Police command observes feast of San Sebastian

Thursday, January 19, 2012

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City -- The Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) based in this camp has observed the feast of San Sebastian, the patron saint of soldiers and athletes.

In line with this, soldiers from the Nolcom sponsored and attended the mass dubbed as “Misa Para Sa Pagkakaisa” held at San Sebastian Cathedral along F. Tañedo St. on Tuesday, marking the second day of the week-long celebration of the patron saint.

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Fr. Melvin Castro, senior parochial vicar of the Diocese of Tarlac, and City Mayor Gelacio Manalang, this year’s hermana mayor, requested Nolcom to sponsor the scheduled mass from January 11-20.

The request was immediately approved by Major General Ricardo Banayat, acting Nolcom commander, who was represented by Lieutenant Colonel Ernest Marc P. Rosal, Civil-Military Operations chief.

Rosal led military officers and enlisted personnel from Nolcom, Light Armor Division (LAD), Training and Doctrine Command (Tradoc), Operational Command (Opcom), and tenant units.

Through the years, the leadership of Nolcom has been all out in supporting religious activity as a way to reciprocate the moral and spiritual guidance extended by the church to soldiers and their families.

Captain Jovily Carmel Cabading, Nolcom spokesperson, said: “The church and all other sectors of our society play an important role in the attainment of the AFP’s mission which is to win peace through ‘Bayanihan’ or peaceful means.”

“We believe that if only these people (rebel groups) will examine their conscience and ponder on their deeds, they will realize that fighting the government and putting the lives of people in jeopardy run contrary to good morals,” Cabading said.

From “Malatarlak and Balik-Sigla”, the City Government changed the title to “Melting Pot Festival”.

Aside from the trade fair, food festival and fireworks display, other much-awaited activities are the first “Pinakbet Cooking Contest”, Miss Tarlac City beauty pageant and grand parade of winners with guest celebrities, float festival, amateur boxing, street dancing, and grand ballroom dancing. (RGN)