Marines pulled out of Basilan, deployed in Cotabato
By Mario J. Mallari 11/01/2010The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is pulling out Marine forces in Basilan province for redeployment in Central Mindanao, particularly in Cotabato, supposedly as part of “reshuffling of forces” but concerns were raised that the move would pave the way for the appointment of an Army general in Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. confirmed that the 1st Marine Brigade, under Brig. Gen. Eugenio Clement, will be pulled out of the Abu Sayyaf-infested Basilan province to be replaced by an Army task force, which is part of the military’s leadership “strategic movement.”
“As we talk, the whole brigade is moving to Central Mindanao,” said Mabanta, adding “this is in line with the strategic movement of the Armed Forces to concentrate Marines in Central Mindanao.”
Mabanta said the 1st Marine Brigade will be relieved by the Special Operations Task Force under Army Col. Nicanor Dolojan, concurrent deputy commander of the Army’s Special Operations Command (Socom).
The AFP spokesman said Dolojan’s task force is brigade-sized, composed of elements of the Army’s Special Forces, Scout Rangers and an infantry battalion (IB)..... MORE
Source: The Daily Tribune
URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20101101hed5.html
0 comments
Post a Comment