PA 9ID commander retires, ADC takes over
By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur --- 9th Infantry “SPEAR” Division Former Asst. Division Commander Brigadier General Jaime A. Abawag Jr. took the reins as incoming Acting Commander after Major General Alex DC Luna turned over his post during the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony held last Nov. 28, Monday, at the 9ID Multipurpose Gym, here.
Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr, who served as the ceremony’s Presiding General Officer, has good words for the two Army officials who will face another milestone both in their careers and personal lives.
BGen Luna who will assume a challenging responsibility as Bicol’s top army official and MGen Luna who will go back to his civilian life.
LT. GEN. Brawner Jr. (left) hands over the symbolic spear to Brigadier General Abawag (right) during the change of command and retirement ceremony which was conducted on Monday (Nov. 28) at the 9ID Multipurpose Gym.
“I would like to congratulate the immediate past commander of the 9ID for his 37 illustrious years in this noble profession. I am proud of you for reaching this remarkable milestone in your military career. Thank you for your honorable service. To BGEN Abawag, you will now take the lead in upholding the legacy of the SPEAR Division, serving it with excellence. Congratulations and all the best,” Lt. Gen. Brawner said.
In his valedictory address, Luna became emotional after reading the names of his 15 departed mistah, who he said, will always hold a special place in his heart.
“Malungkot lang pag minsan maalala ko ang iba nating mistah na nauna na sa atin. Kaya nga noong testimonial dinner para sa akin ng Army ninanis ko talagang bangitin silang lahat at hayaan ninyong muli ko silang batiin. Muli naglaan ako ng lugar para sa kanila. To our departed mistah, you may have gone ahead of us, but you will always be in our hearts and will never be forgotten,” Luna added.
Acting Division Commander BGen Abawag also expressed gratitude and admiration for MGen Luna’s leadership. He has achieved significant gains in neutralizing enemies and compelling the Communist Terrorist Group members to surrender during his brief tenure as 9ID Commander.
“Sa panahon ng panunungkulan ng ating Outgoing Division Commander, MGen Luna, ay nakamtan natin ang sunod-sunod na tagumpay, hindi lamang sa larangan ng intelligence and combat operations, kundi maging sa ating civil-military operations na syang naging daan sa pagkaka deklara ng tatlong guerilla fronts bilang “dismantled.” Ang mga tagumpay na ito ay isa sa mga dahilan sa patuloy na pamamayagpag ng ating dibisyon,” Abawag said.
Luna also thanked his colleagues and everyone who helped him win various wars and overcome difficult challenges as he served the country.
“To all of you who in one way or another joined me or had been with me in my journey, thank you to the company. Thank you for your time. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for being with me. After taking that long journey, I’m now here again at a crossroads. From civilian to military, now I’m on my way back to being a civilian again. As I look back on what and where I have gone thru, I see all of you waving to me and wishing me the best, till I reach a crossroads in my life again. Maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat. Maraming Salamat po sa ating Pangingoon,” Luna said in closing. (PIA 5/Camarines Sur)