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Friday, January 23, 2004
4th ID has new division chief
By Stephen Capillas
THE Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID) has again changed guards after Maj. Gen. Cristolito Balaoing relinquished his command Wednesday to incoming division Chief Maj. Gen. Samuel Bagasin.
In simple ceremonies marking the turnover rites, Gen. Balaoing exhorted the men and women of the division to build ties with the communities and the local governments units (LGUs) in their areas of responsibility (AOR).
Balaoing also shared the admonition given by fellow officials Maj. Gen. Bagasin and Philippine Army Chief Maj. Gen. Efren Abu to the troops not to engage in partisan politics this coming elections.
In his speech, Balaoing recounted how he hardly even warmed his seat when he faced challenges like the bombing of the power lines in Mindanao by rebel elements and a massacre in Lanao del Norte.
Aside from this, Balaoing noted the increase in Communisty Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) recruitments in Caraga and the provinces in Agusan and Lanao.
Despite this, he said they have been able to maintain the peace and order in their area of responsibility, though at the cost of 70 lives.
He said proof of this is the successful staging of the Palarong Pambansa in Lanao del Norte last year and the reduction of rebel atrocities in Region 10.
Balaoing also raised pressing concerns within the division like the need for more lieutenants to fill in the military structure, the land problem in their camp and a review of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) integree program.
"Also, we should cultivate our relations with the communities, LGUs and the media for they make us conscious of our role to respect human rights," Balaoing said.
Gen. Bagasin also said they will seek out and destroy the NPA rebels while opening all avenues towards peace.
"I will follow the five year time frame stated in their planning to ensure security in Northern Mindanao," he said.
He urged the troops to serve with distinction as part of their commitment to the administration's "Strong Republic" program.
"(We intend) to save resources, work harder and smarter to assure the communities of (a) stable peace and order (situation) that would make possible development in the region," he said.
For his part, Phil. Army Chief Maj. Gen. Efren Abu urged the troops to support the new leadership to achieve their objectives and foster goodwill among all sectors in Region 10.
(January 22, 2004 issue)
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