COLONEL Lenart Lelina has assumed command of the Philippine Army's 801st Infantry Brigade based in Hinabangan, Samar, following his appointment by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Lelina replaced Brigadier General Camilo Ligayo, who was promoted as the deputy chief of staff for reservist and retirees affairs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He is an army veteran in Eastern Visayas after he was first assigned as a young 2nd Lieutenant in the 43 Infantry Battalion in Samar and Eastern Samar.

In 2019, the army official became the deputy brigade commander of the unit until his assumption to the top post.

Major General Edgardo De Leon, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, commended the “high degree of professionalism and commitment to serve” of the officers and troops of 801st Infantry Brigade during the change of command ceremony at its headquarters in Camp Eugenio Daza, Barangay Fatima in Hinabangan on January 8, 2022.

"Nawa'y lalo ninyong paigtingin ang inyong katapatan sa tungkulin at sa ating bansa nang sa ganon ay mabilis nating maisulong ang pagkamit ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran dito sa Samar," De Leon said in a statement.

Lieutenant General Robert Dauz, commander of Visayas Command, also awarded the command plaque and medal from Visayas Command to Ligayo “in recognition of his achievements as Brigade Commander.”

The outgoing commander thanked the various stakeholders and the provincial governments of Samar and Eastern Samar “for their contributions to accomplishing Brigade Mission.” (SumStar Philippines)