Lorenzana: 2 battalion of soldiers to be deployed in the Middle East

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said the Philippine government would deploy two battalion of troops in the Middle East to ensure the safety of Filipinos amid the rising tension in the region.

“Sabi ni Presidente one Army and one Marine battalion... Pinagpre-prepare niya dalawang battalion,” Lorenzana told reporters at the sidelines of the New Year’s Call at Camp Aguinaldo.

The Defense chief, however, clarified that the soldiers would be deployed “not to engage combat to anybody,” but to assist in the repatriation of Filipinos, especially those who are staying in Iraq.

Lorenzana said the government is still arranging the logistics and documentation of the government troops who will be deployed in the region.

He vowed that the soldiers would be deployed as soon as possible.

“Baka wala naman sila magawa doon kung wala silang documentation,” Lorenzana said.

“Si Secretary [Teodoro] Locsin ang nakikipagugnayan sa mga ibang bansa doon kung ano pa ‘yung mga kinakailangang papeles,” he added.

Aside from the deployment of air assets such as C-130 and C-295, the government is also eyeing to tap commercial planes to assist in the repatriation of Filipino workers.

“Yes, commercial planes also and cruise ship. Kung marami talaga, sabi ni Presidente and Secretary [Carlos] Dominguez, we hire cruise ship, mga 3,500 ‘yan eh ang capacity...” Lorenzana said.

On Tuesday, Lorenzana said the government is still assessing how may Filipinos in the Middle East really want to go back to the Philippines. — RSJ, GMA News