Marine battalion in Sulu deployed to Palawan

June 27, 2019

A Marine battalion which fought terrorists for nearly three years in Sulu has been deployed to Palawan.

Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command, said the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) bade goodbye to the Mindanaoans in a send-off ceremony in Zambonga City Thursday morning.

Besana said the ceremony held at the Zamboanga City Pier was presided by Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega.

"The team is set to take responsibility of the internal security operations (ISO) in Northern Palawan under the West Command," he said.

"Known as the 'Tamed but Fierce Battalion', MBLT-3 is one of the units of the Philippine Marine Corps that exhibit readiness to serve at all costs whenever the need arises," he added.

Besana said Dela Vega recognized the valuable service of the MBLT-3 for the people in Sulu.

"As a sign of gratitude for the outstanding performance and valuable service rendered that contributed to the accomplishment of the Command’s mission, a plaque of merit was presented by Lieutenant General Dela Vega to the team during the ceremony," Besana said.

Besana said in his message, "Dela Vega lauded the troops for their significant contributions both in focused and civil military operations that resulted in the success of the unit’s mission."

“I am sure that you will do well in your new venture as you did a great job in fighting against terrorism in Sulu,” Dela Vega said.

“Carry on your good work by doing the right things and doing the things right,” he added.

Besana said the MBLT-3 was deployed in  Sulu on September 9, 2016.

"The unit was able to conduct a total of 104 major operations, 1,976 minor operations, 3,528 small unit operations, 77 seaborne patrols, and 14,399 security patrols," he said. Robina Asido/DMS