CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City – The 4th Marine Brigade (4MBde) and the Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 (MBLT8) have been redeployed from Sulu to augment ground forces involved in internal security operations in Northern and Central Luzon against the remaining units of the New People’s Army.
Armed Forces-Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief Lt. Gen. Ernesto C. Torres Jr. welcomed their arrival on Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Laoag International Airport in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
The 4MBde and MBLT8 had served more than six years combating terrorism in Sulu.
The Marine units previously under the Armed Forces-Western Mindanao Command’s joint area of operations have been responsible for the recovery of 572 high-powered firearms and 222 Abu Sayyaf Group surrenderers.
They were also responsible in recovery of smuggled goods worth more than P21 million and facilitated the settlement of 23 “rido” or clan feuds during their deployment in Sulu.
Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc, Naval Forces Northern Luzon commander Francisco Tagamolila Jr., local chief executives, and commanding officers of Nolcom welcome the troops on their arrival.
Manotoc thanked the Marines for prioritizing the well-being and peace and order in their communities and referred to them as “true public servants.”
Torres lauded them for their accomplishments in Sulu and is optimistic that they will perform well in their new area of operation.