4ID chief calls for sobriety over SC freeze order on homeland pact
Cagayan de Oro City (6 August) -- Maj. Gen. Ricardo A. David, Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, has called on the stakeholders of the peace process to remain calm and reasonable while allowing the peace mechanisms to work and resolve contentious issues.
David sounded the call following the Supreme Court's issuance of the temporary restraining order (TRO) on the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on ancestral domain between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
"However, we are prepared to respond to any eventuality that may happen within our area of responsibility (AOR) as a consequence of the TRO and we have troops to be committed when the need arises. But in all our actions, we will continue to uphold the primacy of the peace process," he assured.
David, who got recently promoted to his present rank, said they are closely monitoring the developments, planning contingencies and appropriately taking action to ensure that the law prevails and peace reigns in the region.
"Our mission is to have a secured environment conducive to development in this part of the country and we will never fail to protect our people," David again assured.
Included in the 4ID AOR are the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin and Misamis Oriental in Region 10, both Agusan and Surigao provinces including Dinagat in Caraga, Region 13, as well as Wao and Bumbaran towns of Lanao del Sur in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Meanwhile, the 3-day CG 4ID Golf Cup Tournament: "Alay sa Bayaning Kawal!" will be held on Aug. 8-10, 2008 to raise funds for the battle casualties of 4ID who offered their lives in the service of the country.
Maj. Michele B. Anayron, 4ID Public Affairs Office Chief, said proceeds of the tournament will benefit of the immediate families of the late Cpl. Jaire Jajuri, Pfc Adzmir Alpha, Pfc Ruel Traquena and Pfc Aldrin Gonzales.
Spearheaded by MGen. David and the Camp Evangelista Golf Club, the project will also benefit 20 other personnel who were wounded in action in various encounters with the New People's Army since January this year, wherein 4ID troops overran at least four (4) NPA camps including the Headquarters of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in Quezon, Bukidnon last month.
Registration fee is Php1,000 to cover tournament fee of Php800 and Mulligan fee of Php200 for two (2) days to play while the Hole-in-One Prize of P25,000 will be sponsored by Peter Unabia of Misamis Oriental, Anayron added. (PIA 10) [top]