By (PNA)
Hijab troopers are seen during send-off ceremonies at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Thursday, June 21, 2018. (Office of the Army Chief of Public Affairs)
The Philippine Army (PA) deployed to Marawi City on Thursday the 12th Civil-Military Operation Battalion and the so-called “Hijab” troopers to stop the remnants of the ISIS-inspired Maute group from recruiting civilians and to help in the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in the war-devastated city.
Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said the “Hijab” troopers will focus on addressing the recruitment and exploitation undertaken by remnants of the terrorist group espousing violent extremism.
The 25 “Hijab” troopers will also help local government units and other concerned agencies in facilitating the needs and requirements of internally displaced persons, conduct peace education and psycho-social intervention in support of Joint Task Force Ranao’s civil-military operations.
The send-off ceremonies took place at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City,
Villanueva added that the unit will be placed under the operational control of Joint Task Force Ranao.
Villanueva said the 12th Civil-Military Operation Battalion, which consists of 105 troopers, will assist Joint Task Force Ranao in establishing a safe and secured environment to give way for the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation (RRR) efforts to be undertaken by Task Force Bangon Marawi.
“The Philippine Army will remain steadfast in performing its mandate, to serve the people and in securing the land. Despite of the prevailing security challenges, we will keep our word to support and extend our very best for the immediate recovery of Marawi,” Villanueva said.