ISABELA, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Lieutenant Colonel Evelio Ilanga III formally asssumed command of the 62nd Infantry Battalion from Colonel William Pesase during a turn over led by Major General Marion Sison Tuesday, 27 February 2024, at the battalion’s headquaeters here in Libas village.
Sison praised what he called the “remarkable achievements” of the 62IB under Pesase’s leadership, rspecially the dismantling of the Central Negros Front 1, oncethe mother guerrilla area in the island put up by former priest Frank Fernandez.
Pesase, who was awarded a military merit medal, credited their victory over the Communists to previous commanders of the battallion before he took over two years ago.
Sison, however, warned that complacency is the new enemy when area has been declared “cleared” but added only six armed remnants of the defunct CN1 remain.
On his part, Ilanga expressed his commitment to upholding the battalion’s legacy of excellence and furthering its mission to ensure peace and security in Negros Island.
The change of command ceremony not only symbolizes a transition in leadership but also underscores the continuity of the Philippine Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and promoting peace and stability in the region.
