1st Cavalry squadron lauded for dedication, bravery during Zamboanga City crisis

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20): 1st Cavalry squadron lauded for dedication, bravery during Zamboanga City crisis

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The 1st Cavalry Squadron (Tagapanguna) Battalion was lauded by the Mechanized Infantry Division (MID), Philippine Army (PA) for the very its bravery during the Zamboanga City crisis in September last year.

MID commander Major General (MGen.) Mayoralgo Dela Cruz in his message delivered by his assistant commander Brigadier General (BGen.) Edgar Gonzales during the squadron’s 38th founding anniversary last Saturday said the unit had “manifested its sincere and dedicated service to the nation.”

Dela Cruz said the success of Zamboanga operations is one of the regiment’s greatest achievements.

“The skill, courage and deliberate actions displayed to the rescue of more than 100 hostages and the neutralization of some 500 rebels along with other members of the AFP during the Zamboanga City crisis deserved credit and recognition for a mission well-accomplished,” Dela Cruz proudly announced.

“Bilang inyong pinuno, lubos kong ipinagmamalaki ang bawat isa sa inyo sa dedikasyon at katatagang ipinamalas ninyong lahat na marating ang tagumpay ng ating hukbo.”

(As your commander, I am very proud of each one of you on your dedication and courage you have contributed in attaining success for our organization),” Dela Cruz said.

“Nais ko kayong hikayatin na lalo nating palakasin ang ating pagkakaisa bilang ‘team armor’ at higit na palawakin ang ating kampanya tungo sa isang  professional, tapat, at nakabagong mechanized division na aayon sa nakalalatag na daan tungo transpromasyon,” De la Cruz urged.

(I urge you to strengthen our unity as team armor and intensify our campaign to be a professional, committed, new mechanized division anchored toward the path of transformation.)

Meanwhile, 1st Cavalry Squadron battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel (Lt.Col.) Antonio John Divinagracia recognized the hard work of the troopers.

“Your hard work, dedication, diligence and teamwork in performing your difficult mission speaks for your accomplishments as we are awarded as best cavalry squadron,” Divinagracia said.

Divinagracia said the squadron was awarded two Distinguished Conduct Service Medals, 36 Gold Cross Medals and 25 Bronze Cross Medals by no less than President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Nov. 4, 2013 at the General Headquarters for the bravery in combat and valuable service rendered in the operations.

“The awards were not given to us in a silver platter. They are the products of our team’s hard work and sacrifices,” Divinagracia added.

Divinagracia urged the troopers to contribute to the attainment of the objective of AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan.

Divinagracia also encouraged the soldiers to be dependable, professional and well-disciplined. “We have to respect the rights of others, adhere to the International Humanitarian Law and will act as role models,” he concluded.

The celebration was highlighted by the distribution of awards to 32 deserving officers, enlisted personnel and civilians who contributed to the accomplishment of the Squadron’s mission.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1371408440428