THE Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion has initiated changes in the leadership of one of its operating units, the 14th Special Forces Company (SFC).
Captain Jayson Tababan, was installed as the new 14SFC in a ceremony Sunday, October 16, 2022, presided by Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Samin, commander of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, at the company’s headquarters at Sitio Dangkalan in Kulaybato village, Lamitan City, Basilan.
Tababan has replaced Captain Alvin Balangcod, who successfully ended his two-year duty as the 14SFC commander where he covers the towns of Maluso, Tabuan Lasa, and Hadji Mohammad Ajul.
During Balangcod’s stint as 14SFC commander, he successfully led the company in accomplishing various missions to some of which are the surrender of three Abu Sayyaf bandits and recovery of three high powered firearms, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components, one caliber .50 Barret without barrel and 80 rounds caliber .50 ammunition.
He also supported the Joint Task Force Basilan`s campaign against loose firearms through the implementation of the guidelines of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program which resulted to the surrender and turnover of 50 assorted loose firearms and the stenciling and inventory of 120 unregistered firearms.
Under the leadership of Balangcod, the 14SFC intercepted and seized a boat containing P2.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes.
He also led the successful rescue of an Iranian national who was stranded between the island villages of Langil and Sibago, Hadji Mohammad Ajul.
Meanwhile, Tababan said he was deeply honored to be given the opportunity to lead the 14SFC and to serve the constituents of Basilan province.
Tababan assured that the trust and confidence bestowed upon him by the higher command will be productive and mandated.
He intends to fulfill all responsibilities given to him to the best of his abilities.
“To our partners in peace and development here in our area of operations. I would assure you that we will continue to be your partner in all your undertakings,” Tababan said. (SunStar Zamboanga)