Commander's 9th Army Sultan Brigade Anniversary Message

Message During the 9 Founding Brigade Anniversary of COL BENITO T DE LEON (GSC) PA Commander, 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade, 1ID, PA 26 October 2009 th

Amenities… It is an honor to stand before you today as the Commander of 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade and celebrate this unit’s 9th Founding Anniversary. It is a privilege to be with the esteemed and well-meaning leaders of the different sectors from across our assigned area of responsibility—the Province of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City. And we thank the Almighty and all His blessings for this wonderful day. A year ago, Sultan Brigade commemorated its 8th Founding Anniversary. It was the first to be held by this brigade in mainland Mindanao having been just deployed in Lanao del Norte after its previous assignment in the Island Province of Jolo since 2000 to early 2008. However, the prevailing conditions last year were not the same as what we enjoy today. In the wake of the August 2008 atrocities and the ensuing intensive military operations, the anniversary celebration then was held in a hinterland outpost amid austere conditions with just our own soldiers—without guests—gathered for the occasion. The struggles and challenges the brigade faced at that time were ranging from hopelessness, desperation, resignation, and even indifference of the very own people we were tasked to protect. Rightfully or wrongfully, these sentiments were from their past experiences of mistreatment or plain thoughtlessness by the military. Despite these, our units and soldiers persevered to perform their tasks with the intent on showing and proving to the people that we, the Army, have changed or are transforming towards professionalization. Thus, with the help of interested and caring organizations in the civic sector, the communities eventually responded positively and we now reap the fruits of our collective labor—an improved peaceful condition. So for this year, favorable peaceful conditions would allow the holding of a celebration here at our main headquarters; and, the opportunity to open up and become more transparent to the public by way of a camp exhibit to explain our roles and showcase our accomplishments. The improved atmosphere permits us to socialize with several personalities notably from the civil sector to relish our achievements. Some of whom we honor today for helping us attain our

tasks in speedily restoring peace and normal conditions in the area. Largely, our successes are attributed to the partnership and collaborative effort with the different sectors in society. Partnerships, which I would say, that have in turn created friendships that made possible the colorful pageantry and the bounty which we now share at the moment. Our successes including today’s celebration can only be possible with their sincere and wholehearted support to our activities. Hence, may I now take this occasion to thank our guests and friends for the honor of their presence; also, to all my officers and soldiers for their loyal commitment to pursue our mandated tasks. My special mention of thanks goes to Ms. Norcaya Maquiling and Jeffrey Galvez representing the many others who in several ways gave their time and sincere support to the many activities of the brigade. To all of you, your support will surely add more inspiration to carry our tasks with more vigor. We're never going to forget that despite the challenges we shall face, there is always hope— there is always light when we partner ourselves or when we can come together as one people united in the pursuit of our goals. Goals that no matter how simple as may be demonstrated in the collective open exhibits we showed to the people or in the development of the Pagari Park. This partnership is our aspiration summarized in this year’s theme —“104th Brigade: Kaagapay ng Mamamayan sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.” This theme tells how we did what we have done for the past year; it also proclaims our continuing commitment to partner with the citizens in pursuing our common aspirations of peace and progress. The soldiers under this brigade as part of Team Army shall always be proud to pursue the Philippine Army’s vision towards professionalism and responsiveness to better serve the people whom we were mandated to serve. Thus, we will always live up to the Army’s slogan of being “at your service across the land.” To my fellow Sultan Troopers, my warmest greetings and congratulations on our 9th Founding Anniversary. Mabuhay tayong lahat. Wassalam.