3ID chief orders new battalion chiefs to finish insurgency in Panay
Major General Marion R. Sison, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, has directed the newly installed commanding officers of the 82nd Infantry (Bantay Laya) and the 12th Infantry (Lick ‘Em) Battalions to finish the insurgency on Panay Island.
MGen. Sison issued this directive during separate change of command ceremonies for the two battalions which he presided.
On Monday, February 05, 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Jovert Pimentel assumed the post as new Commanding Officer of the 82IB at Camp Colonel Quintin D. Salas in Sitio Asinan, Barangay Jibolo, Janiuay town, replacing Colonel Cliford Catubigan. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta took command of the 12IB at Camp General Ceferino S. Careon in Sitio Guimbunyugan, Barangay Libot, Calinog, Iloilo, succeeding Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Timbal on Tuesday, February 6.
Both ceremonies were attended by Brigadier General Michael Samson, Commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, other key officers from the 3ID, as well as the respective local chief executives and stakeholders of the said units.
MGen. Sison commended the outgoing battalion commanders for their unwavering contributions to shaping the success of their respective battalions. He acknowledged their tireless commitment, dedication, and guidance, which resulted in commendable milestones, reflected in the numerous awards and commendations bestowed upon their units and the 3ID as a whole.
“The Change of Command Ceremony marked a milestone for the Army Officers in upholding commitment and dedication to the organization. Thus, the Army officers must maintain organizational dynamics and professional growth,” said MGen Sison.
In his speech, MGen. Sison also underscored that Panay is a sleeping dragon and the remaining bastion of the Communist Terrorists Group; hence, he instructed the 82IB to work closely with the local government units, all partners, and stakeholders to facilitate the dismantling of the remaining weakened guerilla fronts in Panay Island.
“We cannot accomplish this mission without the support and collaboration of our stakeholders and local chief executives serving as chairmen of the Local Task Force-ELCAC. It is crucial to coordinate, cooperate, and maintain open communication with our partners, as they play a vital role in helping us bring an end to insurgency in Panay. It is essential to recognize that the resolution of this problem requires not only military action but also the effective implementation of Task Force ELCAC as the best solution,” MGen. Sison emphasized.
Moreover, he ordered LTC Garsuta to dismantle the weakened Central Panay Front.
“Finish the fight! That’s my first order. Lick the enemy, totally decimate and eradicate them, in coordination with the LGUs, Civil Society Organizations, the private, religious, and the business sectors, in order to establish just and lasting peace in Panay,” MGen. Sison concluded. (3ID Spearhead Troopers)
