Army deploys 130 personnel, including ‘hijab troopers,’ to Marawi rehab

The Philippine Army on Thursday deployed more than 100 personnel, including the so-called "hijab troopers," to assist in the rehabilitation efforts in the war-torn city of Marawi.

A send-off ceremony was held at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City for the 130 personnel of the 12th Civil-Military Operation "Kabukludan" Battalion and "Hijab troopers."

Lieutenant Colonel Louie Villanueva, Army spokesperson, said the 105 soldiers from the 12th CMO Battalion and 25 hijab troopers will be under the operational control of Joint Task Force Ranao.

"The Philippine Army will remain steadfast in performing its mandate, to serve the people and in securing the land. Despite of the prevailing security challenges, we will keep our word to support and extend our very best for the immediate recovery of Marawi," Villanueva was quoted saying in a press release.

Troopers from the 12th CMO Battalion will assist JTF Ranao in establishing a safe and secure environment "to give way for the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation effort to be undertaken by Task Force Bangon Marawi," said Villanueva.

They will also help in addressing the alleged recruitment and exploitation being done by remnants of the ISIS-Maute group.

Villanueva said the hijab troopers will assist in the facilitation of needs and requirement of internally displaced persons, conduct peace education and psycho-social intervention.

The strife-torn city was liberated from the Maute group on October 17 last year. More than 1,000, mostly militants including terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute, were killed amid the clashes. — BM, GMA News