Senator Bong Go honored the 66th Infantry “Kabalikat” Battalion of the Philippine Army as it marked its 28th founding anniversary, recognizing the unit’s role in maintaining peace and security, defending national sovereignty, and assisting communities in times of need.
In his message for the anniversary celebration, Go congratulated the officers and soldiers of the battalion, their families, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, representatives of government agencies, local officials, and guests who joined the event.
“Una sa lahat, Happy 28th Anniversary sa 66th Infantry ‘Kabalikat’ Battalion,” Go said.
The celebration carried the theme, “66IB@28: Sustaining Peace and Development, Defending Sovereignty and Empowering Communities,” which the veteran legislator said reflects the continuing mission of the battalion in both security and community-centered work.
“For nearly three decades, your Battalion has stood as a reliable partner in maintaining peace and security, defending our sovereignty, and helping empower communities.”
“For nearly three decades, your Battalion has stood as a reliable partner in maintaining peace and security, defending our sovereignty, and helping empower communities,” the seasoned lawmaker noted.
The senator said the work of soldiers requires sacrifice, discipline, and readiness to put the welfare of others first. He recognized the members of the 66IB as among those who continue to serve in difficult and often dangerous conditions for the safety of Filipino communities.
“Hindi talaga madali ang maging sundalo. Araw-araw, inuuna ninyo ang kapakanan ng taumbayan upang matiyak ang kaligtasan at kapayapaan ng bawat Pilipino. Kayo ay isa sa mga tunay na bayani ng ating panahon,” Go said in the local dialect.
He also emphasized that the anniversary is not only a recognition of the battalion’s accomplishments, but also of the families and loved ones who support the soldiers behind the scenes.
Go recalled that during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018, the salaries of entry-level police officers, soldiers, and other uniformed personnel were doubled, including those in the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
“It was a clear statement that the government values and recognizes the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. Until today, I continue to support initiatives that promote your welfare because our soldiers deserve not only our gratitude but also concrete government support,” he stressed.
Go said support for uniformed personnel must also extend to their families, particularly the children of those who died or were permanently disabled in the line of duty.
He cited Senate Bill No. 684, or the proposed Scholarship for Children of Fallen Military and Uniformed Personnel Act, which Go filed to provide educational assistance to the children of military and uniformed personnel who died or became permanently disabled while performing their duties.
The proposed measure covers the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
“Bagama’t maliit lamang itong aming paraan kumpara sa laki ng inyong mga sakripisyo, nais naming ipaalam sa inyo na hindi kayo nakakalimutan ng inyong pamahalaan.”
“Bagama’t maliit lamang itong aming paraan kumpara sa laki ng inyong mga sakripisyo, nais naming ipaalam sa inyo na hindi kayo nakakalimutan ng inyong pamahalaan,” he said.
Go also highlighted other measures related to the welfare of military and uniformed personnel. He is one of the principal authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act No. 12177, or the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act, which seeks to ensure legal assistance for personnel facing charges related to the performance of their official duties.
Go is also a co-author of RA 11549, which lowered the minimum height requirement for the Philippine National Police and other uniformed services to give more Filipinos the opportunity to serve the country.
He also supported RA 11200, which improved the rank classification of the Philippine National Police.
As part of his continuing push for reforms in the uniformed services, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 682, or the proposed Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Act, which seeks to strengthen the equipment, facilities, and capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard.
“As your public servant, I will continue to support measures that strengthen our armed forces and all our uniformed personnel. A stronger and better-equipped security sector means a safer and more secure Philippines for every Filipino,” Go said.
He thanked the soldiers of the 66th Infantry “Kabalikat” Battalion for their service, as well as their families who continue to give them strength and support.
Go closed his message by calling on the battalion to continue being partners of the Filipino people in preserving peace, safety, and development.
“Patuloy nating tuparin ang ating panata na maging tunay na katuwang ng bawat Pilipino sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan, kaligtasan, at kaunlaran ng ating bansa,” he said.
“Muli, Happy 28th Anniversary 66th Infantry ‘Kabalikat’ Battalion. Mabuhay ang Armed Forces of the Philippines! Mabuhay ang 66th Infantry ‘Kabalikat’ Battalion! Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!” Go concluded.
