Military peacebuilder celebrates 42nd founding anniversary

Military peacebuilder celebrates 42nd founding anniversary

by Malyne Gungob

Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte (November 3, 2015) – it was the 42^nd Founding Anniversary of the 15^th Infantry Battalion, successfully conducted at Bagumbayan, Kausawagan, Lanao del Norte, headed by Lt. Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, Battalion Commander.

At the stage seated at left is Maj. Gen. Guerrero, seated at right is
lanao del Norte Vice Gov. Atay. 

The event was attended by officers and men of the Arm Forces of the Philippines, stakeholders, different sectors of society, local chief executive of Local Government Unit of Lanao del Norte, Academe, Religious sector, Youth, Media, with the presence of the provincial Governor Mohammad Khalid Q. Dimaporo and Vice Governor Christine Navarro Atay.

The Theme of the event in Tagalog was “Apat napu’t Dalawang Taon na Paglilingkod sa Sambayanang Pilipino tungo sa Kapyapaan at Kaunlaran”.

Lt. Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, delivered a welcome message

Lt. Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero on his welcome message said he is very thankful to all visitors, partners and Friends who were supporting the activities of the 15^th Infantry battalion. It was two (2) years ago that the 15^th IB preserved peace and order in Lanao del Norte, through helping, protecting and serving the people. He is hoping that 15^th IB will continue to help each other in the spirit of Bayanihan through coordination, collaboration, partnership and cooperation for the common good in order to achieve peace and order and long lasting peace in Lanao del Norte.

Col. Gilbert Gapay and other military officials listened to the
message of Maj. Gen. Guerrero.

On the other hand, Guest Speaker Major General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, Commander 3^rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, on his message said “it is the opportunity to look back, assess and evaluate the performance during the past years.” Guerrero said it included in the program by reading the unit history which expanded 42 years of existence. The Battalion has transition over the years moving from place to another from Visayas, Luzon and Mindanao, back and forth. He said critical component is very important hinder in the area of responsibility. The Battalion tries to recall the accomplishments in the past years and it is truly we can see that today it has much improvements initiated by the 15^th Infantry Battalion not just the peace and order but it included the men in uniform the Philippine Army will assimilated into the society. With the stakeholders the relationship of Military and Police in Lanao del Norte is very dynamic by playing the important rules when it comes in maintaining peace and order but also promoting development under the stewardship of Hon. Governor Mohammad Khalid Q. Dimaporo.

LGU officials were invited to witness the event.

Guerrero said over the years the collaboration, coordination and cooperation has bloomed into a healthy relation in the community, until now peace and progress is now truly felt even the marginalized sector was truly growth development has become inclusive in the area and it can attribute to the able leadership not only the Military but also to the help of each one another. Moreover, with the cooperation, collaboration we can see now the beauty and peaceful environment and hoping that this will continue to pursue for the future generation, the children, the grand children and most importantly the community itself. He added this is a day of recognition, a day of commemoration, a day of thanks giving, not only for the peace but also the understanding, patience of the people of Lanao del Norte.

Media group covered the event.

On the other hand, Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, Brigade Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade said that whenever there is anniversary of the military units will have its important significance such as the 42^nd anniversary celebration of the 15^th Infantry Battalion. He said that this is the time of thanksgiving, recognition and planning ahead. He said that the 15^th IB is Active in peace advocacy and peacebuilding activities such as the Youth leadership summit held recently was a very important and successful activity to capacitate the youth and maintain peace and order in the area.  Gapay extended his thanks to the different stakeholders as partners in peace, the LGUs, NGOs, CSOs, media, academe, religious, youth, civic organizations and other sectors. He said planning ahead for the following year will make them (15^th IB) more stronger to maintain the peace and order in the area. With reports, videos & photos from Jun Enriquez.