• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As he ended his tour of duty as 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander on June 23, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan reported the neutralization of 40 New People’s Army rebels in northern Negros in the past two years.
The neutralized rebels were either killed in gunbattles or surrendered, according to the Philippine Army.
Calaoagan said the 79IB, under his leadership, also facilitated the enrollment of 88 former rebels to the government amnesty program.
In the same period, none of the 79IB soldiers died in gunbattles, he added.
The 79IB has been instrumental in the dismantling of the Northern Negros Front, whose remnants are now sowing fear among residents in northern Negros, with their series of liquidation activities, victimizing innocent civilians they alleged as military informants.
Calaoagan said the rebel remnants are trying to project that they are still a force to reckon with.
Rebel remnants owned up to six summary executions of civilians in the municipalities of Toboso, Calatrava and E.B. Magalona as well as in the cities of Cadiz and Victorias in the past several months.
Calaoagan relinquished his position as 79IB commander to Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso in a ceremony held at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City on Monday.
He will occupy the position vacated by Alfonso as the assistant chief of staff for education and training of 3ID at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
Calaoagan thanked local government officials and the people of northern Negros for their all-out support to the unit’s activities in preserving peace and order.
In his acceptance speech, Alfonso said he will push forward the mission of peace and progress in northern Negros.
“My vision is to transform the 79IB into a highly-disciplined, combat-ready, people-centered unit that is trusted by stakeholders, feared by enemies and respected by the communities we serve,” he added. | GB
