To ensure maximum defense, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang stated that Marines will be brought to augment the 500-member Task Force Zamboanga after
recent reports of abductions in the city by members of the Abu Sayyaf.
AFP Chief
Catapang further stated that “If you visit Zamboanga, it appears that the
people still have fears”.
Marines had
already been assigned to the city in the past. Catapang mentioned that “Zamboangeños
are more comfortable with the Marines”.
Meanwhile, Army
soldiers will be deployed to Sulu to take the place of Marines who will be sent
to Zamboanga City, which members of the Moro National
Liberation Front besieged in 2013.
The 2nd Marine
Brigade in Sulu has five battalions of around 500 officers and enlisted
personnel each. That number will be reduced to around 1,000 to 1,500 Marines,
with soldiers from the Compostela Valley-based Army 10th Infantry Division
taking the place of the redeployed Marines.
Sulu, where Abu Sayyaf has a strong presence, will not be left
undefended. Catapang said the AFP will have 3,000 Marines and soldiers deployed
in the province.
