FortMag sends troops to Mindanao

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City: The Army's 7th Infantry Divsion based here sent a total of 428 soldiers to help in the fight against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front lost command, a ranking military official said on Wdenesday.Major Gen. Ralph Villanueva, 7ID commander, said the troops from its unit, 69th Infantry Battalion, was led led by ed by its Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Cesar D De Mesa.Loaded in a six by six trucks, the soldiers were brought to the Villamor Airbase, Pasay City where they boarded the C-130 plane bound to Mindanao, Villanueva said.“The Mindanao deployment of 69th IB is a part of the government’s effort for national peace and security and end the on-going armed conflict,” he added.“Discipline, training, and experience will be the weapon of the 69IB troopers to surpass the challenges in pursuing their mission. Our soldiers are at all times ready to risk their lives but we always observe force protection in our operations. However, it is better that our soldiers continue to live to protect the people and preserve our territory,” said Villanueva.