PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The new commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde) in Palawan has vowed to continue the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) peacekeeping mission and enhancement of security competencies against insurgency.
“As far as we are concerned, all units of the AFP in Palawan are all systems go. The Wescom (Western Command) has set up its plan earlier so all we have to do is pursue what we’re supposed to do, we will just continue the function of the Marines here,” said Col. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, the new commander of the 3MBde, following the change of command ceremony between him and Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Casem in this city.
Gaerlan said his leadership of the Marines in Palawan will abide by the plans of Wescom to address the atrocities being perpetrated by the communist-terrorist New People’s Army (NPA).
He called on them to surrender to the government through peaceful means and lay down their arms to put an end to the age-old insurgency to be able to lead renewed lives with their families.
“Palawan is more on the problem of the NPA. We want to invite them to surrender because everything could be done through peaceful means,” he said.
Casem, on the other hand, said he had briefed Gaerlan on security posturing, informing him to conduct more patrols in Palawan with the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 and 12 and to also strengthen cooperation and collaboration with local government units (LGUs).
He said engaging the support of the LGUs is vital in sustaining the peace and security that the residents of the province are enjoying.
“Hindi lang i-maintain kundi dapat ma-enhance pa ang ating security by sea and land lalo na ang collaboration natin sa mga key leaders sa mga bayan (It’s not only about maintaining but enhancing our security by sea and land and by sustaining partnerships with key leaders in the municipalities),” he said.
The change of command was facilitated by Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) commandant, Maj. Gen. Alvin Parrreño.
Casem served as commander of the 3rd MBde for one year and 10 months. His next assignment will be as naval general inspector of the Philippine Navy. (Celeste Anna Formoso/PNA)
