Major General Marion Sison, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, has issued a clear directive to the newly-installed commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) in Negros Occidental: Eliminate the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).
During the Change of Command Ceremony held at Camp Major Nelson L. Gerona in Murcia town, Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog assumed command of the 303IBde from Brigadier General Orlando Edralin, who is retiring from military service effective November 8 after reaching the mandatory retirement age and serving over 37 years in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“The first order of the day for you is to find, fix and finish the remnants of the KR-NCBS. Nothing more, nothing less,” Sison told Dumosmog.
To ensure a smooth transition and the successful execution of this order, Sison urged all personnel of the 303rd Brigade to extend the same support they had given to their previous commander to Dumosmog.
“We cannot rest on our laurels because there are still remnants to be taken care of. Our fight is not yet over, so let us not relax. Let us not give the Communist Terrorist Group the chance to resurge. We are confronting a ‘thinking enemy.’ It would not have lasted for five decades if our enemy did not think. Let us not give them a chance to breathe. Let us not give them any space. Let us not give them the time to rise up. We are almost there, and we are 95 percent victorious; only five percent left. Let us finish them!” he emphasized.
In his assumption speech, Dumosmog acknowledged the daunting task ahead but expressed his readiness to take on the challenge.
“I was filled with excitement and enthusiasm for being entrusted with this goal, but with the help of the dedicated and motivated officers and NCOs of the brigade, I have no doubt that we will accomplish our mission. As we all know, Negros Island Region has been declared as Stable Internal Peace and Security. Indeed, peace in our midst is in our hands and the 303IBde contributed a fair share to this triumph,” he said.
Dumosmog also paid tribute to the previous commanders, officers, and enlisted personnel of the Brigade for their achievements in eradicating the enemies within the Brigade’s area of responsibility. He called on all personnel and stakeholders to work together to maintain a secured, peaceful, and developed Negros Island.
“Let us march in unison as we continue to serve the people of Negros. Let us remember that our strength lies not only in our determination, but in our unity. Together, we will rise, embodying the spirit of the Brown Eagle as we soar to our new horizon. Let us trust in the Lord, believe in ourselves, and dedicate our devotion to duty,” he concluded.
Dumosmog is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “SAMBISIG” Class of 1991. He is no stranger to the 3rd Infantry Division, having once served as a platoon leader of the 47th Infantry Battalion from October 7, 1991 to January 31, 1992.
Prior to his present designation, he was the Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs of the 4th Infantry Division. (PIA-6)