Army unit gets commendation for ‘job well done’
THE 42ND Infantry ‘Tagapagtanggol’ Battalion headed by Lt. Colonel Marcial M. Lumanga, was given a fitting sendoff ceremony after serving for nearly two years under the operational control of the 8th Infantry ‘Stormtroopers’ Division, battling communist terrorist groups in Eastern Visayas.
During the sendoff ceremony last January 16, at the Tactical Operations Group Headquarters of the Philippine Air Force in Tacloban City, MGen. Adonis Ariel Orio, JTF Storm and 8th ID commander, awarded the Meritorious Merit Medal and Command Plaque to the unit in recognition of its “significant accomplishments and contributions” in bringing internal peace and security in the region.
In his message, Orio expressed his gratitude to the 42nd IB for their unwavering commitment to their shared mission of achieving peace, stability and progress for the people of Eastern Visayas.
“Through your tireless Community Support Operations and Mobile Community Support Sustainment Operations, you did more than neutralize threats and recover firearms—you brought hope and security to communities that longed for peace.
“Your efforts have strengthened the foundation of long-lasting peace and sustainable development for the people of Eastern Visayas,” the military official said.
One of the battalion’s notable accomplishments, the 8th ID statement said, was the successful dismantling of the ELCON Platoon of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) operating in the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar on March 3, 2023, and the recovery of assorted high-powered firearms and the capture or surrender of CTG personalities.
The accomplishment was notable as it came barely a month after the 42nd IB was detached from the 9th Infantry Division based in the Bicol Region in Luzon on February 23, 2023, and transferred to the operational control of the 8TH ID.
The battalion also participated in the campaign to liberate Marawi City during the siege by the ISIS in 2017 and in the campaign against communist terrorists in Zamboanga del Norte under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
“May you continue to serve with pride, passion, and purpose. Never forget the ripples of change and peace you have created—they will be felt for generations to come,” Orio added.
Cuerpo retires as 4TH ID commander
Meanwhile, MGen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo, was also given a fitting retirement ceremony as commander of the 4th Infantry ‘Diamond’ Division last January 17, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. General Roy Galido, who was present during the event, also presided the turnover of command held at Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City, to the new acting division commander, BGen. Consolito P. Yecla.
Comments are closed.