• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As he ended his tour of duty as commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion on June 23, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, reported that they were able to neutralize 40 New People’s Army rebels in northern Negros, over a two year period.
The neutralized rebels were either killed in gun battles or surrendered, according to the Philippine Army.
Calaoagan also said the 79IB, under his leadership, facilitated the enrollment of 88 former rebels to the government amnesty program.
In the same period, no 79IB soldier died in gun battles, he added.
The 79IB was instrumental in the dismantling of Northern Negros Front, whose remnants are now sowing fear among residents in northern Negros with a series of liquidation activities, victimizing innocent civilians that they allege as military informants.
Calaoagan said the rebel remnants are trying to project that they are still a force to be reckoned with, by terrorizing the people.
Rebel remnants have owned up to six summary executions of civilians in Toboso, Calatrava, Cadiz City, E.B. Magalona and Victorias City over the past several months.
On June 23, Calaoagan relinquished his position as 79IB commander to Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, in a ceremony held in Barangay Bato, Sagay City.
He will occupy the position vacated by Alfonso as the Assistant chief of staff for Education and Training of 3ID at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
Calaoagan thanked local government officials and the people of northern Negros for their all-out support to his activities in preserving the peace and order.
In his acceptance speech during the turnover of command rites, Alfonso said he will push forward the mission of peace and progress in northern Negros.
My vision is to transform the 79IB into a highly disciplined, combat ready, people-centered unit that is trusted by stakeholders, feared by enemies and respected by the communities we serve, he added.*
