Colonel Benjamin Madrigal assumed the duties and responsibilities as commanding officer of the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade from its outgoing commander Brigadier General Rey Leonardo Guerrero during the change of command at its headquarters in Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan here on Wednesday.
The ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General Hernando Iriberri, who himself was recently installed as new chief of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division.
Iriberri spoke highly of the job Guerrero has done over the past year as an accomplished military officer during his stint as commander and for the impact of his outstanding services.
Included in the long roster of Guerrero’s accomplishments is the massive clearing operation through the conduct of the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) activities, which led to the dismantling and surrender of more than 3,000 members of an underground organization and surrender of almost 200 members of the rebels groups.
Guerrero also led the efficient response to typhoon Pablo through disaster rescue and relief operations, provided support to the local government programs, engaged in protection of environment, among many others.
“I leave contented with the thought that I had contributed my modest share to the improvement of peace and security condition in the area of my responsibility and thankful for partners who helped in the accomplishment of my mission,” said Guerrero who came to the province more than a year ago as a Colonel and now leaves as a General.
Guerrero made special mention of Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon and other well-meaning individuals and organizations who have given generous support to the Army’s vision.
During his stay, Guerrero was able to clear 192 affected barangays in his area of responsibility. This resulted to the handing over of the Internal Security Efforts to the provincial government last April 10.
Guerrero said he is confident that his successor who he described as a capable and competent officer would do even better.
Meanwhile, as Madrigal willingly accepted the responsibility of leading the brigade and to continue to be a partner for peace and development, he admits that though he is faced with high expectations and challenges, he said he is confident knowing that the army has a cooperative environment, with stakeholders sharing common purpose and desire to lead good governance and service to people.
“Having seen the overwhelming support of the provincial government and other stakeholders, I don’t see any reason why we can’t do any miracles in this part of the country,” he said, adding that “with General Guerrero as my predecessor, I can say that I am very lucky because I know that I am taking over an efficient and very well motivated work force.”
While Madrigal vowed that he will pursue the ongoing programs of the command in the implementation of the IPSP Bayanihan and the Army Transportation Road Map, he also asked for the continued support and cooperation of the inter-agency partners and counterparts of the local government units and other concerned stakeholders to create a climate conducive for development, livelihood opportunities, healthcare, formal education, and other essential to steer positive growth.
“We shall continue to further build in the numerous gains that the Brigade has achieved together with the other stakeholders especially in this province through the able leadership of Governor Malanyaon and local executives,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=550473
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