Tabak Division sends newly-activated 97IB to Zamboanga Peninsula

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY Zamboanga del Sur  (July 31. 2018) –– A send-off ceremony for the Army’s youngest and newly-activated 97th Infantry (Kalasag Lahi) Battalion under the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army was conducted at Tabak grandstand today 8am, Military official said.

Division Public Affairs Office Chief Maj. Ronald E. Suscano said that the Army’s Premier (Tbak) Division Commander Major General Roseller G Murillo led the send-off ceremony in time with the closing ceremony of the 97IB’s organizational training.

In his message, Maj Gen. Murillo reminded the troops to continue to be soldiers of peace and security by standing firm in  guarding the welfare of the people, tapping the support and collective effort of our stakeholders, carrying on in reaching communities and relaying to them our government’s efforts, and in striving hard to improve their skills, Maj Suscano s aid.

“Always be culturally sensitive and respectful to all our stakeholders in your new area of responsibility. Also, be disciplined and responsible soldier who is always cautious in his actions so that we may continue to sustain the gains that we have achieved in the pursuit of our mission,” Maj Gen. Murillo emphasized.

Maj. Suscano disclosed that the 97IB, composed of 485 strong and proficient officers and enlisted personnel, is slated to augment the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade in Zamboanga Peninsula after successfully completing the organizational training designed to significantly complement the counter-insurgency efforts of the AFP and anti-illegal drugs and anti-private armed groups (PAGs) operations of other government agencies.

Maj. Suscano added that the newly-activated Battalion is led by Lt. Col. Rufino L de Leon as the pioneer battalion commander.

Suscano also said that the 97IB was formally activated pursuant to General Orders Nr 211, Headquarters, Philippine Army dated March 24, 2018 effective April 10, 2018.