Zero-insurgency achievable for NegOr: Army commander

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 12): Zero-insurgency achievable for NegOr: Army commander

The newly-installed commander of the Philippine Army's 302 nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, said yesterday that it is not impossible for the Armed Forces to attain a zero-insurgency status in the province.

Col. Allan Martin also said it has always been the aspiration of government forces to attain a zero-armed group in Negros Oriental. He admitted that could be very difficult, but if Bohol was able to do it, then Negros Oriental could also do the same, he claimed.

Martin assumed as 302 nd Brigade commander yesterday in a change of command ceremony, presided over by Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz.

Some say a zero-armed group status is not achievable, but Martin said he believes it is, and he will try his best to match the accomplishments of his predecessor, Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, adding that the Brigade has done so much under his leadership. Martin said he will continue the projects of Patrimonio, perhaps, in a different manner or approach, but he hopes that Oriental Negrenses will continue to support their efforts and that of other government agencies in achieving peace and prosperity in the province.

Baladad lauded and thanked Patrimonio for the many accomplishments the Army units had earned under the Brigade during his more than two years of command.

He challenged Martin to pursue the activities of the Brigade in its quest for peace and development in Negros Oriental.

The New People's Army, the armed component of the Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front, has reportedly dwindled in numbers, particularly of its armed members, in Negros Oriental, Army sources have claimed.

Patrimonio thanked the troops, civilian officials, civic groups and non-government organizations, for their untiring and full support to the Brigade's programs and projects.

Patrimonio, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class '82 and mistah of Baladad, will be assigned as the latter's deputy division commander at the 3ID.

Present at the turnover of command in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City, were Vice Gov. Mark Macias, local officials, heads of government agencies and offices, partners in various sectors, the media, and officials of the Army's various units in Negros Island.

 http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/June/12/negoriental.htm