‘Don’t embarrass me’

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 30): ‘Don’t embarrass me’

Mayor Sara issues challenge to new TF Davao commander

MAYOR SARA Duterte-Carpio challenged the newly appointed Task Force Davao commander to ensure that his stint will result to “zero terrorism incident.”

Col. Nolasco Mempin replaced Col. Edwin Bernard Neri during the turnover ceremony at TF headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf.

During her speech as a guest of honor and speaker, Mayor Duterte revealed that Mempin came with high recommendations. In fact, her first choice to replace Neri was a former TF commander.

“I was the one who vetted you and I will only add one, don’t sleep, don’t breathe, and don’t embarrass me because I was the one who vetted you,” she said.

The mayor also said that she appreciates the efforts of both the Task Force Davao and the Philippine National Police, especially when she sees men in uniform patrolling the streets even at midnight or before daybreak.

“The reason why you are not allowed to sleep it’s because our students, as well as doctors and nurses and other professionals and Davaoenos will sleep peacefully and that’s your job to wake up while they are sleeping to prepare and secure the city,” she added.

In return, she said, the TF Davao can expect the full support of the local government and its inhabitants. For one, the financial support for the Cafgu auxiliary will continue along with other needs of the contingent to perform their job well.

In a separate interview yesterday, Mempin said that he’s accepting the challenge of Mayor Duterte.

“Even if one incident occurs, it’s going to be a failure on our campaign against terrorism,” Mempin said.

He described the outgoing TF Davao commander as a mentor who molded him to become a good soldier. “I take pride in being a soldier to ensure first the safety and protection of the people before your own personal comfort,” he said.

Mempin said they will continue to intensify their intelligence efforts, in addition to the adopted security measures, to thwart any terror attack in the city. Among the security measures are visibility and random checkpoints.

“Don’t sleep because maybe when you sleep that’s the time when the enemy (will strike),” he further said.

The ceremony was held at the TF Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf, presided by Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin, assistant division commander of 10th ID.

Duterte-Carpio and Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, the deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), were the guests of honor.

Mempin was a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bigkis Lahi” class 1990, who graduated top eight in a class of 147.

Prior to his designation, Mempin was the chief of Governance and Strategy Management Office (GSMO) of the 10th Infantry Division. He became also the commander of 78th Infantry battalion under the 8th Infantry Division.

http://mindanaotimes.net/dont-embarrass-me/