MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- The 103rd "Haribon" Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army commemorated its 50th founding anniversary on Friday, April 5, highlighting its achievements in combating insurgency and terrorism over the past years.

With the theme "HARIBON: Soaring High @ 50," the celebration spotlighted the brigade's victories against Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) Maute Group and the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), resulting in reductions in the strength and arsenal of these threat groups.

BGen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., the brigade's commander, also articulated the impact of its civil-military operations, which have been instrumental in nurturing peace and fostering community support. 

"Our civil-military operations complement our combat efforts through modified CSP-PCRVE, YLS, and youth symposia, facilitating 'rido' settlement of the local peace mechanisms, and sustainment of peace-building efforts with the MILF to include the MILF Transformation Program and the RISE Madrasa Program dubbed as "Lapis, Hindi Bala," he said.

Barroquillo also underscored the brigade's involvement in implementing the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), constructing a Halfway House in the province, establishing a livelihood cooperative for former rebels and violent extremists, and assisting in the reconstruction and recovery efforts in Marawi City.

The celebration also showcased the commendation of Haribon troopers who exhibited dedication and took the extra mile in performing their duties, alongside civilian stakeholders who contributed to maintaining peace and security across the brigade's jurisdiction.

Awards and citations were conferred by Barroquillo and MGen. Gabriel C. Viray III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, who lauded the 103rd Brigade for its role in combating terrorism and insurgency, including the neutralization of key figures within the DI-Maute and CTG's Sub-Regional Committee 5.

"Your resilience in fighting terrorism and insurgency speaks volumes about your effective efforts in deterring the lawless element of the Dawlah Islamiyah Maute Group and the CTG, specifically the SRC5, for conducting terroristic activities in your area of operations. Noteworthy were your efforts in the neutralization of Abu Zacharia, the Amir of DI Maute, as well as a.k.a. Engineer, the head or the one responsible for MSU bombing," he said.

Expressing confidence in the Haribon troopers' commitment to safeguarding communities in Lanao del Sur and upholding peace and stability, Viray urged the soldiers to uphold the noble ideals that have guided them and to continue serving with distinction as Tabak Troopers, ensuring the nation's protection and defense.

Looking ahead, Barroquillo urged his brigade troopers to maintain excellence and professionalism in their duties, emphasizing the importance of sustaining achievements and intensifying efforts to eradicate insurgency within their area of responsibility.

"Let us continue to perform according to the brigade's standard of excellence and professionalism as we vigorously implement the campaign of the Western Mindanao Command and the Joint Task Force of ZAMPELAN in our area of responsibility to finish the insurgency by this year. Through these, we can keep substance to our theme, Haribon: Soaring High @50," he added.(APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)