TANJAY CITY, Negros Oriental, April 13 (PIA) -- The 302nd Infantry Brigade (302IB) of the Philippine Army has recognized their partner-stakeholders for their support and contributions in pursuing peace and development in the province.

Philippine Army Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña led the giving of plaques of recognition to partner-stakeholders including the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here during a fellowship and thanksgiving dinner at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City.

Peña expressed his gratitude to the constant support by partner agencies and civil society groups to the brigade that has significantly helped address some of the Army's several challenges.

In his two years and six months assignment as brigade commander, Peña recalled some challenges he faced, which include Typhoon Odette, the massacre in Pamplona where Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others were killed, and the fight against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The Degamo killing was the biggest snag to strike, “but by God’s grace the command was able to crack down or arrest the suspects within seven hours and cases are filed against them, and the recovery of firearms, explosives and ammunition,” said Peña.

The army official, however, also cited the gains in the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach through the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC).

He emphasized the participation of hinterland communities in the fight against the communist insurgency, but the low-land residents have to do their part to be totally successful in the efforts so that everyone would benefit and enjoy peace in the province.

The outgoing brigade commander also thanked the partner-stakeholders for their unwavering support to the peace and development campaign which brought pride to the command

Peña will soon be transferred to the 3rd Infantry Division in Jamindan, Capiz, as deputy division commander. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)