Marine battalion team members honored

By Bong Garcia

Sun Star, Thursday, September 1, 2011

THE Philippine Navy has accorded honors to officers and men of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4) for their accomplishments in combat operations that led to the neutralization of some noted terrorists in Mindanao.

Lieutenant Colonel Omar Tonsay said the honors were accorded to the MBLT-4 by Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama upon the troops' arrival Thursday at the Navy headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

The MBLT-4, composed of 19 officers and 424 enlisted personnel, arrived Thursday in Manila for retraining after 10 years of being assigned in Mindanao, Tonsay said.

He said the most noteworthy among the MBLT-4's achievements is the neutralization of Abu Sayyaf bandit leader Albader Parad on February 21, 2010 and five of his comrades, as well as the recovery of five high-powered firearms and ammunition.

Tonsay said the MBLT-4 also successfully raided a two-hectare marijuana plantation in Barangay Patao, Maimbung, Sulu and another 1.5 hectare in nearby Barangay Binuang, Talipao in the same province, with an estimated total market value of P32 million on May 22 and June 26, 2008, respectively.

He said Pama also lauded the MBLT-4 troops for their major operations against secessionist groups in different parts of Mindanao and the team's success in winning the trust and confidence of the populace in the various areas they were deployed.

Pama likewise acknowledged the members of the MBLT-4 who have fallen in the line of duty and who have lived up to the standard of a true Marine, "ever committed to the ideals of the Philippine Marine Corps and the Navy."

Tonsay said the MBLT-4's activities in its area of responsibility were not confined to combat operations alone, but were extended to various humanitarian projects that benefited local residents such as construction of road networks, water systems and school buildings.

He said the MBLT-4 also taught local residents to engage in seaweeds farming, thus helping alleviate the flight of living of people they meet in their areas of operation.

"These missions highlight the Navy's Fleet-Marine operations where Sailors and Marines work in tandem in support of the government's peace and development efforts," Tonsay added.

www.sunstar.com.ph

CARAT 2011 holds medical mission, community services

PIA, Wednesday, June 6, 2011

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, July 6 (PIA) –- Community services like medical missions remain part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2011 in Palawan as participants embark on strengthening United States’ and Philippines’ military capabilities.

In a press release, the 6th Civil relations group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that recently the United States naval servicemen, with their Filipino counterpart who are participating in the CARAT, conducted a medical and dental mission in Bgy Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa City last June 29, benefiting hundreds of residents of the village.

Free medical check-up and tooth extraction were offered in the said civic activity. Medicines were also handed out to patients.

The medical mission was part of the annual bilateral military training exercise between the US and the Philippine navies that aim to further strengthen cooperation between, and improve the capabilities of, the two countries’ naval forces.

It was among the several community service activities of CARAT 2011 lined up to reach out to the Palaweňos.

Other activities include the holding of community relation activities in Bgy Tagburos Elementary School and Gregorio Oquendo Memorial Elementary School. Free music lessons were also offered at the Palawan State University Laboratory High School and Palawan National School.

A week before the joint military training officially kicked off, CARAT participants have already started the construction of a social hall and comfort rooms at West Elementary School in Bgy Mangingisda, Puerto Princesa City.

CARAT 2011 opened on June 28 with the arrival of three US navy ships that will be part of the 10-day military training. The exercises will be held in the Sulu Sea.

Moreover, the Philippine Marine Corps and the US 7th Fleet Band will hold a free band concert at the People’s Amphitheater in Mendoza Park, Puerto Princesa City and at the NCCC mall to cap off the activity.

This year’s CARAT will focus more on enhancing both countries’ naval capabilities in maritime defense, resource protection and disaster response operations through actual exercises and information exchanges.

Approximately 800 US navy servicemen and 457 Philippine Navy personnel is participating in this year’s bilateral military training. (6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)

pia.gov.ph