Tabak troopers made great contributions to the country, says ZamboSur governor

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, May 9 (PIA) – “You brave soldiers are needed to protect our country from those who seek us harm. You are mandated by our constitution to defend this country against armed internal or security threats.”

Thus urged Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles during the 76^th founding anniversary of the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) division, the premiere division of the bPhilippine Army on Saturday in a simple anniversary rites held at the Division grandstand, Pulacan, Labangan.

Speaking before the officers and men as well as guests of the meaningful occasion, Cerilles,  the event’s keynote speaker said the Tabak troopers have made great contributions by embracing their call of duty and helped build and protect our country.

Cerilles emphasized the troopers’ role in helping government officials  bring about peace and development not only to the province but in the entire country. “You are of great help to our country,” he added.

Ceriles said the division have chosen a very timely theme this year, “Tabak Division: Katuwang ng Mamamayan sa Bayanihan Tahak ang Landas Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” saying that the island of Mindanao has been beset with problems including the presence of secessionist movements and illegal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping and other crimes.   

“More than 70% of the crimes that are happening in our country are drug- related.  We read these incidents in national dailies and heard it on the radio and watched it on television almost everyday,” Cerilles said.

The chief executive said to make this country globally competitive, we see to it that nobody in the barangay, municipality, and province should be engaged in drugs activities.

“If we want to have a very peaceful province and a globally competitive country, we should make sure that nobody in our barangay, town and province is into drugs,” Cerilles said.

“Whether you a man in uniform or a civilian, it is your duty and obligation to stop illegal drugs from entering in our localities which is the biggest single cause of crime and is responsible for the worrying rising crime rates,” Cerilles challenged.

“You are the organization that would help introduce change in our country,” Cerilles concluded.

Meanwhile, 1^st Infantry division commander BGen. Ricardo Raineir Cruz III in his message said Tabak troopers commemorate the glorious event and would look at every accomplishment which provides a meaningful year whether in combat or administration.

Cruz assured the public that team Tabak is always focused, ready and capable of performing its mission to protect the people of Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces in partnership with the Philippine National Police, local government units and other sectors of society in serving the people and securing the land.

In its 76 years of service, Cruz said the troopers’ commitment to the nation remains unflinching. “As we grow through the years, time has toughened our spirit to be servants of peace, a fighter for freedom and an agent for development,” Cruz said.

Cruz thanked the benefactors and stakeholders alike for the all-out support they have extended to the Tabak division saying that without them, their mission’s success would have not been realized.  (GCC/ALT//PIA9-ZamboSur)