FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army deployed additional troops composed of 130 personnel of the 12th Civil-Military Operation “Kabukludan” Battalion and Hijab Troopers to Marawi City through a simple send-off ceremony held at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on June 21, 2018.
The 12th CMO Battalion and the Hijab Troopers, which will be placed under operational control of the Joint Task Force Ranao will assist in the rehabilitation of Marawi City that suffered massive devastation as a result of the five-month long battle between government forces and the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group last year.
The troops were composed of 105 soldiers that belong to 12th CMO Battalion and 25 Hijab troopers. The 12th CMO Battalion which specialized in the conduct of civil affairs work and information support will provide assistance to JTF Ranao for the establishment of safe and secured environment to give way for the Recovery, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation (RRR) effort to be undertaken by Task Force Bangon Marawi. Moreover, the unit will also focus in addressing the recruitment and exploitation undertaken by remnants of the terrorist group espousing violent extremism.
While the Hijab Troopers composed mainly of female personnel, in support of the Local Government Unit and other concerned agencies will help facilitate the needs and requirements of internally displaced persons (IDPs), conduct peace education and psycho social intervention in support of JTG Ranao’s Civil-Military Operations.
“The Philippine Army will remain steadfast in performing its mandate, to serve the people and in securing the land. Despite of the prevailing security challenges, we will keep our word to support and extend our very best for the immediate recovery of Marawi,” said Lieutenant Colonel Louie Villanueva, Philippine Army Spokesperson.
On the other hand, Major General Gener P Del Rosario, the Army Inspector General who spearheaded the send-off told the troops that maintaining peace and security of our country takes more than just heroism and sacrifices. It also takes unified efforts with civilians to ensure lasting stability and sustained national development. Likewise, he encouraged the troops to maintain the positive image of the Philippine Army by abiding with the standards of excellence, gallantry and dedicated service grounded on its core values of honor, patriotism and duty.#
