Army installs new commander in Samar

FOTO FROM: Dpao Stormtroopers Facebook page

CATBALOGAN CITY -- The Philippine Army has installed a new commander of a brigade that covers the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar.

Col. Perfecto M. Rimando is the new commander of 801st Infantry Brigade based in Camp Daza, Fatima, village, Hinabangan, Samar.

Rimando succeeded Brig. Gen. Leoncio A. Cirunay Jr., who assumed the position as commander of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command.

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

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division presided the turnover of command on Monday.

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,” Rimando said.

Velarmino, in his message, acknowledged Cirunay’s contribution to the relative peace that Samar and Eastern Samar provinces are now experiencing.

Likewise, he challenged the new commander 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 Brig. Gen. 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,” Velarmino said. (PNA)