Catapang takes over military command in Central, north Luzon

By Mar T. Supnad

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City- Brig. General Gregorio Pio Catapang who assumed Wednesday as commanding general of the Army’s 7^th Infantry Division said he wanted to convert the bad image of this sprawling military camp into a what he called “Fort Magsisi to Fort Magsaya.”

               

A bemedalled army officer and dubbed as “living EDSA hero”,Catapang whose command covers from Central and Northwestern Luzon, told newsmen in a press briefing Fort Magsaysay was dubbed “Fort Magsisi” since this was once the dumping ground for military scalawags, saying once a soldier had been assigned here he will regret it.

But Catapang said  this negative tag of the camp had been a thing of the past. “Gusto konggawing Fort Magsaya ang minsang tinaguriang Fort Magsisi,” said Catapang.

                

What has further added to the “fear” of soldiers of the  newly-designated commander was his surname –

“Catapang,” or “Bbrave.”

“Wag po kayong matakot sa apelyido ko, mabait po ako,” he said.

But he warned that there is no room in this camp  for abusive soldiers whoever their ranks are as he will not tolerate abusive soldiers and scalawag soldiers under his command.

His surname, however, reflects truly his bravery as what happened years ago when no military commander had the guts to take over a battalion in Mindanao that was stationed between two camps of the Moro National Liberation Front.  “Walang gustong mag CO sa battalion na yon dahil nasa pagitan pa lang dalawang kampo ng mga MNLF; kaya pala ako inilagay ng mga boss ko sa army,” recalled Catapang.

“Habang nag tu urn over kami ng command ay nagpapaputok naman ang kalabang kampong heavy firearms  at mortar na tila pinasasalubongan ako at tinatakot; pero di tayo nagpagulat sa kanila,” recalled the military general.   

Lt. General Emmanuel T. Bautista, Commanding General of the Army, presides over the turnover of command here.

The promotion of General Catapang, a soft-spoken army official, came following the clearing of the once –perennial insurgency problem in Central and North Luzon when he was still the Commander of the Army’s 703^rd Brigade, based in Arayat, Pampanga.

Although there are still few remnants of the rebels  operating in these areas, General Catapang wanted the problem to be totally eradicated by tapping the civilian and local authorities  to further promote what he called economic development of the provinces in Central Luzon and North Luzon area.

                

Catapang is so concerned the economic development of Central Luzon and wanted it to continue without let up the momentum of peace and progress in the region, a term he uses for progressive regions.

                

Catapang is a newly-promoted as Army general for his laudable accomplishment and devotion to duty, and here again comes the opportunity to head the sprawling 7^th ID, a bigger responsibility with the approval of the president and the Army hierarchy.

               

 A highly respected in the military, Catapang is an officer who loves  and have the guts to always personally  lead his men in operations against enemies, in his bid perhaps not only to  boost the morale of his men but also to see for himself how the battle goes on.