Army's 903rd Brigade, 9th Battalion adjudged best units in 9ID for 2nd Sem, 2012

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 16): Army's 903rd Brigade, 9th Battalion adjudged best units in 9ID for 2nd Sem, 2012

The 903rd Infantry Brigade and 9th Infantry Battalion consistently maintained their titles being Best Brigade and Battalion, respectively, of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division for second semester in 2012.

Col. Joselito E Kakilala, newly installed commander of 903rd Brigade who replaced newly promoted BGen Felix J Castro Jr AFP, and Lt. Col. Julian C Pacatan, 9IB commanding officer, received the Command Certificates of Recognition awarded by Major Gen Romeo V Calizo, 9ID commanding general, after the New Year’s call and Command Conference at 9ID headquarters on January 10, 2013. The 903rd Brigade covers Sorsogon and Masbate provinces in the conduct of Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO), while the 9IB, under the Brigade’s operational control, covers Masbate province.

Kakilala noted that considering the imperatives of IPSP “Bayanihan” and its emphasis on both combat and non-combat dimensions of military operations, the Brigade during the period, had accomplished more than the expected output including neutralization of seven NPA personalities: killed two unidentified lawless elements; apprehension of three lawless members; and, one surrendered.

Along with the combat operations, he added, 24 firearms were gained (20 high powered/ four low powered), although many of these were outside the focus area. The recovered firearms included: eight M16, one M653, one M14, two Garand rifles, one Cal. 38 revolver; one .45 Cal pistol; eight homemade shotguns; 12 landmines (Anti-tank); five improvised claymore mines (anti-personnel); 30 Molotov bombs; and other subversive documents.

Kakilala furthered that the establishment of a Barangay Defense System (BDS) acted as Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) in the cleared barangays especially in holding areas. “This has been proven effective as the CNNs find difficulty in recovering lost areas particularly in Castilla, Pilar, and Donsol municipalities, all in Sorsogon,” he added.

“Similarly, the unit pursued efforts to link with agencies that could help in the development of the communities in Sorsogon and Masbate. It has opted to focus its efforts in certain areas rather than have projects in many dispersed barangays. By pouring in development projects in selected focus areas, the improvement could easily be felt by the people and there is a higher chance of success. Neighboring communities will eventually also benefit from the improved economic environment,” he explained.

Kakilala also bared that the 903rd Brigade has been active in the programs of Pamana Convergence for Sorsogon which involves representatives from the different government agencies has been a good venue to recommend infrastructure projects and target areas for development.  The two covered provinces in its area have received funds for development - Sorsogon P40 million (seven focus municipalities) and Masbate P68 million (three focus municipalities). Furthermore, in Masbate, P500-million infrastructure projects are programmed next year.

The unit also facilitated the conduct of four Medical, Dental, Optical and Legal Missions sponsored by UNTV Channel 37 in Brgy San Francisco; Brgy Butag, Bulan, Sorsogon; Brgy Rizal, Sorsogon City; Brgy Poblacion, Pilar Sorsogon together with the elements of 31st Infantry Battalion, staff and volunteers of Clinic ni Kuya and Kamanggagawa Foundation Inc. with the support of LGUs and DepEd.

The Brigade, according to Kakilala, was able to establish links with the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, Inc for the construction of classroom buildings in Pandan National High School in Castilla, Sorsogon and another in Cabangcalan Elementary School in Aroroy, Masbate.

Moreover, the Pinoy Big Brother, Sagip Kapamliya Foundation, Maalaala Mo Kaya Program, the 903rd Infantry Brigade, 9th Infantry Battalion, and the 565th Engineer Battalion partnered in the construction of a two-classroom school building in Sitio Mababoy, Brgy Guinhadap, Monreal, Masbate.

The Lewis College and ABS-CBN are the other partners for education. The Brigade has now 22 Bayanihan scholars enrolled at the college, while two other scholars who took Tesda courses were sponsored by ABS-CBN foundation.

The Brigade also partnered with the Fiber Industries Development Authority (FIDA) for the abaca planting projects in Brgy Pandan and Salvacion in Castilla. The one-hectare nursery in each barangay has already been emplaced. It is a long time program that will benefit these barangays as well as adjacent ones and municipalities in the near future.

Kakilala concluded that the Army's 903rd Brigade has been able to perform exceedingly well in its combat and non-combat operations. This could be attributed to a pool of well-motivated, well-trained, and experienced personnel who get the job done.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=801358316516