Army 102nd Brigade Commander inspires troops, visits main battle area

Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas visited the main battle area in Zamboanga del Sur and inspired the troops for their recent combat accomplishment against New People’s Army’s (NPA) Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) on September 21, 2020.

Presented during the Commander’s visit were the captured high-powered firearms, rifle grenade,  Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and assorted personal belongings, food supplies, medical paraphernalia, and terrorist propaganda materials,  including an NPA flag

Also presented to Brig. Gen. Nicolas were troops of 53rd IB who composed “Vendetta,” the squad who was engaged in a 25-minute firefight against Communist-NPA terrorists.

In his statement, 53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera thanked the Brigade Commander for his visit to the troops.

“I thank our Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Nicolas for having the time to visit our troops. It is truly an honor and privilege because it is not everyday that the commander visits his troops,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

Brig. Gen. Nicolas said that it his duty to check the status and morale of his men.

“As the Brigade Commander, I have to make sure that my men are motivated and inspired enough to accomplish the tasks given to them,” said Brig. Gen. Nicolas.

The September 21 encounter eventually led to the apprehension of top NPA commander alias JOTHAM, who is now receiving medical treatment from 1st Infantry Division Hospital in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.