DAVAO ORIENTAL – Highlighting partnership as the “key to attaining peace and development” in the province, the Philippine Army’s 28th Infantry Kamagong Battalion based in Davao Oriental has given recognition to its partners as well as to its troopers who have exemplified bravery and dedication in their sworn duty.
During its 47th Founding Anniversary celebration on November 8, the Kamagong Battalion lauded Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang for his efforts in achieving peace and security in the province through various programs which have made a difference in the province’s peace and order.
Among them is Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan, the strengthened and sustained operation of the Provincial Government-run halfway house for former rebels called the Happy Home, and the implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 or the “Whole-of-Nation Approach to Attain Sustainable Peace and End Insurgency” that contributed immensely in achieving the unit’s mission.
Governor Dayanghirang has also been recognized for his various support he extended to the military troops.
In time for the Battalion’s anniversary celebration, the Provincial Government formally turned-over the P3-Million worth newly-completed Covered Court cum activity center inside the camp.
Provincial Chief of Staff Ednar Dayanghirang, who also received a plaque of recognition as the Vice Chairman of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), the group that oversees the implementation of EO 70, said that the said infrastructure support of the Provincial Government is under its Inclusive Governance Framework.
“The Inclusive Governance of our Governor does not only include poor Indigenous People’s, our Jama’ah Community and all other sectors in the community but most especially our security sectors—be it be battalion, brigade, or detachments—not just in this kind of projects but also in financial, and other material support,” he said.
Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Alexander Banatao, who handed the award together with 701st Brigade Commander Brigadier General Manuel V. Sequitin, said he is “a hundred percent sure that without your full support, we will not be able to achieve our mission to end the local communist armed conflict in this part of the country.”
“We are actually very fortunate that our unit was deployed here in Davao Oriental. We are surrounded with very supportive, peace loving people—from the local government officials headed by our Governor, Civil Society Organizations, and private individuals. There is no more reason for us to fail on our mission,” he said.
Other personnel from the Provincial Government such as NLD Caravan focal person Rotchie Ravelo and Provincial Information Officer Karen Lou Deloso have also received plaque of appreciation, as well as the CSO based here called the Youth for Peace Movement Davao Oriental.
Honoring Kamagong Troopers
Aside from honoring its key partners, the battalion also awarded Military Merit Medal to Kamagong warriors for their heroism and successes in conducting combat operations that resulted to the recovery of high-powered firearms and weakened guerilla fronts.
“As we celebrate our anniversary, may we take this opportunity to honor and to thank each and every member of the 28th Infantry Kamagong Battalion, past and present, for their heroism and faithful services rendered in the pursuit of the accomplishment of our unit mission. You remained true to the ethics of military professionalism,” Lt. Col. Banatao told the Kamagong troopers.
“It is for this reason that I am truly proud and fortunate to be a part of this distinguished unit. To all Kamagong troopers, we all know that there are still so many challenges that lies ahead of us but with the right attitude which we have exhibited for so many years now, sheer determination, selfless commitment, dedication to duty, and unity of efforts, we will surpass all these trials and will remain victorious,” he added.
10th Infantry Agila Division Commander Major General Jose Faustino Jr., who was represented by Brigadier General Sequitin, cited the battalion’s accomplishments in non-combat operations. He said that over the course of years, the Battalion was able to establish a peaceful environment through inter-agency coordination, stakeholder’s engagement, and participation to the Provincial Government-led NLD program and Executive Order 70.
Some of the Battalion’s achievement in non-combat operations is the sustained Community Support Program, which, according to Provincial Administrator Art Benjie Bulaong, who represented Guest Honor and Speaker Governor Dayanghirang, “have contributed much to what we envisioned for the province of Davao Oriental.”
“The Philippine army-led Community Support Program, which integrates various development programs, really strengthened Barangay-based institutions and introduces good governance,” he said.
Underlining the Battalion’s contribution that has earned the province various accolades in peace and order, Bulaong said that the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental continues to signify its full support to the unit.
“Over the years the province of Davao Oriental has been recognized to be one of the most promising provinces. We cannot achieve what we have achieved without the contribution of each stakeholders and that includes the 28 Infantry Battalion and the 701st Brigade. We have very good practices in peace and order. Now, the Philippine Army is not just our partner in maintaining peace and order, but our partner in genuine development realization in the province,” he added. By Riza M. Golez/ Photos by Rhea Shane M. Laureano
