, Brawner praised the graduates for their dedication and resilience, highlighting their embodiment of the Navy Seals’ spirit and their commitment to excellence.
“You have faced challenges that tested your limits and you have emerged as elite warriors ready to serve our nation. You embody the spirit of the Navy SEAL – courageous, disciplined, and committed to excellence and we have seen this countless times in action and in combat operations,” he said.
NAVSOCOM, known for its prowess in unconventional warfare, is distinguished by its expertise in demolition, intelligence, and underwater operations, with a key focus on counter-terrorism.
