DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines - Colonel Manuel Luis Ochotorena received commendation from the Dumaguete City Council for his meritorious and valuable service as commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Palanaz of Tanjay City from March 12, last year to July 16 this year.
The City Council, in its Wednesday regular session, approved the resolution of appreciation and commendation to Ochotorena, upon motion of Councilor Nilo Sayson, peace and order committee chairman, duly seconded by Councilors Antonio Remollo and Erwin Michael Macias.
Sayson, who read the citation, said that Ochotorena's innovations have caused the downgrading of the Komiteng Larangan Southwest, Komiteng Rehiyon- Negros to Sangay sa Partido sa Platon.
This also resulted in 16 encounters and accounted to six terrorists killed, 13 apprehended, 3 captured (including front secretaries Danilo Badayos, alias "Doro," and Marilyn Badayos, alias "Eunice/Jonna," 25 assorted firearms seized, and 25 enemy camps discovered.
The launching of Peace and Development Work (PDW) activities, with Ochotorena in the lead, resulted in the clearing of 17 affected barangays, and the surrender of 38 CCP-NPA members and eight mass activists.
The 303rd IB adjudged "Best Brigade" of the 3rd Infantry Division for the 3rd Quarter 2010 and 1st Quarter of year 2011.
The accomplishments of Ochotorena have earned for himself the respect and admiration of the people of Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, the resolution reads.
It was signed by Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, Vice Mayor Alan Gel Cordova, members of the City Council, and the council secretary.
Ochotorena also received a citation as the adopted son of Dumaguete City. — THE FREEMAN