62nd Infantry Battalion gets new commander
BACOLOD City – Lieutenant Colonel Evelio C. Ilanga III is the new acting commanding officer of the 62nd Infantry Battalion ( 62IB) under the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).
Colonel William C. Pesase Jr. handed over his position to Ilanga in a change of command ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the 62IB headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental.
The ceremony was presided over by 3ID commander Major General Marion R. Sison.
“I ’ m a p p e a l i n g f o r everyone’s continued support, cooperation and participation, and together we will pursue ‘ stable internal peace and security’ in Negros Island. To the Unifier Troopers, we shall remain committed as dependable partners in peace, security and development,” s a i d I l a n ga d u r i n g t h e turnover.
T h e c e r e m o n y w a s also attended by various dignitaries, including Colonel Victor M. Llapitan, deputy brigade commander, and several battalion commanders stationed in Negros Island.
Also in attendance were Police Lieutenant Colonel Alvimar M. Flores, commander of the 2nd Negros Occidental Police Mobile Force Company; other police officers from Negros Island; local chief executives; and partner stakeholders of 62IB.
Before assuming his new role, IIanga served as the brigade executive officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade at Camp Major Gerona, Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Meanwhile, Pesase, who served the 62IB in Central Negros for more than two years, will be reassigned to higher headquarters.
P e s a s e c o m m e n d e d the 62IB troops for their cooperation, understanding and support, expressing gratitude for their commitment d u r i n g o p e r a t i o n s . H e a l s o e m p h a s i z e d h i s f u l l re s p o n s i b i l i t y a n d accountability for all actions of the battalion, regardless of success or failure.
F u r t h e r m o r e , S i s o n recognized the significant accomplishments of 62IB in ensuring stable internal peace and security across Negros Island.
He l auded Pesase for his exemplary service and remarkabl e l eadership, particularly for dismantling the Central Negros 1 Front and the invaluable contributions of various local government units and local chief executives towards fostering peace and security./