Combat engineers leave for Basilan

By Ronron
September 5, 2007

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. sent off on Wednesday combat engineers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Basilan to take part in humanitarian projects as part of the government’s efforts in combating terrorism.

The send off ceremony for the 1st Navy Mobile Construction Battalion and the 355th Aviation Engineering Wing was also attended by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino, Navy Flag-Offcer-in-Command Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, and Marines Commandant Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino.

“We are going to Basilan … to help and assist the Department of Public Works and Highways build the circumferential road,” Teodoro said in his speech before the combat engineers sailed from the Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City yesterday morning.

Comprising the combat engineers are 170 personnel from the Air Force and 92 from the Navy, the spokesmen of both units said.

Teodoro said the combat engineers will stay in Basilan until the circumferential road project in the island province is completed, as well as other infrastructure projects like raising new school buildings, building potable water systems, and the like.

The length of their stay there will likewise depend on the request of the DPWH.

“Given the situation, security wise, in the island affected, you are there to help build the road and to fight to build the road if necessary,” Teodoro told the combat engineers.

Teodoro said the soldiers can always fight back if attacked while doing their projects “for their own personal security and protection, as a matter of self defense.”

Esperon expressed gladness that the AFP will not just engage in combat operations but also contribute to developmental undertakings.

“It will make a lot of difference because economic activities, with the construction of the circumferential road, will be enhanced. Delivery of basic services as well will be a lot easier for all the people in Basilan. And probably, this would entice some people to go back to daily lives rather than either join lawless elements, or the Abu Sayyaf Group, or the evacuees, if ever,” Teodoro said.

The combat engineers brought along with them some heavy equipment, diggers and earth movers aboard the Navy ship BRP Bacolod City that would take them to Basilan.

Navy spokesman Commander Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the combat engineers are expected to arrive in Basilan on Friday.

Another engineering battalion is already in Sulu to carry out similar projects, although an augmentation may be done, Teodoro said./DMS