ZAMBOANGA CITY – Col. Benjamin Batara, Jr., newly-installed commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, has vowed over the weekend to sustain and strengthen the peacekeeping efforts of his predecessor.
Batara issued the statement as the Philippine Army installed him to lead the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, one of the units pursuing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in the province of Sulu.
Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, 11th Infantry Division commander, officiated the turnover of leadership to Batara from Brig. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio in a ceremony Wednesday (January 6) at Camp Bud Datu that houses the brigade headquarters in Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.
“I always consider it a great opportunity to contribute and to be part of the team in providing a secure environment conducive to development in the province. I can see that my path always leads me to this place as I have served in this island from my second lieutenant with the 1ID (1st Infantry Division) in 1991, as the commander of the 1BCT (1st Brigade Combat Team) and now the new commander of this brigade,” Batara said.
He also assured to the stakeholders that he will exert his utmost effort in working with them in making this communities peaceful.
“We value your constant support to the unit as we commit ourselves in serving you,” he added.
Batara was able to neutralized nine Abu Sayyaf bandits during his stint as the commander of the Sulu-based 1BCT.
Patrimonio was able to neutralize numerous Abu Sayyaf bandits, which enabled the local government to bring home the internally displaced people of Barangays Maligay and Kabbon Takas in the town of Patikul.
“As the division commander, I will pour in the support and resources for the 1102nd Infantry Brigade to accomplish its mission. Also, I am hopeful that our partnership with the local government will continue to flourish for a strengthened community – for the benefit of the future generations of this province,” Gonzales said.
The turnover of command ceremony was attended by Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, a number of municipal mayors, and other stakeholders, who expressed their support to Batara and the entire military forces in the province.
Meanwhile, the “Ganarul” family spearheaded by Batara stood in parade stance over the weekend as they rendered send-off ceremony to Patrimonio to express their thanks and respectable wishes and good luck to his new assignment.
Patrimonio thanked his troops for the support they’ve given to him and for the harmonious working relations they build in the accomplishment of the entire brigade’s endeavor.
“Stay in touch; focus on your work and I urge you to also give your full support to my successor,” added Patrimonio, who was assigned as the new commander of the 1BCT, the previous post of Batara. – Newsline Philippines-Zamboanga City
