MESSAGE OF CG, 1ID, PANEW YEAR’S CALL20 JANUARY 2009

The military is very rich in custom and tradition,

which makes us unique and distinct from other sector of

society. New Year’s call is a tradition that we in the

armed forces never fail to celebrate. We start the year

right by this gathering. An opportunity to once again

renew and rekindle our friendship; see old faces,

exchanging views and updates particularly of what we

have accomplished for the past year.

Last year I could still vividly recall delivering a

message for the traditional New Year’s call; announcing

our accomplishment for 2007 and our optimism for 2008.

Once again I am very much elated to announce that

we have accomplished a lot, achieving our mission for

2008 particularly in our efforts against the communist

terrorists. However, it is sad to note that we have lost a

number of our comrades in containing the lawless MILF

group in the Lanao Provinces.

Generally, we are on the right track in complying

with higher headquarters goal of neutralizing Bravo and

Pangalian. On the whole, we have generally maintained

peace and order in our area of responsibility.

The driving force that has steered the command to

successfully achieve its assigned multifarious tasks can

be attributed to the leaders at various levels of

command. Your leadership played a crucial role in the

organization by providing direction and motivation for the

soldiers to carry out their duties with sincerity and

dedication to accomplish our mission.

Let us not also forget the significant contributions

made by our soldiers, our civilian employees, our medical

and legal retainers and other agencies of government.

Your dedications in your work indeed significantly helped

in the accomplishment of our mission.

Before I end this message let us pause in a minute of

silence to say our prayer to our fallen comrades who have

dedicated their precious life in defending our nation.

Once again, I wish you and your respective families

peace, joy, good health and prosperity for 2009.

I salute you all. Keep up the good work.

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat at mabuhay

tayong lahat.