Army’s First Infantry Division assures loyalty to duly constituted authorities

Please click below to link related article:

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=669927&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=pagadian%20city,%20zamboanga%20del%20sur&andor=and&mdte_arch=8&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2014 
Posted by Mindanao Pagadian Frontline

 
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Aug. 9, 2014-MPF News) – The Army’s Premier Infantry (Tabak) Division assured to the public of their loyalty to the duly constituted authority, Tabak commander Brigadier General Gerry Barientos Jr., in a text message sent to members of the Tabak Defense Press Corps.

The reaction was due to the recent statement of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV in a televised interview that retired generals affiliated with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are plotting a coup against President Benigno S. Aquino III.

“The Officers and Men of the First Infantry (Tabak) Division will remain steadfast and loyal to the constitution, to the duly constituted authorities, to the flag, the country, and to the people.” BGen Barriento Tuesday text message quoted said.

Barrientos said the AFP is professional, disciplined and non-partisan organization. “We will always be focused on our mandate of protecting the people and the state. With this, there is no reason for military to join any destabilization plot,” the Tabak Commander assured.

102nd Brigade based in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay headed by the Commanding Officer Col. Ignacio Obligacion also supported the statement of Tabak Chief.

The 102nd brigade covers parts of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

“The coup plot rumors saying that “there is no such thing as destabilization plot in his area of responsibility,” Col. Obligacion said.

“I don’t believe in a coup or the impeachment of President Aquino,” Obligacion said adding that the officers and men in his brigade remain loyal to the duly constituted authorities.

Those who want to change the administration should wait for their turn in the next elections,” Obligacion said.

The brigade commander said that any group planning to hold coup d’etat is just nothing but a waste of time.

The 55th Infantry Battalion base in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental led by Commanding Officer Col. Gerry Besana under 101^st Brigade also said that the military is performing the mandate of the constitution.

“We the men and women in active service are performing the mandate of the constitution that is – protecting the people, securing the land. Further, we are guided by the Army Transformation Roadmap making us more credible, capable, dynamic, responsive and professional Army,” Besana said.

Besana added that they are strictly adhering to the pronouncement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Pio Catapang, Philippine Army (PA) Chief Major General Hernando Iriberri and Tabak commander BGen. Gerry Barrientos Jr. not to join any destabilization plot.

Besana disclosed that nobody has been recruiting for the said cause in his area of responsibility.

Despite the rumors, Besana encouraged the group to actively support and advocate for the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan’ campaign of the Philippine Army to attain lasting peace and development in the land.

Tabak division has control 5 brigades; 101 Brigade based in Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte, 102^nd Brigade in ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, 103^rd Brigade based in Marawi City, 104^th Brigade in Isabela City Basilan province and the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade located in Maria Christina, Iligan City and one Task Force Zamboanga. (By JONG CADION)