53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) battalion has new commander

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 16): 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) battalion has new commander

The 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion, Philippine Army has a new commander replacing Lt. Col. Alvin Luzon who is now assigned at the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) in Zamboanga City as unified command staff.

Lt. Col. Virgilio Hamos Jr. took over as commander of the 53rd Infantry Battalion, which is based in Camp Major David P. Sabido in Poblacion, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur effective Feb. 1.

Hamos, who is Luzon’s mistah at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bantay-Laya” (Protectors of Freedom) class of 1994, was previously assigned at G3 (operations), Philippine Amy headquarters.

In his message, Luzon said “the unit extends the same support and sense of duty to the incoming commander.” As his mistah, he knew Hamos as a hardworking and dedicated leader.

“I am confident that with Lt. Col. Hamos, the team “MATAPAT” will continue to tread the way and ready to face the challenges posed by rapidly changing security environment,” Luzon announced.

“He is the perfect commander who shall continue with our motto: Sa 5rd IB Hindi Pwede ang Pwede Na,” Luzon said adding “excellence is the MATAPAT’s way of life.”

Luzon said: “I may be leaving but I am not saying goodbye.”

“I bid you farewell to prepare, be ready and to continue my journey in military service. As in the sports of Golf, the most important shot is the next one,” he added.

Luzon expressed his profound gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed greatly to the remarkable accomplishments during his stint as commander of the unit.

He particularly thanked the officers and enlisted personnel whom he claimed to have contributed significantly to the unit’s successes. “These accomplishments were made because of you,” the teary-eyed commander declared.

Meanwhile, Hamos expressed his gratitude to the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division for giving him the opportunity to lead the unit.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the leadership of the 1st Infantry Tabak Division for giving me the opportunity to lead this unit.  Though, it is not an easy job to be at par with the outstanding performance of my predecessor,”Hamos said.

Hamos however, vowed to pursue the programs and activities, which were started by his predecessor.

“To the outgoing commander, rest assured that what you have started will be pursued with much dedication,” Hamos assured.

“I will build upon your accomplishments. I will do what an officer must do that is, to accomplish the mission. To the men and women of the 53rd IB I offer you my full commitment to serve. I will work with you, struggle with you, and fight with you.”

The event was attended by the Tabak commander, Major General Gerardo F. Barrientos Jr., the event’s keynote speaker, Governor Antonio Cerilles, local chief executives, and other stakeholders.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371455584357/53rd-infantry-matapat-battalion-has-new-commander