Army’s 4SFBN honors civilian partners for peace, development in Basilan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 12): Army’s 4SFBN honors civilian partners for peace, development in Basilan

Nobody does things alone, not even for big organizations like the military in winning the peace in conflict-affected communities in Basilan.

In a fitting ceremony at the 4th Special Forces Battalion in Isabela City, Basilan, the army honored civilian individuals and organizations for being partners for peace and development in Basilan for their contribution in accomplishing the mission of the army unit for 2016.

LtCol Andrew B. Bacala Jr., commanding officer, 4th Special Forces Battalion (Riverine) thanked his men and the civilian partners for making the year 2016 fruitful and meaningful for the army in serving the people of Basilan.

Meanwhile, Col. Lincoln Francisco T. Tagle, Special Operations Task Group Commander/SFRA, SOCOM, PA also commended the civilian stakeholders’ contribution to the army unit’s accomplishments.

“I look forward to the day when I’ll come to Basilan, not as a soldier but a tourist, enjoying the beauty of Basilan with my family,” he said.

Tagle cited the important role of the civilian stakeholders in winning the peace in Basilan.

During the ceremony, Dr. Christlen B. Delgado (Dentist), Dr. Romeo F. Bagongon (eye doctor), and Rene V. Carbayas (government media from the Philippine Information Agency) were awarded the “Parangal sa Kapanalig ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas,” the highest honor given to civilians by the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Special Operations Command, Philippine Army, based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

The army said that the award was given for the dedicated service and exemplary achievement in support to the public affairs and civil relations objectives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as contingents of the 4SFBN during the conduct of Civic Action, civic relations and public information in the island barangay of Dasalan, Hadji Mutamad, Basilan last October 20-22, 2016.

Certificate of appreciation were also given to Dr. Arlyn Jawad Jumao-as of the Children of War Foundation, the Rotary Club of Basilan, JCI Basilan, JCI Lamitan, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries-ARMM, the United Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Multipurpose Cooperative (UWARBMC), the Isabela Water District (ISAWAD), and the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc.

The 4SFBN also held donning of ranks to soldiers who significantly contributed to the unit’s mission.

In his message, LtCol Bacala underscored that “whatever recognition we, as your officials receive because of what we accomplished together, we recognize you our men on the frontline and on field…walang iwanan, sama-sama tayo kung saan man tayo pupunta (nobody is left behind, we go together where we want to go).”

“All for one, one for all”, this is the motto that I would always bring with me in times of war, walang iwanan sa gyera (nobody is left behind in war).

He reminded, however those with new ranks the added responsibility attached with the new ranks. “Take it as a challenge,” he said.

In the army’s fight against terrorism and the Abu Sayyaf, the bronze cross medal is awarded to the following: SSg Henry E. Manipol, SSg Juanito G. Mangay-ayam, PFC Abduhajal M. Ahajul, PFC Reben John R. Pranggos, PFC Gerald A. Panaguiton, and PFC John Rudolf E. Bulanadi.

The Military Merit Medal with Spearhead Devise is awarded to TSG Jale Jun C. Calawigan, SSG Wilfredo B. Gutierrez, PFC Alvivo T. Bentillo, PFC Joseph C. Tambauan Jr, PFC Andreux A. Mertalla, and PFC Hurries S. Caducio.

The Military Merit Medal with Bronze Anahaw Leaf is awarded to TSG Eulogio N. Cabusog, SSg Vicente Z. Vallejo, SSg Jason C. Tacio, Cpl Ellazar S. Silvosa, Cpl Oscar D. Alcaraz, and PFC Rommel F. Salazar.

The Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) is an elite Philippine Army unit, primarily trained in both Unconventional Warfare Operations and Psychological Warfare Operations.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1421484019249/army-s-4sfbn-honors-civilian-partners-for-peace-development-in-basilan