Relinquishment Speech - LTC Edgardo De Leon

 

Continuing My Watch, From A Distance

Relinquishment Speech of LTC Edgardo De Leon Infantry (GSC) PA

Tampuan Brgy Kamanga, Maasim, Saranggani Province

30 September 2010

Yesterday, as I took the chance of sharing a ride with Vice Governor Steve to attend the RPOC meeting in Koronadal, suddenly Gov Migs called, I thought he is to give us pointers for the meeting, yun pala only to give me a warning “hwag kang umiyak bukas ha!” I laughed to the surprise of the Vice Gov, then I replied “No Sir”. Well, I’ll try to comply sir. But I wont bet.

Last night, as I sat down my desk and prepare my reliquishment speech, I was staring for so long on my laptop, I dont know really how to start. I’ve drafted speeches for my former bosses, pero mahirap pala kapag sariling speech mo na ang isusulat mo, lalo pa may warning na hwag iiyak.

Blank stare for almost half an hour, then I thought of searching my files of my assumption speech so I could exactly quote the words I said when I set my vision, exactly 2 years and 25 days ago.

In my assumption speech I have envisioned for “73rd IB to remain as a highly disciplined unit that continually accomplishes its mission, with the highest degree of excellence”. Sa disiplina, binanggit ko na “ang bawat sundalo ng 73rd ay dapat manatiling ehemplo at modelo ng disiplina, hindi lamang modelo ng kapwa sundalo, kundi modelo ng mamamayan, lalo na ng mga kabataan. Kaya kung nandito kayo nung aming Anniversary last July 16, ang aming tema ay “Tropang 73rd: Huwaran ng Mamamayan sa Disiplina at Pagkamakabayan”. On mission accomplishment, I mentioned that I will not fail  my superiors and the people of Sarangani, on their countless expectations on what we can offer in the name of peace and development.” I said that in the midst of an ongoing combat operations, in the midst of hundreds of frighthened and exhausted evacuees lining up the roads of Maasim.

Now as I am about to relinquish command of this Battalion, I asked myself, “have I accomplished the goals I’ve set?” The judgment is yours. Your silence would mean I did not, but your applause would mean did! (Audience responded with big round of applause)

Maraming Salamat po. (Kinabahan ako dun, akala ko walang mag react)

Thank you for the positive response. But I would like to acknowledge the fact that the goals I have set will not be accomplished without the help of each and every member of the Battalion. My dynamic staff, past and present, the company commanders, the platoon leaders, the platoon sergeants, the squad leaders, and most especially each infantryman of the squads who are in the forefront of the battles. Every soldier counts, that is the Army way. Even the confused newly enlisted private has contributed in the accomplishment of the unit’s goals. And with that I asked you, to once again offer your priceless applause to each and every member of 73rd IB. (Audience's applause followed). Sa tropang 73rd, muli, maraming salamat, kung may na bawl-out ako sa inyo. Pasensya na, trabaho lang yun, walang personalan. Di ba John? Claire? Reno? Adolf, take charge!

Today, allow me to honor our troopers who offered their lives for the people of Sarangani: PFC Ariel Bayawanon who was killed in the hills of Brgy Pananag, Maasim as he ferociously fought against those who attacked the Maasim town hall. PFC Juny Gustilo and PFC Romel Dalayap who were victims of roadside bomb in Brgy Daliao, Maasim on their way back from escorting troops to Maitum. At tsaka ang anim na sundalong nasugatan habang nagtataboy sa mga terroristang NPA na namemerwisyo sa bayan ng Alabel at Malapatan. Through the  sacrifices of our soldiers, LMG encampment was overran, peace and order restored, evacuees have returned to their homes, communist terrorists were driven away, such that there are no more PTCs during elections, and best of all, people’s level of trust and confidence on the government was raised.

As we honor are fallen and living heroes, I also would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the local government units from the province to the municipal levels. The Governor and his Kalinaw Sarangani unit, Vice Governor, Board members, Deputy Governor, and all the Mayors, Vice Mayors, municipal councilors, past and present. And most especially the Brgy Captains. Salamat po sa inyong mga tulong at pagtitiwala sa amin. Hindi ko malilimutan ang mga pinagsamahan natin, lalo na ang mga boodlefight sa inyong mga barangay. Sa mga kasapi ng Brgy Defense Forces, ang inyong pagiging boluntaryo ay napakadakila na syang nagpapahiwatig ng tunay na malasakit sa inyong bayan. Maraming salamat sa inyong kooperasyon.

As we pursue our goals, we had our limitations. But we didnt allow our limitations to stop us, we tapped the involvement of NGOs, institutions, and individuals who contributed much to our efforts in bringing services to remote areas through our community outreach programs. Services that made the people feel they are not neglected. Services that made the people realize there is no reason to rebel, no reason to go against the military. Our gratitude to Hearts & Brains Incorporated under Dr Roel Cagape; Kapayapaan Kapatid Council of Fr Angel and Fr Joy; CONAL Holdings; RD Foundation; San Andres Fishing; Alcantara Foundation; KCC Mall; Dole Phils; SMI; Atty Falgui; Lito Makalipay; Partridge Family; Alex Alcantara; Manang Beth Ramos; at lalo na kay Mam Sol Manangquil, the foster sister to all of us. Your contributions have gone a long way to the enhancement of peace and stability of Sarangani and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

To the members of the tri-media, thank you for being our conduit in bringing our message of peace to the public. You are also instrumental in making us more proud members of 73rd IB. Gusto ko rin pasalamatan si Charmaine Gammad, the wife of Lt Rio Gammad for writing our Battalion Hymn in accordance with her impression of our soldiers. And to Kagawad Jess Bascuna of Maitum for his musical composition. Now our soldiers are prouder members of the Battalion.

My personal thanks also to my superior officers for giving me the chance of commanding the Battalion, which incidentally the battalion where I spent my junior officer days. In particular, to former 10ID Commanders, General Fojas, General Mapagu, and Gen Holganza. Also to the incumbent Division Commander, Major General Jorge Valbuena Segovia for the trust and confidence in designating me as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations. And most especially to our Brigade Commander Col Rainier Cruz for the all-out support and continuing guidance that made our every endeavor a sure success. And above all to the Almighty God, for all the blessings that were showered upon me and my troopers.

It is really sad to bid goodbye to the Battalion where I spent my field duties since I was a Lieutenant. Wala na akong pagkakataon pa na ma-assigned pang muli sa 73rd IB. But nonetheless, the sadness was compensated with the joy of knowing that the Battalion will be in good hands. With his competence and exemplary leadership qualities, I am confident that the 73rd IB would continue to be a Battalion of Excellence under the stewardship of my successor, Major Espuelas. To you I say good luck, and take charge!

To the officers, men and women of the 73rd Infantry Battalion, ipagpatuloy nyo ang ating magagandang simulain at adhikain. Tulungan nyo si Maj Espuelas ng higit pa sa pagtulung na ibinigay nyo sa akin.

To the people of Sarangani Province and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, I assure you that the 73rd IB will remain as Your Soldier, Your Defender, Your True Friend. As I leave this area and assume my post as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, I will continue to watch and secure you... FROM A DISTANCE.