62nd IB to intensify ops vs NPA

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Jun 25):  62nd IB to intensify ops vs NPA

THE newly-appointed commander of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion based in Sagay City, Negros Occidental vowed to intensify efforts in focused military operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) in northern Negros.

Lieutenant Colonel Darrell Bañez succeeded Lt. Col. Arnel Cabugon during the turnover rites held Wednesday at the 62nd IB headquarters in Barangay Bato.

He said in a press statement that they aim to “further pressure the NPA bandit group in northern Negros to go back to the folds of the government.”

Bañez’s takeover comes weeks after a series of rebel atrocities in the area of 62nd Battalion claimed the lives of both soldiers and civilians.

He added that they will “continue to support the initiatives of the local government units and to further strengthen cooperation and collaboration with the stakeholders in line with the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” in bringing peace and development in the countryside.”

Before his current assignment, Bañez, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1994, was executive officer of 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town.

For his part, Cabugon said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Negros and for the support of the stakeholders during his stint as commanding officer.

Brigadier General Harold Cabreros, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, who presided the turn-over of command, said “the change of leadership in the 62nd IB is very important in coping with the dynamics of the 3rd D organization.”

Cabreros expressed his full trust and confidence in the leadership of Bañez.

His competence as an infantry officer and extensive knowledge in development and security will bring significant results in the 3rd ID’s peace and development efforts, particularly in Negros Island Region, he added.

“I am confident that Lt. Col. Bañez will deliver to meet or even exceed the expectations of the people in his area of responsibility,” Cabreros said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2016/06/25/62nd-ib-intensify-ops-vs-npa-481545