New 41IB chief vows to continue existing peace programs in Abra

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 12): New 41IB  chief vows to continue existing peace programs in Abra

The new commander of the  41st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army here vowed to continue the government’s existing peace programs in the province especially the “Kabsatko, Ipategko Program” (KIP).

Lt. Col. Virgilio M. Noora  replaces Lt. Col. Danilo R. Domingo  who successfully implemented  the ‘Bayanihan’ program  of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in partnership with the local government units and other national government agencies in the area.

Noora, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Batch ‘92, was a member of the 503rd IB based in Tabuk City, Kalinga prior to his assignment as commander of the 41st IB  last July 12.

He assured collaboration to the  KIP,  a program of the provincial government in partnership with the Army  which  aims to support the rehabilitation of  rebel  returnees under a caring scheme  where a sponsor assists the former rebel in his reintegration to the community. The program has enticed many former rebels to return to the fold of the law.

Meanwhile, Domingo during  turnover of command  presided by Major-General Benito Antonio T. De Leon, 5th Infantry Division Commander,  thanked the people of Abra,  political leaders, the church leaders, government and non-government agencies and community leaders for their support during his stint in  the province.

During  his stint,  the troops did not only implement the Bayanihan project  in partnership with the local government units and other national government agencies but  assisted various medical, dental missions and other services to the most needy communities in the far flung areas. They were also engaged in monitoring two electoral exercises and conducted numerous combat operations  that yielded firearms and ammunitions, subversive documents and materials and caused the surrender of many rebels.

Aside from the traditional awarding of medals of merit to the out-going battalion commander, Mayor Robert Victor G. Seares, Jr., of Dolores awarded Domingo a Plaque of Appreciation for his all-out support to the LGU in addressing their peace and order problem.

Joy Padilla of the Holy Spirit Academy of Bangued Batch ’96 likewise gave a certificate of appreciation in gratefulness for his support and assistance to their medical and dental missions and gift-giving projects in the different schools in the remote municipalities of Abra.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=111407486716