2 Army battalions in Iloilo get new commanders

ILOILO City – The two infantry battalions under the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) in Iloilo province have new commanders.

Lieutenant Colonel Joebert Pimentel was formally installed as the new commander of the 82nd Infantry Battalion ( IB) based in Janiuay town during a turnover ceremony s p e a r h e a d e d b y 3 I D commander Major General Marion Sison on Monday, Feb. 5.

Pimentel replaced Lieutenant Colonel Clifford Catubigan who will be temporarily detailed at the 3ID headquarters as among the staff members.

On Tuesday, Feb. 6, Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta assumed post as the new commander of the 12th IB based in Calinog town.

Outgoing 12IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Timbal will transfer to the Philippine Army headquarters in Manila.

Sison said the replacement of two battalion commanders was a usual position routine to give other officers the chance to spearhead the battalion.

“With the deployment of infantry battalions, we will endeavor to dismantle the two remaining guerilla fronts in Panay particularly in Iloilo. I trust my men in neutralizing rebels in their area through offensive operations or convince them to surrender peacefully, “Sison added.

The 3ID commander ordered Garsuta to work closely with the local government units (LGUs) and all partners and stakeholders to facilitate the dismantling of the remaining weakened guerilla fronts in Panay Island.

“I have high expectations from Garsuta and I trust him to dismantle the weakened Central Panay Front. In order to do this, he will coordinate with the LGUs, private entities, and religious and business sectors,” Sison said.

The guerilla ‘s Central Front Committee is under the areas of coverage of the 12IB and 82IB./