78th IB get early Christmas gifts

CEBU, Philippines - It was an early Christmas for personnel of the 78th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army who received gifts from Maj. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division.

Apart from the awards, the 78th IB received P75,000 cash, 50 waterproof belt bags and a videoke set from Tabaquero who visited their headquarters and attended their Christmas party in barangay Nangka, Balamban town, last Thursday.

Tabaquero is the commanding general of the 8th ID, Philippine Army based in Camp Vicente Lukban in barangay Maulong, Catbalogan, Eastern Samar.

More than 30 men from the 78th IB were also given medals as rewards for contributing to the accomplishment of the battalion especially in keeping Cebu insurgency-free.

First lieutenants Romelo Tagabuan, Walter Tacardon, and Roy Dalumpines received the military merit medal while the rest of the awardees received the military commendation medal.

Tabaquero, in his speech during the short program, said he visited the men in the 78th IB headquarters headed by Lt. Col. Raymundo Bañares to personally thank the team of their accomplishments for this year.

“Napakaganda ng ipinakita nilang performance sa kanilang mga duties and responsibilities. They consistently perform their job very well,” Tabaquero commended.

With all the commendations bestowed on the battalion, Tabaquero still reminded Bañares and his men not to lower their guards against rebels especially as the New People’s Army will be celebrating their anniversary on Dec. 26.

“Do not be complacent. Stay on guard always and do not lower your punches. Kailangan palagi tayong naka-ready. Huwag nating hayaan na ang 78th IB ang maging example sa mga hindi kanais-nais na gagawin ng kalaban,” Tabaquero said.

The commanding general also told the 78th IB to be disciplined, saying that the citizens look up to them because of their discipline as well.

He also reminded the army’s role on next year’s polls to, as usual, not take sides in politics. — Niña G. Sumacot/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)