Public Order and Safety Chairman Councilor Roger Abaday clarified that the arrival of United States Marine Corps personnel in Cagayan de Oro has no connection to the ongoing tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
He explained that the Marines are not staying at the Lumbia Air Base but are checked in at several hotels in the city while preparing for training activities in different parts of Northern Mindanao.
Their scheduled exercises include training in Bukidnon and selected areas within the city.
Abaday also dismissed circulating claims that the training is related to possible troop deployment to Israel, stressing that the Marines are only conducting military drills such as beach landing exercises in designated sites.
added that coordination with the police and other concerned agencies is ongoing to ensure peace and order during the activities of the foreign troops.
The local government, he assured, is closely monitoring these operations to prevent confusion and safeguard the residents of Cagayan de Oro.
