BY JESSIE P. MONGCAL, MDN News Bureau
LAMITAN, Basilan – Newly installed Commanding Officer LTC Mark Serapion L.Lagud of the 18th Infantry Battalion based in this province has vowed to continue the leadership of the past administration.
Lagud, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2003, has succeeded Lieutenant Colonel Cyril Santander.
Lagud said the past leadership in Basilan has succeeded in controlling the movements of lawless elements and the peace-keeping mission is also very successful as compared in the past decades, where the province was in chaos.
“Wala naman pong pinagbago dahil ipagpatuloy lang natin ang dating ginawa nila sa pagpanatili ng kapayapaan ng Basilan. At yung terorista ay hindi makagawa ng karahasan,” the new battalion commander explained.
He said the situation in Basilan nowadays is very manageable since the most notorious sub-leader from the Abu Sayyaf Group was already arrested last December in Basilan.
During the turn over of command, Major General Gabriel Viray, III, the commander of 1st Infantry Division (1ID), led the change of command ceremony at the headquarters of the 18th Infantry Battalion (18IB) in Campo Uno village, Lamitan City, Basilan on Wednesday, April 10.
The 1ID has also expressed gratitude to Santander by presenting him with a plaque of appreciation, signifying his strong bond with local authorities and the community within the battalion’s jurisdiction.
