Big welcome for returning heroes from Marawi today
The Philippine Navy (PN) will host today a heroes’ welcome for the FleetMarine Contingent who took part in liberating Marawi City from the hands Maute terrorist-rebel group and its Islamic State (IS) cohorts.
Captain Lued Lincuna, director of the Naval Public Affairs
Office, said Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph S. Mercado, chief of the PN, will lead the welcome rites at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila, at 7:30 a.m.
Lincuna said the Fleet-Marine Contingent composed of sailors, marines, seals, and aviators will arrive on the BRP Tarlac (LD601) from Iligan City after their deployment in the Naval Forces Western (NFWM) Area of Operations.
In Marawi, they contributed to the military operations against the Maute Group, who had occupied Marawi City since May 23. More than 900 Maute rebels, including leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute, were killed in the fivemonth military operations.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said a total of 165 government forces (military and Philippine National Police) were killed in the fighting.
Lincuna said the activity will have the theme “Bravo Zulu, Home for Christmas.”
“Awarding of personnel will be given in recognition and appreciation of their achievements during the deployment. Families and loved ones of this contingent will also grace the occasion,” Lincuna said.
Lincuna said after the ceremony on Pier 13, the Fleet-Marine contingent will proceed in a motorcade to Marine Base Rudiardo Brown in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, via the Philippine Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard and EDSA.
New AFP chief of staff Meanwhile, Marine Col. Edgard Arecalo, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office (AFPPAO), yesterday said that newly installed AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero has the experience and the current operational tempo of the AFP to undertake on the task of ending all threats to peace and security min the country.
Arevalo said that as commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, General Guerrero’s primary task was to dismantle NPA’s guerrilla fronts that are concentrated in the Davao Region, Caraga Region, and Northern Mindanao.
He was also tasked to prevent the spread of violence and terrorism in his area of responsibility, especially during the Marawi City siege by the Maute-ISIS.
“Lt. Gen. Guerrero welcomes his new responsibilities as AFP chief of staff with strong momentum from his leadership of the Eastern Mindanao Command, given the area’s susceptibility to terror threats and insurgency,” Arevalo said.
In his assumption speech during the Change of Command ceremony held Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, General Guerrero said the priorities in the area of peace and security are clear: Finish the remaining terrorist groups, neutralize the communist insurgency threat, and support law enforcement against lawless armed groups.
The turnover took place more than a week following the termination of combat operations in Marawi City, with gains against the Abu Sayyaf characterized by numerous surrenders.
Guerrero said the AFP must continue with its reform programs, improve its capability, and revisit war-fighting doctrines in light of new battlefield environments.
“We will aggressively implement our modernization program and fast-track the procurement of advance weapons systems that provide cost-effective and precise target engagement, long-range and high-endurance unmanned systems, and modern air and naval platforms,” the general said.
He added that he will seek to refine internal processes, including improvements in services and transparency and accountability of transactions.
“My gratitude knows no bounds, and I think that the best way to show our President and our countrymen is to serve our country with selfless dedication and to lead the AFP with purpose,” Guerrero said.