• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion stationed in Mabinay, Negros Oriental has a new commander, Lt. Col. Dennis Martinez.
Martinez was formally installed by Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd Infantry Division commander, as the acting 47IB commander on June 16.
He succeeded Lt. Col. Magno Mapalad, who is up for another position in the Philippine Army.
Samson conferred the Military Merit Medal on Mapalad in recognition of his meritorious service as 47IB commander for two years.
In his speech during the turnover rites, Mapalad lauded the cooperation of the men and women of 47IB for their achievements, both in combat and community engagements, during his tenure as the battalion commander.
For his part, Martinez vowed to continue upholding the values and mission of 47IB by leading the infantry unit that is respected, trusted, and feared by those who threaten peace. | GB
