By
Gideon C. Corgue
LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army was
lauded for its outstanding contributions to peace, prosperity and progress in
the region.
Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri,
commanding general of Philippine Army (PA) in his message delivered by MGen.
Rodolfo Demosthenes Santillan, PA’s vice commander, during the 79th
founding anniversary of Tabak Division on Tuesday at the division grandstand,
Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Barangay Pulacan here said “the leadership of
Philippine Army salutes the troopers in its long, faithful and courageous
service to the unit.”
“
I proudly salute the leadership of the Tabak division especially the officers,
enlisted personnel, civilian personnel, and stakeholders for their
contributions to achieving peace in Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) region and its
neighboring provinces.
“By
your faithful service, you earned the respect and admiration of our fellow
Filipinos,” Irriberri added.
“I
convey the gratitude to my fellow soldiers for your continued outstanding
service and fulfillment of pledge to the nation. I also take this opportunity to recognize our
fellow soldiers who offered their lives for the accomplishment of Tabak’s
mission,” he declared.
“Ang tema ng inyong pagdiriwang ngayon ‘Tapat
Na Nanungkulan Tungo sa Mapayapa at Maunlad Na Bayan’, ay isang panata sa
matayog ninyong kasaysayan at magiting ninyong serbisyo tungo sa kapayapaan at
kaunlaran,” he said.
(Your
theme, “Sincere service for a peaceful and progressive country,” is a pledge
for your long history and your continued gallant service in attaining peace and
development.)
As
a tradition, the Army chief awards a number of service personnel for their bravery
and distinguished service in every anniversary celebration.
“Sixteen
deserving military personnel were awarded for their unflinching devotion and
dedication to the cause of the nation,” Iriberri announced.
“The
awardees exemplified the best that we can in the pursuit of peace and in
defense of our people. Their accomplishments remind us of the pledge we made
and the duty to defend the country,” Irebiri pointed out.