CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City--General Andres Centino, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), in his visit on June 30 to the northernmost military camps and detachments in North Luzon lauded the personnel of the 4th Marine Brigade (MBde) for its role in territorial defense.
The 4th MBde provides personnel to the different naval and marine detachments including the ones in Itbayat, Mavulis, Fuga, and Calayan islands tasked with maintaining territorial integrity and conducting peace and security operations, and assisting in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
"Thank you for your service. I hope that you also understand the importance of our mission here and in the islands further north of our borders," General Centino said in his talk with the troops of 4th MBde. He said, "what we are doing is of national significance. Our presence in those islands is very important to ensure that we monitor and identify those who enter and pass through those waters."
The 4th MBde was transferred last year to Ilocos Norte from Sulu following a successful campaign against local terrorist groups in the province. Settling in their new home in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, the brigade led by BGen Vincent Mark Anthony Blanco III also assists the Northern Luzon Command in fighting remaining communist terrorists in the area.
"Let's understand that these movements and deployments are part of our job being in the military. Our sacrifices are also why we remain as one of the most trusted government agencies," the CSAFP added.///
(Photos by PFC Carmelotes/PAO, AFP)
