CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - - Department of National Defense Senior Undersecretary and Officer-in-Charge Carlito Galvez Jr. led the unveiling of the MV Karagatan marker in the town of Palanan.

Galvez said the MV Karagatan marker symbolizes the foiled entry of CPP-NPA-NDF firearms in the country by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Digoyo Point in the coastal town of Palanan in 1972 through the MV Karagatan vessel.

He said the marker is a symbol of victory of the Armed Forces against insurgency where the illegal entry of firearms for the CPP-NPA-NDF was successfully thwarted.

Galvez was joined by Armed Forces of the Philippines North Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army Commander Maj. Gen. Audrey Pasia, Police Regional Office (PRO) - 2 Regional Director B/Gen. Percival Rumbaoa, Philippine Air Force  - Tactical Operations Group (PAF-TOG) Commander Col. Sadiri Tabutol and some officials from national government agencies in the region.

The OIC DND chief and other government officials were welcomed by Palanan Mayor Angelo Bernardo, San Mariano Mayor  Edgar Go, Divilacan Mayor Venturito Bulan, 2nd District Congressman Ed Christopher Go and Nagkakaisang Magsasaka ng Isabela Agricutural Cooperative Chairperson Ana Cristina Go.

Meanwhile, coinciding on the visit of Defense Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr in Isabela for the unveiling of the MV Karagatan in Palanan, Isabela was the inspection of the recovered firearms from Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) at the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army headquarters in Gamu, Isabela. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)