Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Marine troops deployed to fight Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18, 2019): Marine troops deployed to fight Abu Sayyaf in Sulu


SEND-OFF. Maj. Gen. Alvin Parreño, Philippine Marine Corps commandant, gives words of encouragement to soldiers during a send-off ceremony in Parang, Maguindanao on Sunday (June 16, 2019). The rites signaled the deployment of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 (MBLT-7) against Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu province. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed an additional battalion to further boost the focused military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in the province of Sulu.

Deployed on Sunday to fight the bandits is the Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 (MBLT-7), which came from Maguindanao.

“The deployment (of MBLT-7) is a deliberate move and an upsurge in the military’s effort to crush Abu Sayyaf bandits, seen by the unrelenting offensives delivered to pound terrorists in Sulu,” said Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

“With their combat acumen and intestinal fortitude, our marine troops will deliver focused operations that will ameliorate our advantage on the ground,” dela Vega added.

The send-off ceremony attended by top military officials was held at the Polloc Port in Barangay Polloc, Parang, Maguindanao.

“In everything you do, please include prayers; it is the most effective weapon we can have in the start of our operations, wherever we are and whatever we do. Always remember that the highest honor we can have is to fight alongside our fellow warriors,” Maj. Gen. Alvin Parreño, Philippine Marine Corps commandant, told the troops.

“We would like to thank the JTF (Joint Task Force) Central for accommodating us for we have seen high brotherhood and solidarity in the Armed Forces,” he added.

The MBLT-7 formerly safeguarded the municipalities of Nuro and South Upi and the coastal municipality of Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao.

“Your excellent performance and commitment to service already brought significant development in peace and order in your area of operations, contributing to the socio-economic development of the area. Thus, you are now needed in other parts of the region,” Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, JTF Central commander, told the troops.

“I hope that you succeed in replicating your accomplishments and soon bring just and lasting peace in Jolo. Thank you for your service in Central Mindanao, and good luck on your next duty,” Sobejana added.

The deployment of the MBLT-7 troops will augment those already stationed and pursuing the ASG bandits in Sulu.

Among the troops that are presently deployed in the province include the Army’s 11th Infantry Division and Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu, which are under the operation and control of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding a number of captives including foreigners in the hinterlands of Sulu province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072625

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