THE Army’s 1st Infantry “TABAK” Division (ID) has initiated changes in the leadership in two of its units, the 102nd Infantry Brigade and the 44th Infantry Battalion.
Colonel Elmer Suderio has been assigned as the new commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel Anshary Pumbaya as the new 44th Infantry Battalion commander.
Suderio replaced Colonel Eddie Pilapil, who will now continue serving his post as the deputy brigade commander.
Pilapil expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders, unit commanders, and subordinates for their help and support during his more than four-month stint as acting commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade.
Suderio vowed to keep the peace in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental.
He assured the troops he would continue his predecessor's excellent work and lead the brigade to greater heights.
Suderio is a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maalab” Class of 1993.
Before his assumption as 102Bde commander, he was the chief of Unified Command and Staff, Western Mindanao Command.
He also served as the deputy chief of staff for operation of the 1ID during the Marawi Siege in 2017.
Nafarrete congratulated both the outgoing and incoming brigade commanders. He was confident that the new leadership would keep the Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental peaceful.
He also urged all troops to continue to support the new brigade commander as they worked together to accomplish the 102nd Infantry Brigade's mission.
Pumbaya took over the position from Lieutenant Colonel, who will be designated as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations of the 1ID.
Noche expressed his gratitude to all officers and enlisted personnel for their unwavering support and for successfully leading the unit in completing its objective.
He also assured the incoming battalion commander that 44IB is disciplined and well-equipped.
Likewise, Pumbaya is grateful to the 1ID commander for entrusting him with the battalion's leadership and has sworn to uphold the mission of the 44IB and the 1ID.
Pumbaya has served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations of the 1ID.
Nafarrete expressed his gratitude to both the outgoing and the newly installed battalion commander.
He is also certain that both senior officers would perform admirably given their experience and endurance as leaders.
“As you will be facing another challenge, take advantage of this opportunity to lead and carry on the pride of this battalion as one of the vital and reliable components of the Tabak Division. Sustain the good working attitude and at the same time, continue the foundation that your predecessor has laid.” Nafarrete said. (SunStar Zamboanga)