CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division (4ID) marked another milestone in its history as it celebrated its week-long 53rd Founding Anniversary with the theme, "Sustaining Excellence, Strengthening Partnership," to commemorate its valiant history, partners, and victories towards an inclusive, secure, and peaceful Northern Mindanao at Camp Evangelista, Patag, February 3.

"As we celebrate our 53rd anniversary, it is but fitting that we will renew our commitment with the same vigor and enthusiasm in order to facilitate the final push towards complete victory so that our desire for a lasting peace can finally be achieved," 4ID Commander Wilbur C. Mamawag said.

Covering a vast area in northern Mindanao and the Caraga region, the 4ID experienced a banner year in 2022 after having registered 124 encounters, 225 surrenderers, 19 captured, 52 killed, recovered 339 firearms, and cleared five guerilla fronts.

Mamawag said its string of wins was due to its strong partnerships with other national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and other public and private stakeholders. These partnerships helped far-flung communities with anti-poverty and anti-insurgency programs before, during, and after they were finished.

The special guest speaker, Philippine Army (PA) Commanding General Romeo S. Brawner, who was once in charge of the 4ID, praised the division for its successes and smart campaign in line with former President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order (EO)-70, or the whole-of-nation approach, to end local communist armed conflict.

"In the 53 years of glorious accomplishments, the awards we have received are merely a manifestation of the outstanding performance of the members, officers, and civilian human resources of the 4th Infantry Division," Brawner said. (VPSB/PIA-10)