DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Lt. Col. Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, the former commander of the Civil Military Operations Command of the 10th Infantry Division swore in as the new chief of the 67th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Obligado replaced Lt. Col. Michele Anayron on Friday, Jan. 27 in a ceremony held at the Battalion’s headquarters in Barangay Salingcomot in Baganga town Davao Oriental Province.
The 67th IB’s areas of responsibility are in Davao Oriental’s first district and three other municipalities at the province’s boundaries: Lingig, Surigao del Sur; Trento, Agusan del Sur; and Compostela, Compostela Valley Province.
In his speech, Obligado said he will take off from the army’s new strategies for its Security Plan Kapayapaan. Obligado said the Army’s advocacies will include the respect for human rights, the international humanitarian law and the rule of law.
“Our first imperative is our commitment that soldiers are duty-bound to serve the community’s rights and the laws of the land. It is our responsibility to fulfill these obligations,” he said.
Obligado emphasized the role of the public to respecting the rule of law and active participation in the peace efforts.
“A good citizen will always abide by the laws of the land and will not be a headache to the government and community,” he said, adding that the Army “cannot perform our tasks and accomplish our mission without the community’s involvement and participation.”
10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Rafael C. Valencia who presided the turnover ceremony said he is confident with Obligado’s capacity.
“In the implementation of the AFP’s new campaign, I am fully assured that Jake’s ingenuity, initiative, vast experiences and charisma, shall be again of great help in working with other peace and security stakeholders towards meeting these ends,” Valencia said.
The Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan replaced the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan. The Security Plan Kapayapaan aims to sustain the peace and internal stability of the country “through sustained military operations to defeat terrorist, support to law enforcement in the campaign against illegal drugs and organized crimes, and actively contribute to peace promotion and nation-building.”
First District Rep. Corazon Malanyaon of Davao Oriental committed her support to the Philippine Army in ensuring the security and welfare of the province. (davaotoday.com)
