From the Sun Star (Sep 26): Filipino marines shift from terror to sea disputes

Philippine officials said more than 100 marines have left southern Sulu province, where they helped battle al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants for years, to a western province to help reinforce the country's claims in disputed South China Sea territories. Officials said a significant military force of about 5,000 will remain in Sulu to deal with lingering Abu Sayyaf threats. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the shift is part of a plan for the military to gradually shift from an anti-insurgency role to territorial defense.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/09/26/filipino-marines-shift-terror-sea-disputes-244943