Sulu–based Marines deployed in North Luzon

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – Personnel of the 4th Marine Brigade and Marine Battalion Landing Team 8, who had spent more than six years in Sulu, have been deployed in Luzon.

Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. welcomed the Marine troopers at the Laoag International Airport on Thursday.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc, Naval Forces Northern Luzon commander Francisco Tagamolila Jr., local chief executives and heads of various Nolcom units also attended the arrival ceremony.

Torres said the troops would augment ground forces to fight the remaining New People’s Army rebels in Northern and Central Luzon.

The military said the Marines would also help ensure the safety and development of communities in the area as well as provide support to stakeholders and government agencies in humanitarian assistance, disaster response and joint law enforcement operations.

The military credited the Marine contingents for the recovery of 572 high-powered firearms, surrender of 222 Abu Sayyaf bandits, recovery of smuggled goods worth more than P21 million and the settlement of 23 rido or clan wars during their stint with the Western Mindanao Command.

Torres lauded the Marine units for transforming Sulu “from terrorism to tourism.” He said he is hoping they would perform well in their new area of operation. - Artemio Dumlao