By Emmanuel D. Taghoy
TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay –
Lt. Col. Dante T. Bernillo has been installed last Feb. 1 as the new commanding
officer of the 6th Special Forces Battalion, Philippine Army (PA)
based in Barangay Libertad in this muncipality.
The turnover of command was presided by
Col. Ronnie S. Evangelista, commander of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne)
at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
Bermillo, a native of Bicol, replaced Lt.
Col. Rosendo C. Abad Jr. who had served the area for more than two years. He will
be transferred to the Special Operations Command headquarters in Fort
Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
In his speech, Abad expressed his gratitude
to the local government of Tungawan, religious sectors/groups, media,
provincial government of Zamboanga Sibugay, indigenous people of Zamboanga
Peninsula, Muslim brothers, business sectors, Philippine National Police (PNP),
non-government organization and other stakeholders for the unwavering support
they have extended during his time of service.
Abad also lauded the officers and men of
the Cafgu Active Auxiliary of the 6th Special Forces Battalion and other
maneuver units like 44th and 10th Infantry Battalion, Task Force Zamboanga,
101st and 102nd Infantry Brigade and the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division in
contributing to the accomplishment of the units’ mission.
A Military Merit Medal was awarded to Abad
for his exceptional leadership and accomplishment in providing administrative
control over all CAFGU Active Auxiliary in the whole of Zamboanga Peninsula resulting
in the neutralization of lawless elements in the municipality.
The group also participated in quelling the
Zamboanga Siege in September 2013.
Bermillo said he is ready to accept
additional and bigger responsibility and expressed his commitment to continue
the legacy of the unit.
