A NEW commander of Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade based in four Caraga provinces has assumed command on Tuesday, February 19.
Colonel Maurito Licudine takes responsibility of the 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade, 4th Infantry Division’s (ID) leadership, the position left by Brigadier General Nemesio Gacal, who’s now the newly-installed 4ID commander.
Licudine, then the Deputy Brigade Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade in Agusan del Sur, becomes the 33rd Commander who will lead the 402nd Brigade on its campaign in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Island.
Licudine said teamwork and collaboration among government agencies and other sectors of society will be instrumental “to finish the fight.”
Gacal, for his part, challenged the new leadership of Licudine to continue the good and innovative practices of the troops in these areas.
“I leave with peace knowing that we have done good and innovative approaches and we certainly made a difference towards peace and development in our area of responsibility. I take great pride to have served 402nd Brigade but I leave you the great challenge to carry on our peace and development efforts,” Gacal said.
Gacal was among the key personalities responsible in the establishment of Peace and Development Zones in Caraga region, a breakthrough initiative that focuses all development efforts in Conflict Affected Areas with an end view of ending insurgency through whole of nation approach.
Eastern Mindanao Commander Major General Felimon Santos Jr. commended the 402nd Brigade under the leadership of Gacal for its accomplishments in various combat, civil military and security operations and support to law enforcement.
He also congratulated Colonel Licudine for being selected to lead and command the brigade.
“Duties and responsibilities demand your full commitment in the furtherance of our campaign objectives, they also entail strengthening and intensifying our partnership and collaboration with all our stakeholders, I trust your caliber in bringing peace, security and progress in Caraga region,” Major General Santos Jr. said, in his message to Licudine.