53rd IB newly installed commander vows to pursue counter-insurgency program

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 7): 53rd IB newly installed commander vows to pursue counter-insurgency program

GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur -- Newly installed commanding officer of the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, Philippine Army vowed to pursue the counter-insurgency program of his predecessor.

LtCol Marlowe E. Patria, who assumed his first command position as the commanding officer of the unit on February 2 said he will continue the counter-insurgency program which was started by his predecessor, LtCol. Virgilio Hamos, Jr., who is now the assistant chief of staff for intelligence at the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army in Pulacan, Labangan.

“I am happy with the opportunity to serve our brave men and women in the unit and to continue to fight for an insurgency-free Zamboanga Peninsula,” Patria declared.

It can be recalled that under the leadership of LtColonel Hamos, the unit has successfully implemented comprehensive civilian and military efforts and simultaneously defeated and contained insurgency and addressed its root causes.

Patria said he considered his new assignment as an honor and a privilege adding that he will have the opportunity to belong, learn and grow in the 1st Infantry division which has the reputation of being the “fiercest and fightingest” division in the Philippine Army.

“During my term here, I commit to remain steadfast in ensuring that our communities will not live in fear, danger, and oppression caused by insurgents,” Patria said.

He said that all of their programs and activities will be geared towards the protection of the youth from the influence of insurgency and violent extremism and inculcate the love of God, family, and country.

He added that the unit will continue to convince the insurgents to go back to the folds of the law and live normal lives together with their families.

“But for those who will still refuse to surrender and choose to continue in wreaking havoc to our communities, our Matapat troopers are always ready to fight against them and put them where they rightfully belong,” Patria declared.

He also thanked the stakeholders– media, local leaders, NGOs, private organizations and the youth groups for their support to the “Matapat” troops under the leadership of his predecessor.

“I pray that our zeal for an insurgency-free country will continue under my stead,” Patria said.

The good commanding officer also shared an inspirational quote by African proverb on the value of teamwork.

Patria concluded by sharing an African proverb about the value of teamwork which says, ‘if you want to go fast, you go alone, but if you want to go far, let us go together.” 

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1004823