CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao–Lanao del Sur’s newly-installed Army battalion commander vowed Wednesday to make conflict-affected coastal communities in the province peaceful through the military’s approach of maintaining law and order.
Lt. Col. Clairemont Pinpin made the assurance after Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th Infantry Division (ID) commander, installed him as new head of the 6th Infantry “Redskin” Battalion (IB) based in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
Pinpin, who replaced Lt. Col. Ruben Aquino, is former executive officer of the 602nd Infantry “Liberator” Brigade based in North Cotabato.
“To the personnel of the battalion, I would like to muster your support and cooperation,” he said. “I may not be a perfect leader but my sincerity and honest commitment to serve in this capacity rest my unbending commitment to the military service.”
Pinpin also assured residents of the coastal towns of Malabang, Balabagan, Kapatagan, Picong, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, all in Lanao Sur, that he would help bring peace and prosperity to the area.
“To the residents of Lanao del Sur, as your new (Army) commander, I will be humble and gentle in success, not to substitute words for actions. I will not seek the path of comfort but will face the stress, difficulties and challenges head-on,” he said.
Speaking after the ceremony, Sobejana reminded Pinpin that “nothing in this world is permanent, as you have witnessed a while ago, there was a change of command that is only permanent in this world.”
Sobejana, a veteran Mindanao military officer, also praised the 6th IB, describing it as a “remarkable unit” that has “proven its work in the past several years. It has brought the 6th ID to fame and glory.”
He also congratulated Aquino “for a job well done in maintaining law and order” in the aftermath of the Marawi siege last year, noting that the 6th IB’s area of responsibility is proximate to the city. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
