Mountain Province-born LT. Lee Omaweng, known by his Igorot name “Na-oy,” has become an unsung hero of the West Philippine Sea, as recognized by a GMA journalist.
A native of Sagada, Omaweng grew up on a family farm before graduating from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in 2011. After a pirate attack on his ship in the Strait of Malacca in 2012, he left his lucrative maritime career to join the Philippine Coast Guard.
He became a member of the Coast Guard Special Operations Group, participated in the 2017 Marawi Liberation, and underwent specialized training with elite maritime forces from the United States and Sri Lanka.
From 2017 to 2022, he commanded vessels operating in Mindanao, earning recognition for his unit’s accomplishments. In August 2023, he volunteered for deployment to the West Philippine Sea, where he continues to lead BRP Sindangan in maritime patrols and resupply missions amid tensions and dangerous encounters with Chinese forces.
Under his leadership, the vessel and its personnel have received 11 Bronze Cross Medals from the Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, recognizing acts of heroism and bravery.
Behind his courage lies a life of sacrifice. Spending months at sea, he has missed holidays, family gatherings, and important moments with loved ones.
“I hope this tension will be over soon so we can all safely return home,” he shared.
While many Filipinos witness the West Philippine Sea tensions on television, few realize that one of the men standing on the front lines is an Igorot from Sagada, quietly serving the nation and defending Philippine sovereignty.
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