7th Marine Battalion returns after 10-year deployment to Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17): 7th Marine Battalion returns after 10-year deployment to Mindanao

The 7th Marine Battalion, which has been deployed to Mindanao for 10 years, is finally home at the Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Taguig City for retraining and refurbishment.

Philippine Marine Corps spokesperson, Capt. Victor Donque, said the battalion had helped secure the 2007 ASEAN Summit, and had sent personnel for security and anti-terrorism operations in central and western Mindanao.

The unit arrived in Manila early this week.

"They were instrumental in most of the anti-terrorism campaigns of the government against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and remnants of the Jema-ah Islamiyah hiding in the islands of Mindanao. Their latest deployment was to NPA-influenced areas," he said, referring to the New People's Army.

The 7th Marine Battalion lists among its major accomplishments the combat operations against ASG terrorists in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan, neutralization of some personalities identified as kidnap-for-ransom groups or lawless elements in Cotabato City and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, and its participation in the anti-drug campaign.

"They also performed significant non-traditional roles, such as civil-military operations that have gained superb appreciation from the natives, as well as stakeholders at said areas," he added.Donque said the unit is to undergo a six-month retraining and refurbishment before its next deployment.

While undergoing training, the 7th Marine Battalion will serve as a component of the Philippine Marine Ready Force in Metro Manila.

"Along with the training program are booth lectures and practical exercises on administrative matters, military tactics, simulated military planning, live-fire maneuvers, marksmanship and rigid physical fitness activities. Part of the refurbishment is the issuance of new sets of combat clothing, individual equipment, mobility assets, communications equipment, issuance of the newly acquired R-4 rifle, integration of Marine Corps Operating Concept, and civil military operations," Donque added.

Unit inspection and de-briefing will be conducted prior to a short rest and recreation, which will be given to the soldiers to relieve them of stress from combat fatigue and to rejoin them with their families and loved ones.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949104