WHAT is supposed to be a phrase used to express confidence in the capability and know-how of the amphibious and combatant unit of any Navy has a rather negative connotation in the Philippines.
In military parlance, “tell it to the marines” usually means somebody daring another to try the ability of the marines in just about anything. However, for some reasons, it has become a source of joke in the Phi-lippines. Worse, it is even used to taunt and mock what is supposed to be “the few, the proud “soldiers and the “cutting edge” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The 11th Marine Battalion of the Philippine Marines, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Nestor E. Narag, Jr., arrived Guiuan, Eastern Samar on November 21 undaunted by the great tasks at hand. The 284 battle-tested men and women from Patikul, Sulu immediately set up camp the following day.
The task group did not function merely as a military contingent initially tasked to provide security and protection to people in the area but, in the real spirit of the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan, or “Bayanihan,” it welcomed all sorts of tasks and re-quests for help from various groups both government and non-governmental organizations.
In an interview, Guiuan Mayor Sheen Gonzales praised Lt. Col. Narag and his group for doing more than what was required of them.
“I have dealt with so many in this disaster, but I have yet to find someone like Lt. Col. Narag who immediately understands what I wish to happen to address the many problems and concerns of my people. His leadership is extra-ordinary. In fact, I will be requesting Task Force commander Commodore (Reynaldo) Yoma to please allow them to stay for a while to help us in rebuilding this town,” Mayor Gonzales said.
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