47IB installs New Battalion Commander

Division Public Affairs Office, Camp Peralta , Jamindan, Capiz-- The 47th (Katapatan) Infantry Battalion held a turnover of command on September 25, 2007 at Headquarters 47th Infantry Battalion based in Libas, Banga, Aklan. The ceremony was attended by various guests from both civilian and military sectors. The outgoing commander Lt Col Earl D Baliao relinquished the baton of leadership to Lt Col Nicolas Pasion in a simple ceremony presided by the 3rd Infantry Division Commander, Maj Gen Jovenal D Narcise.
Change of command is a routine procedure in the military service to enhance the career of officers and always open the windows of new concept and bright ideas.
Lt Col Baliao assumed the command of 12th Infantry Battalion last September 24, 2007. It is a CAFGU Cadre Battalion stationed at Camp Monteclaro, Miag-ao, Iloilo that covers the islands Panay, Negros, Cebu and Bohol. Among the noted accomplishments of the outgoing commander of 47IB are the two major tactical engagements in the areas of Lambunao and Igbaras, all of Iloilo, the conduct of numerous medical missions, barangay development projects, insurgency awareness seminars, symposiums and disaster response that resulted in the recovery of seventeen (17) assorted high and low powered firearms and three (3) improvised landmines, the surrender of four (4) active and inactive Communists Terrorists and apprehension on one (1) CT regular member. In his parting words, he reminded the “Katapatan Troopers” to remain disciplined and dedicated to their assigned task.
On the other hand, Lt Col Pasion is a well rounded officer like his predecessor. He was the Inspector General of the Division prior to his assumption. He possessed the warrior qualities being a graduate of the scout ranger, special forces and air borne courses. Likewise, he had been an effective planner and operator at the same time. He vowed to support the policies and programs of the Commanding General, 3ID and further emphasized the importance of commitment and dedication of every soldier in the unit in order to maintain the gains that made the unit as best battalion of 3ID on the second quarter of 2007.
During his speech, Maj Gen Jovenal D Narcise, 3ID Commanding General congratulated the two fine officers and exhorted them to be proactive always in addressing the threats to national security. He also urges other stakeholders to work hand in hand with the AFP in ending the insurgency problem in the country by 2010.


ERWIN A DE ASIS
LTC GSC (FA) PA
Public Information Officer