A full blooded Surigaonon assumed as the new Commander of the 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade in the traditional change of command ceremony presided by Maj. Gen. Henry A. Robinson PA, Commander 9ID, at H901Bde, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte, Wednesday, July 15.
Brig. Gen. Gabriel C Viray III PA, who is set to assume position at the AFP General Headquarters, formally relinquished his post to Col. George L. Banzon INF (MNSA) PA.
901st Infantry Brigade is an organic unit of the 9th Infantry Division based in Bicol Region and currently under the operational control of the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City.
In his message, Brig. Gen. Viray, expressed his heartfelt thanks to various stakeholders including local government units, government agencies, non-government organizations and private individuals who extended their support and cooperation in achieving the mission and objectives during his stint as brigade commander.
On the other hand, Col. Banzon, the newly installed commander, is a native of Mainit, Surigao del Norte and a member of Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw Diwa” Class of 1992. Prior to his designation, he was the Chief of Unified Command Staff of the Eastern Mindanao Command based in Panacan, Davao City
He also served as Battalion Commander of the 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion covering the province of Misamis Oriental.
In his assumption speech, he said that it is a rare opportunity for him to be assigned and be the highest military commander in his home province.
He further solicited the support and active involvement of his fellow Surigaonon to free Surigao del Norte from the threat of the Communist Terrorist New Peoples Army (CTN).
“Isip isa ka Surigaonon, ako naghangjo na magtinabangay kita. Ato luwason an ato probinsya sa hulga sanan pangilkil nan mga komunistang New Peoples Army (NPA).
Kon ugaling jaoy ijo mga kilaya, o kaha kalumunan na nailad nan mga bakak na pasalig ng mga NPA, ato sila tabangan na mahatagan nan higayon na mabag-o pa an ila mga kinabuhi.”
However, he also gave stern warning for those who will insist to pursue their terroristic agenda that he will not hesitate to use full military might at his disposal to propel the socio-economic and development agenda in the Brigade’s area of operation.
“Pero kon ugaling sila magpabilin mag magahi an balatian, wayay ako lain mahimo kon dili gamiton an pwersa nan militar para mapuo an dugay na nanghasi sanan nangilkil na terroristang NPA dinhi sa ato probinsya”, he added.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Robinson congratulated the outgoing commander for a job well-done specifically in its valuable contributions in bringing the unit to its new heights.
He also challenged the new commander to continue and maintain the culture of excellence in both administrative and operational aspects that started by his predecessor.
In addition, the Commander also gave assurance that the 9ID will give its full support by capacitating the unit so that it will become more effective in delivering excellent and quality service to the people of CARAGA.
The 901st Infantry Brigade caters the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island, parts of Agusan del Norte, and parts of Surigao del Sur. (Fight’Em Bde | RPN DXKS)