New 5th SF battalion commander assumes post, vows for more peaceful city

COTABATO CITY -- The Philippine Army's 5th Special Forces Battalion stationed in this city has new battalion commander. Lieutenant Colonel Nasser P. Lidasan relinquished his post as the Commander of 5th Special Forces Battalion based in Cotabato City to Lieutenant Colonel Eros James M. Uri during turn-over ceremonies held SF battalion headquarters at PC hill Army reservation area. The turn over rites was spearheaded and presided over by Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) Commander Colonel Ramiro Manuel A. Rey. Lidasan, who was reassigned to the 6th Infantry Kampilan Division headquarters in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, lauded the people of Cotabato City for the support they have extended to his unit. The 5th SF Battalion has provided manpower and logistical support to the local police office and helped maintain law and order. It also actively participated in the campaign against illegal drugs and other criminalities that hounded the city. The presence of SF Battalion during the 2016 local and national elections also helped the peaceful and credible conduct of the balloting. Lidasan urged city residents and its officials to extend the same support he got to the new SF battalion commander. Lt. Colonel Uri, for his part, vowed to continue the thrust and programs implemented by his predecessor. He stressed that the success or failure of law enforcements depend on the cooperation and support of the public in ensuring security for everyone. Uri is not new to Mindanao having been assigned in previous military units in southern Philippines. The 5th SF battalion is securing the periphery of Cotabato City, to include part of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan and Sultan Kudarat, all in Maguindanao. It also conduct security patrol around the city at night making the once crime prone villages peaceful with the people feeling secured. Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, who was present during the turn over rites, lauded the leadership of Colonel Lidasan and the disciplined officers and men of 5th SF battalion. Sayadi vowed to extend the same support for the new battalion commander the city government had extended to Colonel Lidasan.