New Central Luzon Infantry Brigade assumes post

CALAANAN, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, March 8, 2012-The new top official of the 702^nd (Defender) Brigade, 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division (7ID), Philippine Army assumed his post last Monday replacing Col Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad Jr. who is transferring to the Army’s 1^st Infantry Division (1ID) in Western Mindanao as 1^st ID’s Assistant Division Commander.

Col Henry Sabarre, new brigade chief is now leading the unified armed forces command whose jurisdiction covers the Aurora, Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan.

Sabarre is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983.

“As I therefore take on the responsibility as Acting Commander of 702nd Infantry Brigade, I pledge myself to lead the troops of this brigade towards the furtherance of our campaign plan IPSP ‘Bayanihan’,” said Sabarre in his assumption speech, explaining he already chartered significant stride and considerable accomplishments under Col Trinidad.

“On Internal Security Operations (ISO), we have significantly reduced the remnants of various threat groups in our area of responsibility. Through our shared determination, hard work and team spirit, this brigade saw the successful handover of the Internal Security Operations responsibility of the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Aurora and Pangasinan to the local government units,” said Sabarre.

Under Col Trinidad, 702 Bde saw the much improved peace and security situation in 2010 which was highlighted by the declaration of an Insurgency-free Aurora Province on February 2010 and the Provinces of Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan on June 2010 and July 2010, respectively.

Bgen Alan R. Luga, Commander 7ID said that the clearing of the provinces in Central Luzon from insurgency can be credited by the help of local chief executives so that development can continue to come in.

In his speech during the turn over ceremonies, Trinidad said, “the big credit to this success should be given to the Local Chief Executives – our Provincial Governors, our Municipal Mayors and our Brgy Chairmen-for their leadership and good governance. Without their support and cooperation, we could have not been successful in our Bayanihan Programs.”

702nd (NOT 703) Brigade was where LtGen. Anthony Alcantara, now the Northern Luzon Commander and LtGen General Emmanuel Bautista, now the Commanding General of the Philippine Army had their stint as Brigade Commanders. (Jason de Asis)