Update in Mantangule Island, Balabac Incident as of 211300H

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Friday, 21 August 2009

As of today 21 Aug 1300H, the more or less 1,500 evacuees that fled their homes have returned to their homes following the successful fleet-marine operations that ended the atrocities committed by the MNLF Group. In a report sent by Commodore Orwen Cortez, the Commander of Naval Forces West to Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, the jubilant residents started heading to their homes this morning and were restored to their normal lives. Commodore Cortez, LTC Yuri Pesigan, the Commanding Officer of MBLT-8, MGen Hernane Perez, the Commanding General, Western Command and P/SSUPT Trampe, Palawan PNP Provincial Director visited the townfolks who thanked the AFP and the PNP for coming to their aid.

A company-sized marines from 38th Marine Company established their post stay-behind force to see to it that the situation shall continue to remain placid.

"We feel elated by the people’s display of gratitude even as we continue to be haunted by accusation as to how the fleet-marine operations were conducted in support of the local PNP of Mantangule island".

"But the Navy will remain steadfast in its commitment to be our people’s partner in peace, progress, and prosperity", Vice Admiral Golez added.