Masigasig troopers welcome promotion of enlisted personnel

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Nov. 5 -- The men and women of 23rd Infantry "Masigasig" Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army welcomed the promotion of 37 enlisted personnel during the pinning of rank activity held recently at the battalion's headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, this town.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the acting battalion commander, spearheaded the donning of ranks among the newly-promoted troopers.

The activity was successfully done despite the threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has already affected the town of Buenavista and other parts of the province of Agusan del Norte.

In his message, Paulo congratulated the newly-promoted personnel as he emphasized that promotion is a recognition of an Enlisted Personnel potential to perform credibly and effeciently to various tasks to the next higher grade, it is an advancement in rank and responsibility as well as an acknowledgement of the soldier's exceptional skills and core competencies.

"These promotions signify the dedication of the 23rd IB troopers to their sacred duty and in the excellent performance of their tasks to ensure the security of the people and community that we serve in our areas of responsibility," Paulo said.

He added that the 23rd IB has been lauded for complying with its mission of eradicating terrorism and its influence among the youth and the ordinary civilians especially in the remote areas of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental.

"Promotion to the next higher rank also means greater responsibilities and accountability. This insignia is placed near your heart in order for you to always remember to love your job, be faithful in serving the people, and securing the land with dignity," Paulo said.

He also urged the 23rd IB troopers to always put on their hearts and minds that they are called to serve the Filipino people unconditionally.

"You all deserve to be promoted to the next higher rank," Paulo said.

He also expressed gratitude to the troopers for their continued support to his leadership and vowed to do his best in leading the Masigasig troopers to more successful operations to clear its AORs from the influence of the Communist New People's Army Terrorists (CNTs).

"Together, we can achieve our goals and objectives. We are strong because we rely on each other's support and the determinations that we share in carrying on with our mission," Paulo said. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)