Gov. Degamo lauds 79th IB for excellent job vs insurgency

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo commended the 79th Infantry "Masaligan" Battalion for having done an excellent job in fighting the insurgency in the province and helping it in attaining peace and order.

The governor was among the officials present Friday morning for the send off rites of the battalion at the Dumaguete-Sibulan airport for a three-month battalion of excellence re-training at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.

Speaking to about 500 men and women, led by the 79th IB head, Lieutenant Colonel Harold Anthony Pascua, the governor said he had seen how this “active and dynamic group worked hard to achieve peace that has led to the declaration of the province as conflict manageable and development ready.”

The declaration means that the insurgency problem in Negros Oriental has been reduced to an insignificant level such that the province is now more conducive for development and economic expansion.

Degamo handed a plaque of appreciation to Pascua as the province government's way of showing appreciation for a job well done.

Bidding the troops bon voyage, Degamo said their departure was just temporary because a more capable and better-equipped 79th IB will be returning to Negros Oriental in three to four months' time. While away on training, the 79th IB will be replaced by the 20th IB, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Ceballos.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Estella, deputy commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, thanked the officers and enlisted personnel of the 79th IB for their services that resulted in the much-improved peace and security in Negros Oriental

Estella, speaking in behalf of Colonel Allan Martin, the brigade commander, declared that the Malasigans did their job well. "You played an important role along with the LGUs, NGOs and other stakeholders in the spirit of bayanihan by transforming Negros Oriental into conflict manageable and development ready," he said.

Brigadier General Francisco Patrimonio, deputy commander of the 3rd ID based in Jamindan, Capiz also congratulated the 79th IB for being a consistent, top performing battalion in the division. He assured the people of Negros Oriental that a stronger and more capable 79th when they return.  (FREEMAN)