From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): PA’s 20th IB has a new commanding officer
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=540062
The 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion (20IB)of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) of the Philippine Army has a new commanding officer,Lt/Col Rey Anthony M. Tumaliuan, replacing Lt/Col Noel A. Vestuir who served the battalion for more than two years.
Tumaliuan in his message underscored that he was overwhelmed by the trust of the leadership of the 8ID for him to lead the battalion. Still, he rallied the support of the men and women behind the organization to achieve success in their campaign.
He promised to make this unit proud while stressing that he will preserve the gains his predecessor, Lt/Col Vestuir, had achieved especially in providing optimum service to the constituents in their area of responsibility.
The 20IB is based at Brgy. Magsaysay in the municipality of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar and operates under the supervision and control of 803rd Infantry Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. It covers the first district of Northern Samar and the districts of Oquendo and Tinambacan in Calbayog City , Samar .
Its Alpha Company is situated at Polangi Village of Catarman town, Bravo Company in Trujillo , Bobon while its Charlie Company established its temporary patrol base in Seven Hills, San Isidro , all in Northern Samar .
Meanwhile, outgoing 20IB commander Vestuir exhorted the troops to extend Tumaliuan the same level of support and cooperation they had accorded to him.
Vestuir will assume a new but equally great responsibility effective July 2 at the division headquarters as assistant chief of staff for personnel.
The change of command ceremony was graced by no less than the commander of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, M/Gen. Gerardo T. Layug.
In his message, he commended Vestuir for his able leadership and exemplary performance not only in leading the battalion well, but also for being instrumental in convincing several former rebels to return to the folds of the law.
Gen. Layug also mentioned the battalion’s “Bayanihan” team activities during Vestuir’s term that led the way to sustainable development and a just and lasting peace in his area of responsibility.
It can be recalled that 20IB was also adjudged the Best Battalion and Best CMO of 803rd Infantry Brigade in 2012. This remarkable performance of the battalion according to Layug was a result of focused military operations in the context of the implementation of IPSP “Bayanihan” that intends to measure success in both combat and non-combat parameters.
M/Gen. Layug also challenged Tumaliuan of the great task ahead of him, but likewise expressed his confidence that he will be able to live up to the challenge of bringing the battalion to the greater heights.
Said ceremony was further highlighted with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to those people who supported and cooperated with 20IB during the term Vestuir that paved the way towards the realization of the Internal Peace and Security Operations, as well as the unit’s objectives.
Recognized were Calbayog City Mayor Hon. Ronald P. Aquino, San Isidro Municipal Veterinarian/AFRESCOM Veterinary Corps Commissioned Officer Cpt. Emma Linda Lingling, Tinambacan village councilor Hon. Marjun Munoz and PAMANA Program Coordinator for Samar Ms. Emy Bonifacio.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=540062