302nd IB reports death of 19 CTs, capture of 44

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 13): 302nd IB reports death
of 19 CTs, capture of 44

The 302nd Infantry Brigade in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, engaged members of the New People’s Army in 36 encounters, that led to the death of 19 communist terrorists and the capture of 44 CTs, during the command of Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio that lasted more than two years.

The arrests included alleged CPP/NPA leaders Remegio Espina, Nilda Bertolano, a certain Cristituto “alias Onyot”, Felimon Mendrez, Calixto “alias Esok”, Ernesto Tamado, Junie Dacaldacal, Dionesia “alias Elmo”, and Rene Bustamante “alias Pediong”, who were reportedly operating in regions 6 and 7.

Patrimonio turned over the 302nd IB command to Col. Allan Martin Wednesday, and is now the assistant division commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Jamindan, Capiz.

Under his command, the Brigade reported the surrender of 297 regular members of the Yunit Militia, the recovery of 32 high-powered and 60 low-powered firearms, and seizure of 42 communist terrorist camps and harbor sites. The conduct of Bayanihan team activities also resulted in the clearing of 41 insurgent-affected barangays in Negros.

The soldiers also participated in disaster response operations that saved the lives of hundreds of victims during typhoon “Sendong” on Dec. 17, 2011, the 6.9 magnitude earthquake on Feb 6. 2012, and typhoon “Pablo” on Dec. 4, 2012.

The 302nd is a consistent awardee as “Best Brigade”, not only of the 3rd ID but for the entire AFP Central Command.

Patrimonio was cited for the involvement of the Brigade in 273 medical missions that benefitted about 100,000 indigents, in coordination with the provincial government of Negros Oriental.

He received several commendations, including a command plaque “for his untiring efforts and dedication to duty to drastically reduce the number of armed insurgents in the province”, that eventually resulted in the declaration of Negros Oriental a conflict manageable and development ready.

Patrimonio said he is confident that Martin will carry the unit to greater heights, and said a lot more remains to be done for Negros.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/June/13/negor2.htm