By Ines B. Tagacay
THE NEWLY-formed 67th Marine Raiders Company (67th MRC) of the Philippine Marines Corps (PMC) to augment troops under the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 (MBLT 9) has arrived in Palawan on April 19, personally accompanied by Marine Commandant Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino.
In a one-on-one interview with Dolorfino, he said that the goal of adding another company in the province is to further build up its security and to resolve the problem of insurrection in Puerto Princesa and the whole province, while at the same time strengthen the capability of the WESCOM in implementing internal security operations (ISO).
Marine warriors composing the 67th MRC arrive at the Camp Antonio Bautista Airbase. They were personally accompanied by Maj. Gen. Dolorfino and welcomed by Rear Adm. Borromeo and Col. William Bimeda. (Photo courtesy of MBLT 9)
Dolorfino said the province has more demand for troops than Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao and the biggest reason for this was the ambush that killed three unarmed Marines in San Vicente last December 16, 2007 at Sitio Cauban.
“Compared to Tawi-Tawi there’s a need for more troops here because our enemies are killing even unarmed soldiers,” he stated.
The 67th MRC and the 63rd Force Recon Company will work together as “striking forces” not only to fight against the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group but to also subdue the remaining CPP-NPA members in Palawan.
“The 67th Marine Raiders Company is trained to conduct amphibious raids and light infantry special operations. Their training is apposite in the conduct of internal security operations in island provinces like Palawan,” Dolorfino said.
Around 112 enlisted personnel and two officials compose the 67th MRC; all of them picked out from different battalions of the PMC and underwent a 3-day Basic Marine Course (BMC) in Ternate, Cavite.
Col. Bimeda welcomes the 67th Marine Raiders Company.
Expectations are high on the presence of the MRC in the province, particularly in putting an end to the existence of the remaining CPP-NPA forces in some towns north of Palawan. “Our expectation is that they’ll be able to solve the insurgency problem in Palawan, hopefully by not necessarily using military force,” the commandant added.
Rear Adm. Ruperto Rico C. Borromeo, on the other hand, said that apart from being a striking force against terrorism and communism, the 67th MRC is also expected to assist in maintaining the peace and order in the city and province.
He challenged the company and the Marines in Palawan to continue the fight against terrorism-communism and other lawless elements to keep its residents safe.
“Our expectations are high not only for you to fight against terrorism-communism, but to help this province prosper and develop more,” Borromeo told troops under the 67th MRC during their arrival in Puerto Princesa.
Lt. Miguel Perez, commanding officer of the 67th MRC, said the task is “easy,” particularly if there is support from the people.
Before they were deployed to northern Palawan, the 67th MRC was subjected to a briefing at the WESCOM on April 21. Borromeo said it is imperative that they’re given a historical background of the province and an update about the strategies being used by the leftist movement to recruit members and obtain support from the masses.
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