‘Buzzer beater’‘

By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN

THE PHILIPPINE Army’s 303rd Infantry (Brown Eagle) Brigade’s Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte retired on Dec. 28, 2022. He’s 56.

His mistah from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1991 and, at the same time, incumbent deputy brigade commander, Colonel Michael Samson, was installed as officer-in-charge of the Brigade in a simple Change of Command ceremony at the Camp Nelson Gerona in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental on Dec. 27, 2022.

In his acceptance speech, Samson, a true-blooded Negrosanon, delivered a notable promise to make life miserable for the state’s nemesis – the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) combatants in Negros Island.

Samson sounded impressive, but his promise remains to be seen. Fighting Negros insurgents is no ordinary mission. Quite a tall challenge.

 But let’s give Samson his own “moment to shine” alongside the 303IBgde’s three regular infantry battalions (IBs) and one engineer construction battalion (ECB) – the 62nd IB, 79th IB, 94th IB and 542nd ECB.

‘FAR FROM AT PAR’

Going back to Pasaporte, I must be candid, he’s not a “Darling of the Press”. For some police and military beat reporters in Negros, Pasaporte is “far from at par”.

Aside from being the silent-type and “timid”, it is as if something is “lacking” with this guy.

Maybe because he’s quite “dry” or lacks public relations (PR) sense, thus, unfathomable.

Lo and behold, Pasaporte was a “buzzer beater”. His three-year stint as 303IBgde’s commander was highlighted by notable major accomplishments that included the deaths and apprehension of key leaders of the CPP-NPA in Negros. And such made him one of the “great” Army leaders Negros ever had.

‘NEGROS 4’

Making him “beyond great” is the so-called “Negros 4”.

Please take note of the four personalities, their ranks and roles, and the significance/relevance of their deaths and arrest during Pasaporte’s incumbency or tour of duty…

Kerima Lorena Tariman alias “Ka Ella” or “Ka Em-Em”

* University of the Philippines (UP) alumna

* Revolutionary poet

* Author

* Editor, The UP Collegian

* In-charge of collection of revolutionary taxes in northern Negros.

* Killedin an encounter in Silay City on Aug. 20, 2021

Ramon Patriarca alias “Ka Using”

* Deputy secretary-general and finance officer of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros (KN-R)

* Facing 10 counts of murder in Tagbilaran City, Bohol

* Arrestedin Barangay Su-ay, Himamaylan City March 18, 2022

Romeo Nanta alias “Ka Juanito Magbanua” or “Ka Juaning”

* Top honcho, Operational Command of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros (KR-N)

* Spokesman – CPP-NPA’s Apolinario Gatmaitan Command

* Killedin an encounter in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City on Oct. 10, 2022

Ericson Acosta alias “Ka Raffy”

* Consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF)

* Top leader – Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS)

* Husband of Kerima Lorena Tariman

Leader – series of encounters in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City in October 2022

* Killed in an encounter in Kabankalan City on December 1, 2022

‘I MADE MY SHARE’

I do I agree with Pasaporte’s quotable quote during an “ambush interview” right after the Change of Command ceremony and retirement honors for him: “I did my best. I made my share.”The killing of both Nanta and Acosta in the last quarter of 2022 hit a remarkable dot in Pasaporte’s “unheralded yet excellent performance”.

Agree or disagree, but I am pretty sure Samson will gonna have a “hard time” fitting in Pasaporte’s shoes.

But I trust the military instinct of Major General Benedict “Balong” Arevalo, concurrent Visayas Command (Viscom) and 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commanding general.

Choosing and trusting Samson to continue Pasaporte’s legacy in Negros is something beyond question.

Samson, as what Balong believes, has ample knowledge about the “ins and outs” of their security operations in Negros. Hope so!

Peace, on record, remains elusive in Negros. So many perished, so many surrendered.But the insurgency remains. Why? No one could give a definite answer yet.

And when is the end? Only time can tell. Not even the recent death of CPP founder and “Father of Philippine Revolution” Jose Maria Sison.

Yes, it caused an upset for the underground movement. But for Joma’s “die hard” supporters and believers: “The fight continues!” /PN

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here