Marines sent to Palawan to counter insurgency

By Mario J. Mallari
Daily Tribune, Saturday, November 27, 2010

The Navy yesterday sent another Marine battalion in Palawan to augment present troops operating in Western part of the country against insurgency.

During send off ceremonies, Navy Flag Officer in Command Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez reminded 413-strong 12th Marine Battalion of the importance of their mission of keeping the people safe from enemies of the state.

“Your deployment to the operational area is very important to the Navy’s mission and to the Armed Forces. It is in your hands to sustain the peace in your respective areas of responsibilities and to make the lives of its people free from violence and fear,” said Cortez.

The 12th Marine Battalion, led by Col. Jesus Raul Caldez, left for Palawan aboard BRP Dagupan City. The contingent is composed of 16 officers and 397 enlisted personnel.

Cortez said the 12th Marine Battalion will augment the Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 (MBLT-8) which is presently deployed in Palawan.

“Once again, the Fleet-Marine operations will be validated as our Marines and sailors work in tandem so that peace and development will reign in this particular part of the region,” said Cortez.

The Navy deploys Marine battalions in the operational area in view of the internal security requirements of the Naval Forces and Area Commands in their respective theater of operation. The 12th Marine Battalion will be under the operational command of Western Command led by Marine Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban.

For his part, Caldez vowed to lead his men to accomplish the mission.

“The responsibilities entrusted to us are enormous and a road full of danger lies ahead. But in the end, we have to take into consideration the best interest of the Filipino populace,” said Caldez.

Meanwhile, BRP Dagupan City, commanded by Capt. Loumer Bernabe, will proceed to Zamboanga City to transport members of the MBLT-9, who just completed its retraining and refurbishing program in October to relieve-in-place MBLT-6 in Indanan, Sulu.

Members of the MBLT-6 are due for a six-month retraining and refurbishing at Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Taguig City.