Soldiers from Bicol leave for Mindanao

By Ruel Saldico LEGAZPI CITY --- The 9th Infantry (Spear) Division of the Philippine Army sent off additional number of sodiers from Bicol to Mindanao during ceremonies held at the Tactical Operations Group TOG5 headquarters of the Philippine Air Force at the Legazpi City Airport Thursday last week. Brig. Gen. Arnulfo C. Matanguihan, Assistant Division Commander of 9ID, represented Maj. Gen. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr., the Army Chief in Bicol, during the ceremonies attended by a representative from the provincial government of Albay and the families of the departing soldiers who prayed for their safety in their new assignments. The Army personnel are members of the 901st Infantry Brigade under Col. Larry B. Mojica, Brigade Commander. Numbering about 70, the soldiers boarded PAF’s C-130 to join three battalions under the Eastern Mindanao Command Area of Operation. Col. Mojica said the additional forces will beef up operating units and effectively address the security threats in Mindanao. Brig. Gen. Matanguihan said the deployment of additional soldiers from Bicol to Mindanao is part and parcel of their task to ensure the safety of the country and its people. Provincial Board Member Raul Rosal, in behalf of the provincial government and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Albay, during the same occasion awarded a certificate of commendation to the Army brigade for their 16 years of peace and development programs being extended to Albayanos, especially during times of calamities and other disasters.