GAMU, Isabela (PIA) - -As MGen Laurence Mina officialy retires today as the commander of the 5th Infantry Division (5ID), Philippine Army, his successor, BGen Audrey Pasia, has urged the remaining Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members to return to the folds of the law and end their futile, useless and misplaced ego.

In today’s change of command of the 5ID, BGen Pasia, incoming acting commander, said he will continue the legacy of MGen Mina in ending local armed communist conflict which for more than five decades has pulled our country down and caused untold misery and sufferings to the Filipino people.

“Even if it is just in an acting capacity, I’d like to assure every one present here today that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as well as the Philippine Army, and the people of Cordillera and Cagayan Valley, that the 5th Infantry Division and the entire Joint Task Force Tala will continue to pursue the remaining armed groups vigorously and without let up [which] will be our primary contribution to our Whole-Of-Nation Approach,” BGen Pasia said.

He said that together with the PNP and other members of the uniformed services, the 5ID will continue to neutralize the armed groups as he emphasized that without the firearms and armed groups, the CTGs will have no means to overthrow the government through armed struggle or revolution.

“To MGen Laurence Mina, thank you for sacrifices and your service here at 5ID which started from your lieutenant days up to present. Truly, your active military service as an army officer started and culminated here at the 5ID. You are a true blooded startrooper,” he said recognizing the huge contributions of MGen Mina in bringing 5ID to where it is now.

“The choice is yours but if you remain hard headed and ignore our plea, the 5ID will give you a good fight and life will be hard for you,” BGen Pasia added.

The acting commander recognized that in vigorously and relentlessly pursuing the armed group will not also be easy for them as life and blood may shed along the way. However, BGen Pasia, said that he won’t let these rebels put blood of our soldiers and innocent civillians in their hands.

“To everyone present here today, wherever side of the fence we are, we should all think that at the end of the day, it is the Filipinos killing the Filipinos while our external threats are laughing on us,” he said.

He urged all Startroopers to rally behind him as the 5ID destroys and finishes the remaining armed groups in its area of jurisdiction.

“Let’s continue working together, shoulder to shoulder, side by side and hand in hand. Under our Whole-Of-Nation Approach, we have done a lot in improving our security situation in this part of the country. Again, let’s continue our collaboration for the betterment of the lives of people,” the acting commander ended.

For his part, Chief of the Army, Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr., also extended his greetings to the acting commander of 5ID through Deputy Chief of the Army, Major General Camilo Ligayu

“To BGen Pasia, I am certain that you will steer 5ID towards heights given your strategic leadership which can be attested in your previous key designations,” said LtGen Brawner Jr.

LtGen Brawner urged all Strartroopers to give the same level of support to BGen Pasia as they have given to MGen Mina.

“Always be guided by the army’s core thrusts as stipulated in the acronym SERVE. And I would like to emphasize on excellence, so always give your best as you fulfill your respective duties to the nation. As one team army, we will collectively work towards providing a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life for all Filipinos as envisioned in Ambisyon 2040,” Lt. Gen Brawner added.

Pasia is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990. Immediately after graduation, he was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division as platoon leader. He also led the 10th Intelligence and Security Unit in Northern Mindanao, 9th Military Intelligence Battalion in Bicol Region, and 2nd Infantry Battalion in Albay.

Before he became the assistant division commander of 5ID, he served as commander of 702nd Infantry (Defender) Brigade with Areas of Responsibility in Region 1, Abra, and in the Municipality of Besao and Tadian, Mountain Province. (MDCT/PIA-2)