VALOR Battalion welcomes new Commanding Officer

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 24): VALOR Battalion welcomes new Commanding Officer

Fresh from his latest assignment in Minadanao as commanding officer of the 65th Infantry Battalion, Col. Joselito P. Pastrana formally took the reign as the new chief of the 22nd Infantry (Valor) Battalion (CAFGU) based in Barangay Caroyroyan, here.

In a simple but fitting Change of Command ceremony held Monday. February 13 at the 22nd Infantry Battalion, outgoing Col. Michael M. Buhat also officially relinquished his post to assume his new assignment as Chief of the 9th ID Governance and Strategy Management Office.

Maj. Gen. Manolito P. Orense, 9th Infantry Division Commander personally led the Change of Command Ceremony and commended the two officials for their exemplary contribution in the AFP’s campaign to ensure a peaceful society.

“I am confident that Col. Pastrana will be able to lead he battalion with his expertise in management. Joey is a good manager and a good commander.  You don’t need to be a warrior to effectively lead your people. What is important is you have a managerial acumen, initiative, persistence and good relationship with your people,” Orense said in an interview.

Orense personally awarded the Award of the Military Merit Medal to Col. Buhat in recognition of his meritorious and valuable services rendered as Commanding Officer of the Valor Battalion. Under his stint as head of the team, Buhat successfully managed the operational and administrative activities involving the Battalion all over the Bicol Region.

He and his men greatly contributed in the success of the over-all conduct of the internal peace and security operations in the region. He led his men in expediting the reconstruction of the unit’s facilities including the officer’s barracks, communication tower, mess hall, motor pool, multi-purpose and other vital structures and facilities which were damaged when typhoon Nina poured her wrath in the Camarines area.

Pastrana enjoined 22nd IB members to give him the same support that they have extended to Buhat emphasizing the great role of camaraderie and cooperation in the success of their goal towards the attainment of peace in the country.

Although he will be handling the CAFGUs for the first time, Pastrana is confident that they will be able to achieve their fight for a lasting peace with the unconditional support of all the stakeholders.

Prior to his deployment in Mindanao, Pastrana served as  Battalion Commander of of 42nd IB based in Mabalod-balod, Tigaon, Camarines Sur and handled the 9th Civil- Miltary Operations (CMO) Battalion based in Bicol.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861487248881/valor-battalion-welcomes-new-commanding-officer-