Media Release and Statement from Navy Public Affairs Office 01Oct 09

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

Thursday, 01 October 2009

Marines from 311th Company of MBLT 11 in Bitan-ag,Panamao, Sulu repulsed an attack by unidentified group of armed men.

In a field report by MGen Ben Dolorfino, CG, WestMinCom to VAdm Ferdinand Golez, Navy Flag Officer in Command, the incident that happened 1105AM of 01 October 2009 left 3 (body recovered) dead and scores others from the attackers wounded when the Marines ferociously engaged the enemy and fire support from government troops came.

The Navy leadership grieves the loss of an officer and the wounding of 9 other enlisted marines (names withheld). Recovered from the periphery are: A 90mm Recoiless Rifle (bazooka) with 4 live ammos and a spent shell; and two M16, AK-47, and one Garand rifle.

Fleet-Marine units in the area will remain vigilant and prepared to foil every assault in our units that defend the peace and security in that island province. There will be no let up in development endeavors in Sulu amidst the pursuit operations on-going against the perpetrators.(End).