Phil Army 9ID chief cites gains on 17th anniversary

“Today’s anniversary celebration is a firm reminder of the unyielding fortitude of all Spear Troopers to prevail over all forms of adversity.”

This was the opening statement of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) and Philippine Army 9ID commander, MGen. Henry A. Robinson during the division’s 17th Founding Anniversary celebration held Oct.1 at Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur, with the theme: “9TH ID @17: Kabayanihan at Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Bagong Pag-asa sa Panahon ng Pandemya.”

Robinson highlighted the Army troopers’ success in their fight against insurgency as they gain control over various areas in Bicol, which before were highly influenced by the New People’s Army (NPA).

He lauded his soldiers for “sustaining the momentum in their fight against insurgency in the region, landing successive, big blows on the now collapsing Communist Terrorist Group in Bicol.”

“Currently, an estimated 62 successful engagements have been recorded within a year, which resulted in the neutralization of Communist NPA terrorists and capture of high-powered and low-powered firearms, including hundreds of explosives. Likewise, regular members of CTG were also arrested including high-ranking CTG officials,” Harrison added.

Some of the NPA top officials captured by the division were Marilou Tan AKA Tinay, secretary of Komiteng Probinsya 2 of the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPV) and Enriqueta Guelas AKA Cora Escandor, secretary of Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 3.

The continued operations of the Army in Bicol also resulted in the successful dismantling of two Communist Guerilla Fronts- the Larangan 1-Komiteng Probinsya 3 and the Larangan 2-Komiteng Probinsya 3, covering the province of Sorsogon.

Aside from the division’s success in combat operations, Robinson also cited the completion of some of the camp’s major facilities.

These include the 9ID Media Lounge and the 9ID covered Pistol Range. Harrison also mentioned the completion of the three major projects under the DND-DPWH Convergence Program dubbed as “Tatag ng Imprastraktura Para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad or TIKAS.

Under the TIKAS project, the 2-storey key NCP Barracks and concreting of the camp’s perimeter fence and main road were realized. These facilities were inaugurated on Sept. 24.

As part of its amenities, 9ID also offers its newly-developed deer farm and the Hinirang Park near the river inside the camp.

As of press time, 9ID is pursuing the construction of the new 9ID chapel, multi-purpose building, and additional TIKAS projects worth P200 million, which are scheduled to be built next year.

He also lauded his men for their assistance in ensuring the safety of Bicolanos by actively participating in the campaign to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“Aside from our internal and external security defense roles, all SPEAR troopers played a very important role in our ongoing battle against the unseen enemy, the Covid-19. Sa kabila ng panganib na dulot nitong pandemya ay hindi matatawaran ang patuloy na paglilingkod ng bawat isang Spear Troopers sa mga Bikolano,” Robinson said.

During the occasion, he also honored the soldiers who died and sacrificed their lives in the call of duty.

“Today, we also honor our fallen comrades, whose sacrifices became the bedrock of our resolve to uphold our continuing quest for lasting peace. Ang dugo at buhay na kanilang inalay ay patuloy na magbibigay ng inspirasyon sa aming mga Spear Troopers upang mas pagbutihin ang aming serbisyo sa mga mamamayan dito sa Bicolandia,” he said.