ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Dec 9 (PIA) – Marine soldiers stationed in Palawan commemorated a year over six decades of commitment and service to the people as they celebrated the 61st “birthday” of the Philippine Marine Corps last November 26 at the Pavilion Complex of the Provincial Capitol.
“This is a momentous event because it marks 61 years of heritage of selfless dedication shown by our marine soldiers in protecting our country and its people and in being a fundamental force in bringing peace and progress to our communities,” LtGen Juancho M. Sabban, Commander of the Western Command (WESCOM), said.
A member of the Marines himself, LtGen Sabban takes pride in the service rendered by the unit and the significant role it played in achieving a strategic victory particularly in the province of Palawan.
LtGen Sabban said Palawan enjoys peace and progress because the armed forces, the marines in particular, have been successful in curtailing threats to the province’s security.
At present, two marine battalions are stationed in the province: the 12th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-12) headed by Col Raul Caldez which is responsible in maintaining peace and order in Southern Palawan and the 4th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-4) under the command of LTC Antonio Manlapas which was deployed in the northern part of the province.
The latter has just recently replaced MBLT-8 commanded by LTC Adolfo Albalate that for almost two years have served to protect the people of Palawan and, in equal measures, bring developmental programs and projects to the communities under its jurisdiction.
“As we celebrate the 61st birthday of the Marine Corps, we would like to once again impress our unrelenting devotion in fighting threats to security,” LtGen. Sabban expressed.
Gracing the occasion along with LtGen. Sabban were Col. Caldez, LTC Albalate, LTC Manlapas and Commodore Rustom Joseph Peña, Commander of the Naval Forces West (NFW).
This year’s celebration is themed “Mandirigmang Marino, Kaakibat sa Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan ng Sambayanang Pilipino.”
Palawan Governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra was also present to celebrate with the marines.
Amidst the celebration, the WESCOM Chief called on the marine soldiers to always live up to the core values of the Marine Corps that are based on honor, responsibilities, professionalism, integrity and bravery.
“Be worthy of the rank and uniforms you wear,” LTGen Sabban challenged the marines. (6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
