Sangley Point, Cavite City – One battalion of fully equipped officers and enlisted personnel representing the finest in soldiery were accorded a fitting and traditional send-off ceremony here Monday, Feb. 1, 2016.
They compose the 1st Marine Battalion Landing Team headed by its commanding officer, Col. Noel D. Beleran, who underwent retraining before deployment to join the other Marines in the operational area in Southern Philippines.
The Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy (FOIC, PN), Vice Adm. Caesar C. Taccad joined the families of the departing troops as they wished them good luck to their new charge. Also present at the ceremony were Maj. Gen. Remigio C. Valdez, the Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps and Brig. Gen. Aaron T. Fetalvero, the Commander of Naval Installation Command.
In his speech, the FOIC, PN hailed the troops as ambassadors of goodwill and reminded everyone of their true duties in the communities in the South saying, “Keep in mind that the critical role that you will play in the operational area is not as warriors and combatants. As part of the Fleet-Marine Team, you shall be our envoy that will bring lasting peace in Mindanao. Bring hope to our communities that security and progress is within reach. Become the solid proof that their Navy and their Armed Forces are their sole protectors.”
Marine troops’ deployment in Southern Philippines is part of the constabulary role of the PN in support to the internal security operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aim to maintain, restore or establish a climate of order within a community so that the duly constituted local government units can function effectively. - Naval Public Affairs Office
