3rd Quarter Updates On 31st Infantry (Charge!) Battalion

Barangay Bolo Sur, Sipocot, Camarines Sur - CHARGE! troopers ably led by their battalion commander, LTC LUIS REX D BERGANTE INF (GSC) PA, conducted various activities and projects, both on the traditional and non-traditional roles of the Philippine Army, from 15 June-15 September 2009 in support of local and national development in their area of responsibility (AOR). The following are their accomplishments for the 3rd quarter of 2009:
　
On Morale and Welfare

In order to have capable and responsive Charge troopers, it has always been the Commander’s intent to consider the troops’ morale and welfare in order to achieve the unit mission.

With the high state of personnel discipline and morale, 31st IB was able to accomplish various remarkable achievements in unit administration, CMO, Intelligence and combat operations as manifested by four (4) Gold Cross Medals, Six (6) Military Merit Medals and two hundred (200) commendation letters received by Officers and Enlisted Personnel of the unit from June to September 2009.

Moreover, on Health Services, 31IB was able to conduct medical consultation and distribution of free medicines to Officers and Enlisted Personnel, dependents and other personnel from different OPCON units. Said consultation was held at the battalion headquarters on 08 August 2009 in coordination with Dr. Eduardo S Quidoles, the unit’s medical retainer.

Also, as part of its spiritual enhancement programs, Charge troopers joined the people of Sipocot, Camarines Sur on 16 August 2009 in connection with the annual visit of the image of our Lady of Penafrancia to the different barangays in said municipality. The activity was highlighted by a novena mass, procession and a prayer vigil which was held at the Battalion Headquarters. The Officers, Enlisted Personnel of the unit and their dependents actively participated during said activity.
　
On Environmental Protection

The 31st IB, 9ID, PA in close coordination with CENRO Daet and NGOs successfully conducted the “Tree Planting Activity” along the Maharlika highway at Brgy Tuaca, Basud, Camarines Norte last 31 August 2009. Said activity was personally attended by Mr. Diosdado L Buen, the Protector Area Superintendent of Bicol National Park, 1LT BARTOLOME C SAYSON JR (INF) PA, CMO/S7 Officer of this unit and participated by more or less One hundred (100) student alumni of Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Sirang Chapter headed by Mr. Gil A. Pena. The half day tree planting activity resulted to Two Thousand (2,000) Non-Fruit bearing trees planted at said area.

On National Historical Event

The troops of Alpha Coy of this unit composed of one (1) platoon under 2LT MORENO R VIGILIA (INF) PA joined and actively participated during the conduct of Military and Civic parade in connection with the celebration of the Busig-on Festival at the municipality of Labo, Camarines Sur last 01 September 2009.

On National Security Awareness

The massive and orchestrated conduct of Information Operations (IO) in the Priority Guerilla Front FC 73 within the area of the 1st Congressional District of Camarines Sur particularly in the municipality of Sipocot, Lupi, Ragay and Del Gallego in support to ISO Campaign was spearheaded by 1LT BARTOLOME C SAYSON JR (INF) PA, the Bn CMO/S7 Officer and successfully conducted the Eight (8) Ugnayan sa Barangay (Pulong-pulong) attended by more or less One thousand two hundred seven (1,207) attendees composed of the local chief executives/barangay councils and barangay residents. Likewise, same activity targeting the student sector in the area was also conducted to Eleven (11) public and private High Schools in said municipalities with more or less Two thousand one hundred eleven (2,111) 3rd year and 4th year High school student attendees. Ugnayan sa Paaralan (Symposium) activity aims to provide information to the High School Students and teachers to be wary of a local terrorist methods of recruitment to minors. With this activity, the charge trooper was able to disseminate and informed the target audience that the Philippine Army are the true Army and protector of the democracy and the people.

Youth Leadership Summit

The 31st Infantry (Charge) Battalion under LTC LUIS REX D BERGANTE INF (GSC) PA in partnership with the local government of Ragay, Camarines Sur successfully conducted a three (3) day Youth Leadership Summit in the municipality of Ragay last 18-20 June 2009.

The YLS Ragay was participated by Ninety Four (94) youth participants composed of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Officials. The activity covers different subject such as Spiritual Development, Moral Recovery, Skills Development, Disaster Preparedness, Anti-Crime, Nationalism and Anti-Insurgency Awareness.

The main objective of YLS is to reach out to the youth and inform them on the true intention of the AFP and the Government with regards to peace and order issues affecting their communities.
　
On Civil Affairs

The Charge troopers actively participated and join the conduct of Nationwide Medical, Dental and Feeding mission all over the Philippines in tandem with PCSO connection with their 75th Diamond anniversary Celebration with the theme “One Hundred percent in One Day”.

On ISO updates (Intelligence & Operations)

Security Operations - The 31st IB continuously providing security assistance to protect vital facilities and to facilitate implementation of the government development projects in the area. Likewise, Charge troopers closely monitor and provide security assistance to the personnel of the Army engineers headed by MAJ VILLARINA who conducted coordination and ocular site surveys in the twenty seven (27) barangays in the area of responsibility (AOR) for the implementation of Kalayaan sa Barangay Projects (KBP).

Combat Operations - The Charge troopers strikes a major blow against Local terrorist in the area of Priority Guerilla Front FC 73 during the encounter last 061100H September 2009 at Brgy. Tible, Lupi, Camarines Sur between the COLT operatives of this unit under 1LT ARMANDO BOHOL (OS) PA and more or less seven (7) local terrorists. Said encounter brought huge set back to the enemies and resulted to the recovery of Three (3) High Powered Firearms (two (2) M16 rifles with SN: 153100 and SN: 139200, one (1) M14 rifle with SN: 342897), one (1) Improvised Explosive Device (IED), two (2) backpacks with personal belongings and subversive materials.