New 602nd Brigade chief vows intensified drive vs. terrorists

CAMP LUCERO, North Cotabato – A seasoned military officer from the office of Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has assumed as head of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (Bde) in Carmen, North Cotabato on Wednesday,  promising to sustain the government’s campaign against local terrorists and communist rebels.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, the new 602Bde chief, said he would also push forward the government’s peace initiatives in conflict-affected communities of the brigade’s area of responsibility.

The 602Bde covers the towns of Midsayap, Libungan, Aleosan, Pikit, M’lang, Tulunan, Matalam, Kabacan, and Carmen in North Cotabato; and also Pagalungan and Pagagawan in Maguindanao.

Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) commander, administered the change of command at Camp Lucero in Carmen town along with provincial and local officials led by North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco and Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu.

Capulong replaced Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., who was reassigned as deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao Command based in Panacan, Davao City.

“I might not achieve what Brig. Gen. Rosario has accomplished but I promise to go beyond the previous commander’s hard work and dedication in bringing long-lasting peace in our area of operation,” Capulong said.

Before his present assignment, Capulong worked as a senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

He was once assigned in the 6ID area of operation during his junior officer years and served as operations and training officer in the different units.

Capulong has appealed for all-out support from local officials for the government to succeed in its desire to establish peace and stability in Central Mindanao.