Gamu, Isabela—A new Salaknib Battalion Commander is set to lead the fight against insurgency in the Area of Operation of 95th Infantry Battalion, as Salaknib Startroopers welcome their newly installed Commanding Officer on January 16 at 95IB Headquarters in San Mariano, Isabela.
Through the Change of Command ceremony that was presided over by MGen Laurence E. Mina PA, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, LTC Gladiuz C. Calilan INF (GSC) formally relinquished his command to LTC Lemuel A. Baduya (INF) PA.
LTC Calilan will sit as the Assistant Chief-of-Staff for Operations of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
LTC Baduya is the outgoing Deputy Chief of Operations Research Center of the Philippine Army. This is his first time to be assigned in Cagayan Valley Region.
In his junior years in the service, he was deployed in Mindanao Region for almost nine years and in the Visayas for almost four years before his deployment at National Capital Region. He held different vital designations that contributed to the success of the Philippine Army throughout.
LTC Baduya said that being chosen to lead the unit is a challenge and an opportunity for him to serve the people of Isabela. Brenda Jocson
“I commit myself by all means. I will ensure to work consistently in harmony with the troops and in collaboration with our stakeholders and other agencies to cultivate the value of peace, security, and development in the province of Isabela,” he said.
He warned the terrorist CPP-NPA not to do any harm to the people of Isabela because he is more determined in hunting them down. He then encouraged the remaining CPP-NPA members to yield in the government.
“To the NPAs, now is the time to return to the fold of the law. Being a member of a rebel group, you have no place in Isabela,” he said.
LTC Calilan effectively provided command and control to the unit and efficiently executed and supervised the implementation of the campaign against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Central and Northern Isabela.
His efforts together with his troops resulted in the clearing of 23 CTG affected barangays and dismantling of the Central Front Committee, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley. The unit also co-opted the CTG affected mass organizations particularly the Danggayan Dagiti Mannalon ti Isabela (DAGAMI).
During his stint, in their continuous conduct of Community Support Program and Focused Military Operations, 65 regular CPP-NPA members and 72 Militia ng Bayan members were neutralized, while three enemies were killed in combat operations and four enemy encampments were discovered.
One was the Regional NPA lair with more than 20 bunk houses. 53 high-powered and 24 low-powered firearms were also recovered.
The outgoing commander expressed his gratitude to the Salaknib Startroopers for their selfless efforts to attain the accomplishments of their unit.
MGen Mina recognized the success of LTC Calilan in leading the Salaknib Battalion. He then thanked the outgoing Battalion Commander in his effort in leading 95IB.
“Saksi ako sa kanyang dedikasyon sa trabaho noon pa man. To LTC Calilan, thank you to your rendered service as the Battalion Commander of 95IB. The significant and immeasurable development you did in your area contributed to the success of the Star Division in the fight against insurgency in the province of Isabela,”
Mina challenged the incoming Salaknib Commander to continue the legacy of the Battalion.
“It is quite challenging to take the responsibility as the newly installed Battalion Commander of this unit but, step up and accept the responsibility to do the things that must be done. With your skills, experience, and knowledge, I am confident that you can lead the Salaknib Startroopers and that this Battalion is in good hands.”