801st Infantry Brigade in Samar has new commander

Just posted to Samar News (Sep 15): 801st Infantry Brigade in Samar has new commander

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 15, 2015

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The Philippine Army installed Col. Perfecto M. Rimando as the new Commander of 801st Infantry Brigade in a Change- of-Command Ceremony held at Camp Daza, Brgy Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar on September 14, 2015.

Col. Rimando succeeded BGen. Leoncio A. Cirunay Jr., who assumed the position as Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command. He took over the helm of an Army unit that covers the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar.

Prior to taking the helm of 801st Infantry Brigade, Col. Rimando was the Chief of Philippine Army Human Rights Office (PAHRO) based in Ft Bonifacio, Metro Manila.

The installation of Rimando was presided by Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. It was also attended by Ms. Imelda Bonifacio, OPAPP Area Manager; Hon. Arman Sevillano, Brgy Chairman of Fatima; Mr. Jun Arcenio, Philippine Information Agency- Samar; and Rev. Fr. Jester Jake Yboa, Parish Priest St. Anthony De Padua.

Col. Rimando vowed to continue to support the initiatives of the local government units and closely collaborate with the stakeholders in line with the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”.

“I can still remember when I first set foot on the island of Samar 29 years ago as a platoon leader, and now I am here again as a brigade commander and have noticed many changes and improvements through the years. I am grateful to be here once again to do the task and mission that our people and our country expect from me,” said Rimando.

MGen Velarmino in his message acknowledged the contribution of BGen Cirunay to the relative peace that Samar and Eastern Samar provinces are now experiencing, at the same time, he challenged Rimando to continue the plans and programs initiated by his predecessor that fit the current situation and work hard towards the realization of “Insurgency Free” Samar and Eastern Samar provinces.

“I commend BGen. Cirunay for his immeasurable contributions to the accomplishments of 8ID mission. With Col. Rimando as the new Commander of 801st Infantry Brigade, I know it is in good hands and with his past experiences in this area and support of the men and women of the 801st Brigade, I expect him to perform well. My guidance is stay healthy, take care of your men, know your job and do it well and lastly, never forget to pray before you sleep in service for our country and people,” said Velarmino.

http://www.samarnews.com/news2015/sep/d425.htm