WestMinCom sends-off 1IB troops after Marawi deployment

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 21, 2017) - The 1st Infantry Battalion was awarded by the WestMinCom chief during the send-off at 7am Friday (October 20) in Camp Ranao, Marawi City, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the Silver Cross Medal was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Tampus and three other company commanders of the 1IB. The unit was also accorded the Command plaque by Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

In his message to the troops, Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr. said: “Maintain the highest dignity of a soldier. As much as we want to have you here, we need to let you go. Our oath is to serve the people and maintain the integrity of our country.”

Cpt. Petinglay said Lieutenant Colonel Tampus also rendered a completeness report to the WestMinCom Commander and Major General Danilo Pamonag, commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi.

“I laud the men and women of the 1st Infantry Battalion for their dedicated service and for being here at the onset of the Marawi siege. My gratitude to you for a job well done,” said Major General Pamonag.

A showdown inspection was also conducted during the said ceremony.

Cpt Petinglay further said that the 1IB is set to travel back to Luzon islands for an impending unit enhancement training. The unit was among the 1st battalions to reinforce the soldiers in Marawi during the earlier stage of fighting. 1IB is responsible for the rescue of 34 hostages of the members of the Daesh inspired Maute terrorist and the recovery of assorted high powered and low powered firearms.

“Thank you for your dedicated service,” said LtGen Galvez Jr to the troops of the “Always First” Battalion while they were in formation on a drizzling morning in Marawi.

“I am so proud of you,” the WestMinCom Chief added.