THE troops have been exhorted to maintain excellent performance, commitment, and diligence in order to sustain the unprecedented gains against the communist rebels and other lawless groups in the region.

This was the message of Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, when he visited Wednesday, September 25, the different units under the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces).

“Let us not falter in keeping guard against those who sow terror and prey on the innocent (people),” Sobejana told the troops.

Among the units Sobejana visited were the 42nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Sirawai, Zamboanga dell Norte; 102nd Infantry Brigade in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; and, 97th IB in Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte. Lieutenant Colonel Ray Tiongson, 10th IB commander, whose area covers Misamis Occidental was also present in Manukan.

During the visit, the different unit commanders have provided updates to Sobejana on the security campaign against the communist terrorist and other lawless groups in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

On Wednesday, a joint team of soldiers from the 102nd Infantry Brigade and policemen have arrested in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, a ranking member of the Abu Sayyaf Group involved in series of kidnappings in previous years here in the region.

“What we have accomplished must serve as our benchmark to carry on our internal security campaign against insurgents and terrorists who are now losing their grounds,” Sobejana said.

The Westmincom chief said he visited the troops to boost the morale and personally “see the welfare of our frontline troops, more so to check if there are things that we can do to assist our soldiers in the field.”

He said the numerous feats bespeak of their unfailing dedication and “bring a sense of pride and honor not only to the Armed Forces of the Philippines but also to our fellow Filipinos.”

The Westmincom chief said he is proud and elated to work and lead them “in accomplishing our operational objectives and in bringing into reality the hopes of the people to attain genuine peace and sustainable development in Mindanao.” (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)