Mayor John Dalipe welcomes the Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 (MBLT-1) led by LtCol Nepthalie Papa, PN (M) (GSC) to Zamboanga City during the latter’s courtesy visit to City Hall recently.

MBLT-1, formerly deployed in Tawi-tawi under the 2 nd Maine Brigade, replaces MBLT11 which is now assigned in Palawan. It is under the Operational Control (OPCON) of Joint Task Force Zamboanga (JTF-Z).

An MBLT is a highly trained and well-organized unit and helps enhance internal defense.

Mayor Dalipe expressed confidence that the MBLT-1 will help strengthen the city’s security efforts as it will work closely with the Zamboanga City Police Office and other law enforcement agencies and units.

The chief executive likewise reaffirmed his support to the security sector adding that the safety and security of the Zamboangueños remain paramount under his administration.

MBLT-1 arrived in Zamboanga City August 22 and was given arrival honors at the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) headquarters in Calarian. Its redeployment to Zamboanga City reflects a strategic shift, ensuring that this elite unit is positioned to respond effectively to the evolving security landscape in Western Mindanao, according to the (NFWM). (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)