Catapang visits two major AFP bases to check on infra, environmental projects

PNP Spokesperson Gregorio Pio Catapang at the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano clash (Photo courtesy of Sen. Grace Poe’s Facebook page)

MANILA — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Monday personally paid a visit to two major installations in Southern and Central Luzon to check on the progress of various infrastructures and environmental projects being conducted there.

In his visit to the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija that also featured a traditional “talk to men,” Catapang toured the on-going improvements in the facilities of the Light Reaction Regiment and the bamboo nursery and plantation project.

The Light Reaction Battalion, the AFP’s primary counter-terrorism unit, led surgical operations in Zamboanga City in 2013.

It was upgraded to a regiment in January 2014 thereby raising the requirements for facilities and personnel.

A former commander of the 7th Infantry Division, Catapang visited the different environmental and recreation projects of Fort Magsaysay, including its trek site, survival lane, rope course, and bike lanes that aim to cater to soldiers and civilians alike.

He then proceeded to the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal where he was welcomed by its newly installed commander, Brig. Gen. Romeo G. Gan.

In his tour of the camps, Catapang awarded the troops of 7th Infantry Division and 2nd Infantry Division with the Military Merit Medal, including the operating troops that recovered high-powered firearms in General Nakar, Quezon last Feb. 5.

The AFP chief also urged soldiers to strengthen their adherence to International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law.

He also told troopers to continue the stakeholder programs under the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, including helping local governments in building “bridges for peace,” “schools for peace,” “hospitals for peace,” and “roads for peace.”

Catapang also reminded soldiers to remain focused on their jobs and maintain a high degree of professionalism in performing their mandated tasks.