ZAMBOANGA CITY – Lt. Col. Abdulmoel Alamia, newly-installed commander of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-9 (MBLT-8) vowed to continue the gains his predecessor has achieved in the maintenance of peace and security in Sulu.
Alamia issued the statement after Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan, installed him on Friday, February 26, as the new commander of MBLT-8 replacing Lt. Col. Allan Angelo Tolentino.
Alamia assured all the stakeholders of MBLT-8 that he will continue with what had been started and will intensify its efforts to become a catalyst in maintaining the security, peace, and development in the community.
“We shall continue to fulfill our mission as we move forward to maintain peace and security and support the development of the community under MBLT-8 area of operation. To the Officers, men and women of MBLT-8, we will embark on a wonderful and meaningful journey together as Team Peacemaker,” Alamia said.
Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan, Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) commandant, who presided the turnover of command ceremony, expressed his appreciation to all the efforts and outstanding leadership Tolentino has given to sustain and maintain security, peace, and development in his area of operation.
The activity was held at the MBLT-8 headquarters in Barangay Lahing-Lahing, Omar, Sulu.
Tolentino will undergo schooling for Command and General Staff Course (CGSC) as prerequisite to be able to hold higher positions in the future.
Tolentino received the Military Merit Medal (Interim), Bronze Cross Medal, PMC Command Badge, PMC Plaque, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWN) Plaque de Merito, 4th Marine Brigade Plaque for the performance of his duty and major responsibility as the MBLT-8 commander.
Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, also presented a Plaque of Recognition to Tolentino for the services rendered under JTF-S.
Tolentino said that he will be forever grateful for the support of the local government officials of Omar, Banguingui, Luuk, and Pata towns, who served as his partner ensuring efforts toward progress and development in the four municipalities. – Nikolai Gonzalo
