Mayor Gerry Rojas underscored the continued support of Murcia’s local government unit to the Philippine Army’s peace-keeping initiatives by joining the 38th Founding Anniversary celebration of the 303rd Infantry Brigade at Camp Mayor Nelson Gerona in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, on Friday, July 13.
“We salute the Philippine Army, particularly the personnel of the 303rd Brigade headed by Brig. Gen. Orlando D. Edralin, for their selfless dedication in securing the lives and livelihood of Negrenses. The Philippine Army has been our indispensable partner in maintaining the peace and security of our constituents. Without their contributions to peace and order, we cannot enjoy progress and prosperity in our town,” Rojas said.
“In the performance of their duties, some Army personnel made the ultimate sacrifice of offering their lives in the pursuit of attaining peace, freedom and democracy for us. Their heroism and martyrdom deserve our highest respect and eternal remembrance,” Rojas said.
The mayor, together with 3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Marion Sison and the commanding officers of Army units under the Jamindan, Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division, paid their respects to the fallen heroes by offering the annual honors of a wreath and a gun salute in recognition of the bravery and remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice of their fallen comrades, a press release from Murcia said.
The wreath-laying ceremony was followed by a mass, the donning of ranks to newly enlisted Army reservists and the awarding of plaques of recognition to civilian and uniformed personnel who have helped, in one way or another, the 303rd Infantry Brigade in the performance of its mandate.
Rojas has consistently supported the Army in its endeavors. In November 2023, he turned over to Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin and his detachment commanders P150,000 representing the municipality’s support for the construction / renovation of CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) bases in Murcia, the press release said.*