ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Major General Arthur I Tabaquero AFP of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) reminded the troops in Sultan Kudarat that the government Armed Forces are there to protect every citizen.

In a press statement, MGen Tabaquero said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the EastMinCom will give its full support to the 1st Marine Brigade and all of its sub-units.

“The Marine Brigade was deployed in Sultan Kudarat with the objective of providing protection to every citizen residing in the area of responsibility (AOR) of the 1st Marine Brigade. On our part, we need to make a move so that the people will feel our presence, they will feel that they are protected and not neglected”, MGen Tabaquero said.

He also emphasized to the troops that the job the soldiers are doing is for the people, for the stability of peace in the place, but admits that there are instances when “we can’t serve all the Filipinos, especially in areas where there are no military bases.”

“With this new military base in Sultan Kudarat, we are hopeful that we will meet the people’s concerns and we will be able to provide them protection twenty four-seven. The troops 1st Marine Brigade will be there for the people,” MGen Tabaquero added.

The troops of 1st Marine Brigade (1MBde) and Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 (MBLT-1) based in Lebak and Kalamansig, both in Sultan Kudarat Province welcome the team of Major General Arthur I. Tabaquero AFP during his visit on Wednesday (January 26).

In a meeting, Marine Commanders, Colonel Alexander F Balutan PN (M)(GSC) of the 1st MBde and Lt.Colonel Edwin E Amadar PN (M) of MBLT-1 reported to MGen Tabaquero about the status of their troops and equipment.

MGen Tabaquero also spent time with all enlisted personnel during the “talk to the men” period.

Colonel Balutan disclosed that the 1st Marine Brigade was formerly based in Basilan Province and was transferred to Lebak, Sultan Kudarat last November 24, 2011. He revealed that upon arrival, the troops made several adjustments in their military approach since majority of the populace are Christians.

“We are also very cautious in our actions because we are just starting to interact with the people in the area,” he said.

He also reported that the 1MBde will have several civil military operations (CMO) projects which will commence this February 2011. This is a joint activity by the 1st Marine Brigade and various stakeholders such as the local government units (LGUs), NGOs, LGAs the visiting US Forces from Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines.

“We are thankful that we are supported by various stakeholders and the people of Sultan Kudarat,” Colonel Balutan said. (1MBde/PIA9-BST/rvc)

Last update: 02-02-2011 02:53