THE Philippine Army has designated the former head of the Army Intelligence Regiment (AIR) as the new commander of the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade based in Kampo Ranao, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Major General Antonio Nafarette, 1st Infantry Division (ID) commander, installed Brigadier General Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr. as the new 103rd Infantry Brigade commander in a change of command ceremony Saturday, January 28, replacing Colonel Billy Dela Rosa, deputy brigade commander, who served as the unit’s head in acting capacity.
Aside from leading the AIR, Barroquillo also served as the commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion and held various staff positions such as operations officer of the 1ID.
Barroquillo emphasized he will focus on the attainment of the Brigade’s mission, support the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front and enhance engagements with various stakeholders.
“We shall primarily rely on peaceful mechanisms and put premium on the peace process in dealing with local threat groups and other security issues. However, we cannot put aside the threats of the terrorist group. And for those who choose the path of violence and lawlessness, they shall bear the brunt of our full might,” Barroquillo said.
“Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran, ito ang ating sama-samang adhikain. Ang lahat ng ito ay makakamit natin, sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan. Kung kayat, makakaasa ang ating pamunuan at ang ating mga kapatid dito sa dako ng Lanao, na ang 103rd Infantry (HARIBON) Brigade ay maglilingkod ng tapat at buong husay. Maraming salamat at kasiyahan nawa tayo ng ating panginoon (Peace and Development, this is our collective aspiration. All this we can achieve, through unity and cooperation. Therefore, our leadership and our brothers here in Lanao can hope that the 103rd Infantry (HARIBON) Brigade will serve faithfully and efficiently. Thank you very much and may our lord bless us,” Barroquillo added.
Meanwhile, Nafarette commended Dela Rosa for his dedication, great passion, and commitment to the organization.
“Your adherence to the standard of excellence in leadership has instilled encouragement and strength in your subordinates,” Nafarette told Dela Rosa.
“To Brigadier General Barroquillo, my congratulations to you. Your long experience in spans of years of dedicated work in various positions have certainly honed you as a dependable and relevant leader. And to all Haribon Troopers, continue your good deeds, seek more improvement and always support your new commander in all his undertakings, particularly toward the accomplishment of your mission. I encourage you to keep the fire burning, step up the level of your performance, and continue to focus on accomplishing your goals. In doing this, always be guided by the AFP Core Values of Loyalty, Honor, Duty, Valor and Solidarity,” Nafarette said.
“As your Division Commander, I assure you that the 1st Infantry Division will continue to support your future endeavors. Together, let us uphold our mandate as Filipino soldiers and pursue to deter all threats and finish them once and for all. Mabuhay ang 103rd Brigade, Mabuhay ang Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas,” Nafarette added.
The change of Command ceremony was witnessed by the other commanders of nearby Philippine Army units, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Navy, Marines, Mayors, peace mechanism local chief executive and other partner stakeholders.
The ceremony was held at the Integrated Dining Facility of Kampo Ranao, which houses the 103rd Infantry Brigade command in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. (SunStar Zamboanga)