Lanao Norte Governor Praises Army Battalion

LANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines – Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo praised the Philippine Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion on its active role in promoting peace and reconciliation in the province.

“We are very happy with the performance of our military here in the province. They are not only our trusted peace keepers, but our reliable peace builders as well,” Dimaporo said during the battalion’s 8th anniversary celebration held at Camp Allere in the town of Salvador.

The 35th Infantry Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel Ferdinand Razalan covers 13 towns in Lanao del Norte - Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan, Tubod, Baroy, Lala, Kapatagan and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Tangkal, Magsaysay, Sapad, Nunungan and Salvador. And it has been able to maximize the impact of its civil-military initiatives which have consequently isolated the threat groups in the towns and further improve the security situation of the province.

Razalan has been largely credited for implementing the so-called Community Organizing for Development thru Empowerment (CODE) concept.

Prior to the anniversary culmination program, several activities have been launched with the support of the local government units, line government agencies, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. These activities include blood-drive, medical civic action programs in Nunungan and Magsaysay towns; squad challenge, and an inter-company basketball tournament.

“The evolving role of the soldier reflects his dynamic response to the subtle mutations of his adversary. The colorful history of the Makamandag Battalion is testament to this evolution. And the peace and security that our people now enjoy are the sweet fruits of the heroic of the 35th Infantry Battalion,” Dimaporo said.

Present also during the culmination program were the Provincial Legal Officer Jonathan Puno and Major General Romeo Lustestica, commander of the 1st Infantry Division. (With a report from Becky de Asis)