Brace for threats, Luzon military commander tells troops in DavOr

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21): Brace for threats, Luzon military commander tells troops in DavOr

Away  from his Mindanao-assigned soldiers,  Major General Angelito De Leon, commander of the 7th Infantry Division reminded his troops to brace for other security threats while enjoining cooperation and collective efforts of everyone.

While the government is undergoing peace talks with  the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front  (CNN), “we are not letting our guards down for there  are threats to security that we have to contend with”,  De Leon said in his address during the 8th Reactivation Anniversary of the 701stInf“Kagitingan Brigade on Sept. 16 at its camp in Brgy Don Martin Marundan, City of Mati, Davao Oriental.

Citing terrorism, criminal activities and lawless violence as threats to the country, he enjoined everyone’s cooperation and collective effort.

“The government is doing its duty and the military is giving its best effort. And you must continue as usual, with all that you have started,” he said.

Commander of the 7th Inf. Division of the Philippine Army, De Leon visited the camp 701stInf “Kagitingan” Brigade as guest of honor and speaker of the occasion. Coming along were Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Maj Gen Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th Inf “Agila” Division.

He thanked his fellow AFP officials for “taking care”  of the Kagitingan Brigade while operating far from the 7th Inf Division mother unit based in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

De Leon also noted with gratitude the active support of the non-government and civic organizations and of the Davao Oriental local government units officials extended to  the Kagitingan Brigade. He cited them as  source of strengths of his troops.

“Ang inyong presensiya at pakikiisa ay nagpapatunay  na hindi lamang pakikidigma at paghawak ng sandata ang kakayahan ng ating mga kasundaluhan, kundi ang makapaglingkod ng tapat sa ngalan ng kapayapaan.  (Your presence and alliance has proven that engaging in war is not the only competence of our soldiers but  also faithful service in the name of peace),” he said.

Meanwhile, De Leon congratulated 701stInfBde commander, Col. Bienvenido Datuin for  opening up doors of cooperation and alliance with various stakeholders in the community, paving for achievement of non-traditional accomplishments such  as  organizing youth as support group to  community peace-building, networking with  media practitioners, tree-planting, gift-giving, waging of illegal drugs campaign with the Police and the Drugs Enforcement agency, among others.

“And under his able leadership, I know that the 701st Brigade will overcome whatever challenge that will come its way,” he said.

However, he challenged the 701st Inf. “Kagitingan” Bde to carry on its work and to give public strength for people to push meaningful changes and progress  to  every corner of its area of responsibility.

The AOR of Kagitingan Brigade covers the entire Davao Oriental and portions of Compostela Valley.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591474442774/brace-for-threats-luzon-military-commander-tells-troops-in-davor