Camp Melchor dela Cruz, Gamu, Isabela – Lt. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., the Philippine Army’s newly installed Commanding General, was the Guest of Honor during the recent 40th Founding Anniversary of the 5th Infantry Division here.
The event carried the theme “Enhancing Capabilities and Innovating Practices to Maintain the Advantage Against Threats to People's Well-being and Community Tranquility.”
Faustino lauded the Division’s gains in eliminating Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG) in Northern Luzon. The general cited the successful eradication of the Communist Party of the Philippines-Far North Regional Party Committee in the North Luzon Commission. Apart from its area of operation, the 5th ID “has involved themselves in fighting insurgency across the country, especially in Mindanao,” Faustino stressed.
He expressed appreciation to the 100,00 strong troopers of the Philippine Army nationwide for contributing to making the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the most trusted government agency in the country. Faustino thanked the local government units and stakeholders for their backing to the agency to be recognized.
Meanwhile, 5th ID Commanding General Brig. Gen. Laurence E. Mina said: “This celebration serves as a reiteration of 5ID’s sincere commitment to serve and as a solicitation of your staunch support in reaching our common goals and shared values.”
“We, your Star troopers, will be your reliable partner in this endeavor,” Mina added. Faustino spent years fighting insurgents in Mindanao. In 1990, he led the 501st Infantry Brigade of the 5th ID, which he brought to Northern Mindanao with another battalion now under the 11th Infantry Division.
Faustino emphasized the Army’s role as the major force provider in the country’s fight against insurgency even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am giving the assurance to sustain the command’s high efficiency and commitment to the people. The general headquarters will be here for your unceasing campaign against insurgency and for the protection of each member of the infantry division,” Faustino disclosed in his speech.