Taking on the challenge of sustaining Davao Oriental’s status as insurgency-free, the 14th and newly installed 66th Infantry ‘Kabalikat’ Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Michael G. Yuson, committed to continuing initiatives to ensure lasting peace and development in his new area of responsibility, which covers parts of Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro.
During the change of command ceremony on February 22 at the Battalion’s camp in the Municipality of New Bataan, Davao De Oro, Lt. Col. Yuson lauded and acknowledged the Outgoing Battalion Commander, Lt.Col. Julius Munar, and assured him of his best in leading one of the finest battalions in the 10th Infantry Division known for securing peace enjoyed by the people in its areas of responsibility.
The 66th Infantry Battalion, recognized as one of the finest units for peace and development, has accomplished significant feats during the last two years, including its organization of the 106 People’s Organizations that helped dismantle enemy forces and resulted in the collapse of the weakened guerilla front 18 Southern Mindanao Regional Command last September 15, 2022.
“With LtCol Munar’s accomplishments, it is more than a reason for me to continue and give my all to Davao Oriental, where I spent my junior years — a very familiar place with its rich culture and practices – as I am set to strengthen the partnership and fully support the programs of the government led by the ever-supportive Governor Corazon Malanyaon and her progressive vision and actions, thus, what we can do is to ensure that these progresses and initiatives will not be hindered,” Lt. Col. Yuson said.
Lt. Col. Munar, who has contributed significantly to the province’s overall peace and order situation for the last two years, shared his support and confidence with the young Commander in taking care of the Battalion and its areas of responsibility in the province of Davao Oriental. This includes the City of Mati, the Municipalities of Tarragona, Manay, Caraga, and the three barangays in Lupon (Don Mariano Marcos, Calapagan, and Marayag). Moreover, the Battalion also covers areas outside Davao Oriental, including the municipalities of Compostela, New Bataan, Maragusan, and the three barangays of Pantukan (Araibo, Las Arenas, and Tagugpo).
The Change of Command’s presiding officer Major General Jose Eriel Niembra, the Commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, also expressed his regard to Lt. Col. Yuson. He noted that he is confident that Lt. Col. Yuson is fit for the position, considering his experiences as former Training Officer (S3) of the 67th IB and a good track record from his services in the Eastern Mindanao Command, the Special Operations Command, among others.
Provincial ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict) Action Officer, Brigadier General Leopoldo Imbang, Jr. (Ret.), who represented Governor Malanyaon, welcomed Lt. Col. Yuson with full support. He anticipates collaboration with the Battalion, particularly in sustaining the gains of peace and also during disaster relief operations, enacting environmental orders, campaign against illegal drugs and other peace and development actions.
Also in attendance were Davao De Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga, 701st Kagitingan Brigade Commander Brigadier General (BGen) Oliver Maquiling, the 48th and 67th Infantry Battalion Commanders, and the local chief executives and representatives of the LGUs in the unit’s AOR. The LGUs vowed to support, coordinate, compliment, and lend a hand to the new Commander. ʙʏ ᴍᴀʀᴋ ᴏʟɪᴠᴇʀ ᴀʟᴠɪᴛᴇ
