THE Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division has installed two seasoned officers to head two of the battalions under the Basilan-based 101st Infantry Brigade.
Installed as the new commander of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion is Lieutenant Colonel Egverr Jonathan Abutin in place of the outgoing chief, Lieutenant Colonel Ivan San Jose.
Lieutenant Colonel Renante Besa was installed as the new commander of the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion replacing Lieutenant Colonel Philip Fagel.
Both outgoing battalion commanders have already served two years and will be reassigned to higher positions.
Brigadier General Generoso Ponio, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, spearheaded the turnover of command ceremonies, held Tuesday in Basilan province.
Abutin vowed to continue the hallmark of the 18th Infantry Battalion “to fulfil the duties and responsibilities anytime, anywhere for God and country”.
He also thanked Ponio for believing in his capabilities and entrusting the very sensitive position as battalion commander.
Besa has ensured transparency and fairness, continue and sustain the gains of the out-going commander have achieved in preserving the peace and development in its area of responsibility.
Besa also thanked Ponio for the trust and confidence he bestowed and for the opportunity to serve as a battalion commander of 1st Infantry Division.
Abutin, an Army Scout Ranger, belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1999 while Besa, the former commandant of the 1st Division Training School is proud member of Officer Candidate School Class 17-1997.
Abutin and Besa have held several key positions prior to their present assignments.
Meanwhile, Ponio congratulated and thanked the outgoing commanders for their accomplishments and service in 1st Infantry Division, particularly in the province of Basilan.
He also thanked the stakeholders, local chief executives and even the locals for their trust and support to the outgoing commanders.
“Peace is a shared responsibility. We cannot attain or sustain peace and security in Basilan without your cooperation and support,” Ponio said.
He urged all the concerned stakeholders to work together “so that the government’s initiatives and advocacies will be implemented and will be benefited by the constituents in the province.” (SunStar Zamboanga)