THE Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has installed a new commander to lead the Sulu-based Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 (MBLT-8).

Major General Ariel Caculitan, PMC commandant, led the turnover of commander ceremony held Friday, February 26, at the MBLT-8 headquarters in Lahing-Lahing village, Omar, Sulu.

Installed as the new MBLT-8 commander was Lieutenant Colonel Abdulmoel Alamia, who replaced Lieutenant Colonel Allan Angelo Tolentino. Alamia is the 24th MBLT-8 commanding officer.

Caculitan PN(M) expressed his appreciation to all the efforts and outstanding leadership Tolentino has given to sustain and maintain security, peace, and development in his area of operation.

Tolentino, who assumed command of the MBLT-8 on June 17, 2019, received the Military Merit Medal (Interim), Bronze Cross Medal, PMC Command Badge, PMC Plaque, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWN) Plaque de Merito, 4th Marine Brigade Plaque for the performance of his duty and major responsibility as the MBLT-8 commander.

Major General William Gonzales, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, also presented a Plaque of Recognition to Tolentino for his services rendered under JTF-S.

Tolentino said he will be forever grateful for the support of the local government officials of Omar, Banguingui, Luuk, and Pata towns, who served as his partner to be the catalyst of progress and development in the four municipalities.

Tolentino will undergo schooling for Command and General Staff Course (CGSC) as prerequisite to be able to hold higher positions in the future.

Meanwhile, Alamia assured the stakeholders as he took the helm of the unit that he will continue what had been started and will intensify its efforts to become a catalyst in maintaining the security, peace, and development in the community.

"We shall continue to fulfill our mission as we move forward to maintain peace and security and support the development of the community under MBLT-8 area of operation. To the Officers, men and women of MBLT-8, we will embark on a wonderful and meaningful journey together as Team Peacemaker," Alamia added. (SunStar Zamboanga)