• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The two Philippine Army battalions stationed in Negros Island have new commanders.
Lt. Col. Ziegfred Tayaban assumed the command of 94th Infantry Battalion in Ayungon, Negros Oriental while Lt. Col. Brian Bagaipo took over the helm of 15th Infantry Battalion in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, in separate turnover of command ceremonies held on Wednesday.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division (ID) commander, ordered Tayaban and Bagaipo to continue fostering strong community relations with various stakeholders and to remain committed to the 3ID collective mission to bring forth sustainable peace and development in Negros Island.
Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, presided over the change of 94IB and 15IB commands on behalf of Sison.
Tayaban succeeded Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte while Bagaipo took over the post from Lt. Col. Michael Cuarteros.
The 94IB unit commanded by Almonte for two years and nine months earned the distinction as the “fightingest” unit of the 3ID and the entire Philippine Army.
He had supervised the conduct of 6,810 combat operations, which resulted in 32 government-initiated tactical engagements, leading to the neutralization of 134 New People’s Army personalities, 24 of whom died in encounters, 12 apprehended and 98 others surrendered.
The 94IB also recovered 94 firearms for the same period.
Meanwhile, Cuarteros said he led the 15IB with dedication and distinction, which led to the successful combat operations and community peace engagement, and neutralization of prominent rebel personalities in southern Negros, who were killed in encounters.
Prior to his designation as 15IB commander, Bagaipo served as executive officer of the 302nd Infantry Brigade. | GB
