Daredevils observe human rights – Gen Lustestica says

Pagadian City- Maj. General Romeo D. Lustestica, Commanding General of the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army gave marching orders to ‘daredevil’ troopers of the 32^nd INF battalion to show great courage and observe human rights in dealing with their enemies on the ground

In a send off ceremony at the wharf area here, Lustestica ordered the 24 officers and 280 members of the 32^nd Infantry Battalion in full battle gears as they were assigned to Basilan as aupport battalion to the latest campaign against the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) were 23 Philippine Marines was killed.

The ‘daredevil’ troopers based in Salvador, Lanao del Norte who are determined to battle terrorism and insurgency, were ordered by the AFP Chief of Staff Victor S. Ibrado to augment the forces of the 1^st Marine Brigade in Basilan province engaged in a fiery battle against Abu Sayyaf Group over the weekend.

The 32^nd battalion covers municipalities of Baroy, Kapatagan , Lala, Magsaysay, Salvador , Sapad, Sultan Naga Dimpaoro, and Tangkal.

“I encourage you to show your bravery and strictly observe human rights,” Lustestica said.

He said that some of their enemies are treating their comrades cruelly and violently in the battle field, but he however instructed them to be gentlemen.

“ Even in war fighting, we should continue to become gentlemen and honorable men in our fight against the enemies,” Lustestica added.

The Tabak chief said, the AFP strictly adheres to the implementation of the suspension of military operation (SOMO) against the MILF as well as the so-called suspension of military action (SOMA).

The general explained that even with the observance of the SOMO, he does not want that they will be like “sitting ducks” , the target of their enemies.

“We should continue to be in active defense posture, defend ourselves from the attack of ASG and MILF,” Lustestica stressed.

Lustestica, however, instructed the troopers to observe and support the peace process, saying that by doing so, the stalled formal peace negotiations between the Philippine government and MILF will continue to prosper.

The troops left Pagadian City and boarded to Philippine Navy transport ships – the Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) 291 Subanon and BRP 293 Bagobo. (PIA9-Pagadian City)

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
CALL OR TEXT ME : 0929-589-6390
OR E-MAIL ME : pjtremedal@gmail.com
visit my website: www.pag-enews.tk