The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army marked its 72nd founding anniversary last May 2 with Incoming Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Alexander Yano (commanding general of the Philippine Army) was the guest of honor.

Yano was informed by Tabak Commanding General Nehemias G. Pajarito that Governor Cerilles presently chairs the influential Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Zamboanga Peninsula where he also belongs being a native of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.  Yano, will be the first Mindanaoan to occupy the highest post in the Armed Forces in the Philippines.

The lady governor, likewise graced the occasion as one of the awardees of the 1st Infantry Division’s 72nd anniversary for the unfaltering support she extended for the army’s internal security operations which resulted to the neutralization of threat groups not only in Zamboanga del Sur but the whole region in general.   Cerilles promised Yano to witness his installation.

Yano, anchored his message by the anniversary’s theme: “Team Tabak, Lig-un ug Nagkahiusa sa Kahusay, Kalinaw ug Kalambuan.” He acknowledged and commended the men and women of the 1ID in their “steadfast commitment to service, excellence, and genuine concern for fellowmen”. He recognized the continuous and responsible efforts of Team Tabak in fulfilling their duties, especially in promoting peace in Western Mindanao.

“We owe these achievements and gains to the able men and women of Team Tabak who do not settle for anything less than the best for our stakeholders.,” he stressed.

In the same manner,  he urged them to continue in pursuing excellence as well as in advocating the Army’s mission and vision for the nation, Yano said.

Moreover, he expressed his gratitude to the “untiring support of the local government, Philippine National Police, and other civil societies towards the attainment of genuine peace, stability and national progress”.

On the one hand, Major General Pajarito, commended his Tabak Troopers for their excellent performance in their duties. He also cited and took pride of all the accomplishments of various brigades and battalions under his command. “Without them, we can not accomplish anything. They are the cutting edge of the 1ID,” Pajarito said.

Other dignitaries present were Governor George T. Hofer of Zamboanga Sibugay, First District Congressman Victor Yu, Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co, Municipal Mayors Enrique Cabahug, Jr. (Aurora) and Abubakar Afdal (Labangan), and PNP Provincial Director Ramon M. Ochotorena.

Aside from Governor Cerilles, 3 civilian ladies received Plaques of Appreciation while eight officers and Tabak troopers were given due recognition for their gallantry in the field.

Last update : 11-05-2008 20:14

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