Navy Sends Additional Forces to Haunt Down Abus

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


Saturday, 20 March 2010

In line with the guidance of AFP Chief of Staff General Delfin N Bangit to get the remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf Group within 60 days, the Philippine Navy deploys its elite force, patrol vessels, and gun boats to different operational areas all over the country. The send off ceremony will be held 7:30 a.m. Monday, 22 March 2010 at the Headquarters Philippine Navy.
Newly repaired surface assets that will be deployed to operational areas specifically in Visayas and Mindanao are: BRP Rajah Humabon (PF 11); BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS 36); BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS 38); BRP Simeon Castro (PG 374); BRP Apollo Tiano (PG 851); and BRP Gen Emilio Aguinlado (PG 140). A company from the Philippine Marine Corps’ (PMC) elite force will also be deployed to Basilan to augment government forces present in the said province.
Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy will preside over the ceremony to be attended by Senior Fleet-Marine Unit Commanders. Major General Juancho M Sabban, Commandant, PMC and Rear Admiral Geronimo R Defensor, Commander, Philippine Fleet will assist Vice Admiral Golez during the inspection of troops and their equipment.
Binibining Pilipinas 2010 winners will also grace the send off ceremony to help boost the morale of the Sailors and Marines which will result in their improved efficiency in the performance of their duties and responsibilities to the country and the Filipino people.
Considering the dangers of the task, the Navy will remain committed in the performance of their sworn duties to protect the people and preserve the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
The deployment of personnel and assets is seen as another step to the realization of the Navy’s quest to attain prominence in security operations and support to law-enforcement actions against lawless elements operating in the Visayas and Mindanao. The send-off of the vessels and marine personnel are the navy’s contribution to Team AFP’s mandate to intensify humanitarian and development endeavors, win peace, maintain security, and seize a major role in nation-building.
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