LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – BGen Santiago I. Enginco formally turned over the command of the 503rd Infantry (Peace and Justice) Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) of the Philippine Army to Col. Romualdo Raymund B. Landingin INF (MNSA) PA, during the Change of Command Ceremony at the brigade’s headquarters in Barangay Calanan on December 7, 2023.
During the ceremony presided over by MGen Audrey L. Pasia, 5ID Commander, BGen Enginco was awarded the Military Merit Medal for his meritorious performance of duty during his stint as commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade since November 2020.
The general was recognized for his contributions to the weakening of two guerilla fonts, KLG Baggas and KLG North Abra, and the successful clearing of KLG Campis, among other achievements.
Enginco has been assigned as the new Assistant Division Commander of the 5th ID headquartered in Gamu, Isabela.
In his speech, Landingin vowed to continue efforts to end the local armed conflict in his area of responsibility, support the local government on its mandate of bringing socio-economic progress to its constituents, and collaborate with stakeholders on the resolutions of tribal conflicts which he said was a “recurring fault line to peace and order” in the Cordillera.
“The finer details of complying to this intent during my watch, shall be extensively and constantly discussed and eventually form as recalibration, if needed, to the current efforts of the brigade and its subordinate tactical units. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to reach out to our partners with the local government units and agencies, private entities and NGOs. We value your efforts on uplifting the socio-economic economic conditions which are all vital to ensure peace and order. Hence, we treat your success on these endeavors as our success. May I enjoin the similar support you have given to Gen. Enginco during his stewardship,” Landingin said.
Prior to his designation as commander of the 503rd IB, Landingin was chief of the Office of the Division Inspector General of the 5ID. By Iryll Sicnao