Battalions hold change of command in DavOr

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 29): Battalions hold change of command in DavOr

Newly-installed battalion commanders of the 67th and 28th Infantry Battalion assigned here in the province vowed to continue the Philippine Army’s efforts in peace and development as their immediate predecessor passed the torch of command to them Friday, April 25.

Lt. Col. Micheal Banua and Lt. Col. Benjamin Daniel Tianco assumed command of the 67th and 28th IB respectively, vowing to preserve and uphold the peace and development in the province for which they were entrusted to protect.

Officiated by Major General Ariel Bernardo, the change of command ceremony relinquished outgoing commanders of the 67th and 28th Infantry Battalions, Lt. Col. Krishnamurti Mortela and Lt. Col. Francisco Lorenzo, Jr. respectively, culminating their stint as commanding officers for one year and nine months.

While saddened by the exit of the battalion commanders, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said she is also happy as the two commanders will step up the ladder of their professional careers and would embark on another challenging mission.

“Let us be consoled by the thought that we need to share leaders like them to benefit more. They have done their part for Davao Oriental, and now both have to move on to be of service to others,” she said.

Both outgoing commanders have exhibited excellence in their service, contributing a great deal to the welfare of the people as far as peace and order is concerned.

Major General Bernardo commended LTC Mortela, whose career highlights have included taking over command of the Incident Command Post in Baganga at the height of the emergency relief operations up to the rehabilitation after typhoon Pablo severely hit the three municipalities of the province.

“The most fulfilling part of my journey here [in the province] is my ‘Pablo’ experience,” he said saying it allowed him to rise in whatever way he can to help communities. He said his actions were prompted not only by his responsibility as a leader but also his moral obligations as a human being in serving another.

Aside from that, highlighting his stint as battalion commander is the clearing of all barangays under his watch from enemy influence along with the surrender of a number of rebels, which had helped led the province to be declared as insurgency-free.

“To me, I did my best to be there to where and when I was needed. I shall bring all these learning with me,” he said while vowed to continue supporting the province in to whatever way he can to preserve the peace in the province.

Meanwhile, LTC Francisco Lorenzo, Jr. thanked his troop in the 28th IB who helped him fulfill his duties at the time of his tenure as the battalion’s chief officer.

Like his counterpart in 67th infantry battalion, LTC Lorenzo is a staunch advocate of the Internal Peace and Security-Bayanihan Program of the Philippine Army locally implemented as the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP). Under his watch, the battalion successfully stopped many enemy operations as well as added more number to the list of rebel returnees.

Through the PDOP, the Philippine Army immerse into communities not only to guard them against enemy influences but to be part of these communities’ development through the implementation of different programs such as agriculture and livelihood, health, infrastructure, among many others.

Meanwhile, as Governor Malanyaon thanked the outgoing officers for their major contributions to the peace and development of her province, she also assured the new officials that the province will extend the same courtesy and support it had accorded their predecessor.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1591398746547