TOG2 in its 22nd Founding Anniversary acknowledges personnel, stakeholders’ contribution to its accomplishments
CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela – The Tactical Operations Group 2- Cauayan City led by Col. Glenn Piquero, PAF, group commander, in its 22nd Founding Anniversary dubbed “Accelerating Excellence in Peace, Progress and Security in Cagayan Valley Region Towards a Stronger Nation” awarded a Certificate of Recognition to its personnel, stakeholders, and media personalities who actively supported some significant activities that led to the groups’ notable accomplishments. The awarding was led at the hangar here, on Oct. 7.
For the individual awardees, 2LT Kevin Mchale I Agagdan was awarded the Officer of the Year; TSg. Joeny O. Canastra, Non-Commissioned Officer; and 2AC Jamaica Jasma (Airman of the Year). For the uniformed personnel, the awardees were: FCInsp Nelson P. Bilowan, Jr.; LTC Maria Adesita B. Sagario; PLTCol. Criselda V. De Guzman, LTC. Rodel Pacifico D. Nono. For the PAF Reservists were: LTC Paul G. Fudotan and A1C Mario T. Salaza. The Stakeholders were Telesforo Mallilin; Mary Sulyn A. Sagorsor; Greysen V. Villoria; Jamester Bilan, Ms. Alicia A. Malan; and Mr. Ronaldo D. Villoria. For the Media Sector were: 92.9 Brigada News FM Cauayan; 104.9 XFM Santiago City; NBS DWDY AM; 98.5 iFM Cauayan; Brigada Pahayagang Malaya; Pilipino Mirror; and Northern Sun Newsmagazine.
To recall, on May 7, 2024, contributory to the success of the Marijuana Eradication Operation was TOG2’s significant role when it facilitated the transportation of the authorities to reach Mt. Chumanchill, Tinglayan, Kalinga during the Case Operational Plan (COPLAN) “Highlander”. At least 1,575kgs of dried Marijuana with rooting tops and 3, 349, 500 fully grown Marijuana with an estimated standard drug price of more or less PhP862M was destroyed. TOG2 utilized its air assets particularly the Black Hawk and Huey II helicopters.
Moreover, on April 11-12, 2024, TOG2 facilitated the transportation of 50 personnel from various government agencies to reach the coastal towns of Isabela-Palanan, Maconacon, and Divilacan. The Black Hawk and Huey II helicopters were used for the successful conduct of Serbisyo Caravan cum Insurgency-free and in a Stable Internal Peace and Security declaration of the said municipalities with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency as the head office.
Meanwhile, BGen. Eric A. Gatchalian, wing commander of Tactical Operations Wing- Northern Luzon graced the occasion as Guest of Honor and Speaker. In his speech, he thanked the author of the book. The Victors of MV Karagatan Arms Landing for including the exploits of not just the TOG2 but the whole PAF. He jokingly said that he would wait for the copy of the book as promised by the author, Mayo Molina, one of the awardees from the media sector.
The stories in the book were obtained through thorough research and were written in narration form. It revealed the names of several PAF members in the 1970s who braved the heavy firefight to halt the New People’s Army from smuggling thousands of firearms from China to the Philippines. In the latter part of the book, Molina reiterated the contributions of TOG2 at present concerning the mandate of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
TOG2 is under the Operational Command of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in Brgy. Upi, Gamu, Isabela.# Photo by: Mae Barangan
