67th Infantry Battalion has new chief

DAVAO ORIENTAL, November 2, 2015 – The 67th Infantry Battalion under the 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army now has a new commander who will continue to uphold the military’s mission of protecting and serving the people.

The new battalion commander Lt. Col. Michele B. Anayron now assumes the command as outgoing commanding officer Lt. Col. Micheal A. Banua relinquished his duty after more than a year of honorable service as commander of the 67th Infantry Battalion,which is based in the first district of the province.

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Banua was awarded with a military merit medal interim to a distinguished service star for his excellent service as commanding officer.

Under Banua’s strategic vision, the battalion sustained its influence across the military lines of operations such as clearing operations leading to the downgrade of enemy forces. He also led disaster relief, and dialogues with civic society groups, among many others. 

In addition, Banua also actively implemented the Philippine Army’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) locally known as Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) in the communities by partnering with stakeholders in the conduct of in medical and dental missions, livelihood programs, peace-building seminars and Youth Leadership Summit. His leadership was also instrumental in the implementation of infrastructure projects composed of schools and water system in remote areas of Baganga and Cateel towns and facilitated livelihood trainings and assistance for former rebels.

During the ceremony, Banua thanked the support of the local government units, especially the Provincial Government, as well as other stakeholders in peace and development for helping his leadership achievethese many feats and for giving him a chance to serve the people in his best capacity.

For his part, Lt. Col. Anayron vowed that he would sustain the peace and development in his new area of assignment.

Major General Rafael C. Valencia, Commander of the 10 Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, who presided the change of command ceremony, congratulated the outgoing commander for helping sustain the gains that the province achieved in terms of peace and development. He also encouraged and challenged the newly installed commander to further strengthen the peace and development efforts in the province.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon assured the incoming commander of the battalion that the Provincial Government will extend the same courtesy and support itrendered his predecessors. “We hope to have strong partnership with you in making Davao Oriental a peaceful, progressive, and livable province,” she said. (KLD/ PIO)