Message

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During the 9 Founding Brigade Anniversary
of COL BENITO T DE LEON (GSC) PA
Commander, 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade, 1ID, PA
26 October 2009

Amenities…

It is an honor to stand before you today as the Commander of 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade
and celebrate this unit’s 9th Founding Anniversary. It is a privilege to be with the esteemed
and well-meaning leaders of the different sectors from across our assigned area of
responsibility—the Province of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City. And we thank the Almighty
and all His blessings for this wonderful day.

A year ago, Sultan Brigade commemorated its 8th Founding Anniversary. It was the first to
be held by this brigade in mainland Mindanao having been just deployed in Lanao del Norte
after its previous assignment in the Island Province of Jolo since 2000 to early 2008.
However, the prevailing conditions last year were not the same as what we enjoy today. In
the wake of the August 2008 atrocities and the ensuing intensive military operations, the
anniversary celebration then was held in a hinterland outpost amid austere conditions with
just our own soldiers—without guests—gathered for the occasion.

The struggles and challenges the brigade faced at that time were ranging from hopelessness,
desperation, resignation, and even indifference of the very own people we were tasked to
protect. Rightfully or wrongfully, these sentiments were from their past experiences of
mistreatment or plain thoughtlessness by the military. Despite these, our units and soldiers
persevered to perform their tasks with the intent on showing and proving to the people that
we, the Army, have changed or are transforming towards professionalization. Thus, with the
help of interested and caring organizations in the civic sector, the communities eventually
responded positively and we now reap the fruits of our collective labor—an improved
peaceful condition.

So for this year, favorable peaceful conditions would allow the holding of a celebration here
at our main headquarters; and, the opportunity to open up and become more transparent to the
public by way of a camp exhibit to explain our roles and showcase our accomplishments. The
improved atmosphere permits us to socialize with several personalities notably from the civil
sector to relish our achievements. Some of whom we honor today for helping us attain our
tasks in speedily restoring peace and normal conditions in the area. Largely, our successes are
attributed to the partnership and collaborative effort with the different sectors in society.
Partnerships, which I would say, that have in turn created friendships that made possible the
colorful pageantry and the bounty which we now share at the moment. Our successes
including today’s celebration can only be possible with their sincere and wholehearted
support to our activities.

Hence, may I now take this occasion to thank our guests and friends for the honor of their
presence; also, to all my officers and soldiers for their loyal commitment to pursue our
mandated tasks. My special mention of thanks goes to Ms. Norcaya Maquiling and Jeffrey
Galvez representing the many others who in several ways gave their time and sincere support
to the many activities of the brigade. To all of you, your support will surely add more
inspiration to carry our tasks with more vigor.

We're never going to forget that despite the challenges we shall face, there is always hope—
there is always light when we partner ourselves or when we can come together as one people
united in the pursuit of our goals. Goals that no matter how simple as may be demonstrated in
the collective open exhibits we showed to the people or in the development of the Pagari
Park. This partnership is our aspiration summarized in this year’s theme —“104th Brigade:
Kaagapay ng Mamamayan sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.” This theme tells how we did what
we have done for the past year; it also proclaims our continuing commitment to partner with
the citizens in pursuing our common aspirations of peace and progress.

The soldiers under this brigade as part of Team Army shall always be proud to pursue the
Philippine Army’s vision towards professionalism and responsiveness to better serve the
people whom we were mandated to serve. Thus, we will always live up to the Army’s slogan
of being “at your service across the land.”

To my fellow Sultan Troopers, my warmest greetings and congratulations on our 9th

Founding Anniversary. Mabuhay tayong lahat. Wassalam.