Relinquishment Remarks

LTC JOSE C FAUSTINO JR (GSC) PA

Outgoing Commander, 35th Infantry Battalion, 1ID, PA
Claro M Rector, Maigo, Lanao del Norte / 17 January 2009

Today marks another momentous occasion not only to me, but to the incoming Battalion
Commander, and the officers and men of 35th Infantry Battalion. This is both a
beginning and an end. Today marks the end of my stint as a Battalion Commander and
the beginning of new chapter in the lives of these remarkably courageous officers and
men under the new leadership of LT. COL BONGOLAN.

When I first took command of this unit, I knew that I am going to take the challenge of
leading one of the Army’s finest Battalions. This Battalion is no ordinary Battalion,
having been reborn in the battlefields of Sulu and raised by no less than COL ALAN
“COBRA” ARROJADO and COL PAUL “VIPER”LORENZO. This Battalion is no
stranger to combat, in fact, it lives by it. The unit is respected by civilians and by the
enemy as well. Back then, I felt that the unit had high expectations from me, and I was
up to the challenge.

The opportunities that had been handed to me these past two years had been numerous
and had taken in different forms – professional and personal. I learned two different and
interesting cultures, Tausug and Maranaw, that most of us take for granted. My tour of
duty here provided me with opportunities to learn that these cultures no matter how
different have the same thread with that of the mainstream culture that we are
accustomed to. These cultures are imbibed too with respect and love and just like the
culture we grew in, would like to live in peace. Living in these parts showed me how
tolerance and respect for each other are important fibers in the pursuit of peace. I
learned that these threads can lead to meaningful friendship. Living in these parts also
gave me an opportunity to learn more about myself, that my resolve to help find peace is
strong and unwavering. Peace is not just a duty or mission but more of a personal credo.

In the pursuit of this elusive peace, the challenges are staggeringly many. But these
challenges no, matter how many or how difficult have been somehow assuaged because
they were shared by the courageous men of 35th Infantry “Makamandag” Battalion. The
sacrifices and struggles that my officers and men had to go through became meaningful
because we are all in it not to wreak havoc or bring in the so-called “militarization”, but
to protect and to bring peace to the lives of our friends and brothers. I am deeply
privileged to have fight hand in hand with these truly honorably men. “I salute you for
your manifested commitment and bravery.”

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We have been together form Sulu to Lanao, from Marang to Camp Bilal, from Mt
Tumatangis to Mt Peoray. Despite the unforgiving weather and terrain and the heavily
entrenched enemies, we were able to press on and make the enemy retreat.

But we didn’t just do combat operations. We conducted as much civil-military

operations in our AO. We did our part in alleviating the socio-economic status of the
people of Lanao del Norte and Sulu, with the help of the LGUs, LGAs, NGOs and our
US counterparts. We have also proven that the best CMO is a disciplined soldier. For
that is the mark of a true Makamandag trooper, “mabait na kaibigan, mabangis na
kaaway!”

That is why, while today is a new beginning for me – a step forward in my carrier, I am
touched with sadness to part ways with these men. But I am comforted that I leave them
well equipped with skills to fight and carry on the struggle for the greater good of our
nation. LT COL BONGOLAN sir, I am proud to run over to you dedicated, well trained,
and highly motivated officers and men.

With this, I salute every Makamandag trooper for your gallantry, valor and steadfast
dedication in the performance of your duties. You have not failed the country. You are
all heroes. Our success is brought about by the cooperation of everyone in this unit.
From its mess stewards to the guards on post, from the rifleman to the 90RR gunners,
from the drivers to the supply sergeants, from the platoon leaders to the company
commanders to the battalion staff, each did his job well. The unit is gifted to have such
hardworking soldiers, exemplary NCOs, and competent officers. As your commander, I
could not ask for more. This is truly a unit every commander would wish he has.

In as much as I want to do some more, the time has come that I will now relinquish my
command of this unit. To all Makamandag troopers, carry on and keep up the good
work.

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!