ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) bade goodbye to Thursday after almost three years of service in the province of Sulu.
The MBLT-3 troopers sailed to their new destination aboard BRP-Davao del Sur following a send-off ceremony around 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the local port.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, who presided over the send-off ceremony, said: “I am sure that you will do well in your new venture as you did a great job in fighting against terrorism in Sulu,” Dela Vega told the MBLT-3 troops.”
The MBLT-3 is set to take responsibility for the internal security operations (ISO) in Northern Palawan under the West Command. Known as the “Tamed but Fierce Battalion”, the battalion is one of the units of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).
The unit managed to conduct a total of 104 major operations, 1,976 minor operations, 3,528 small unit operations, 77 seaborne patrols, and 14,399 security patrols since the battalion was deployed to fight the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Sulu on September 9, 2016.
Dela Vega awarded a plaque of merit to the battalion during the send-off ceremony as a sign of gratitude for the outstanding performance and valuable service rendered that contributed to the accomplishment of Westmincom’s mission.
Lt. Col. Ramil Holgado, MBLT-3 commander, received the plaque of merit.
Dela Vega lauded the MBLT-3 troopers for their significant contributions both in focused and civil-military operations that resulted in the success of the unit’s mission.
“Carry on your good work by doing the right things and doing the things right,” he added.
The MBLT-3 was replaced by the MBLT-7, which was based in Maguindanao. -PNA
