803rd Brigade in Northern Samar has new Commander

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 9, 2015

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A former Deputy Brigade Commander has assumed the post of the Army's 803rd Infantry (PEACEMAKER) Brigade during the turn-over of command ceremony held on September 8, 2015 at Camp Somoroy, Brgy Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar.

Colonel Mario G. Lacurom replaced Brigadier General Herminigildo C. Aquino who has been appointed as the Assistant Superintendent of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City.

Major General Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division presided the turn-over of command which was attended by the local government officials of Northern Samar headed by its Governor Hon. Jose L. Ong Jr., Col. Dinoh A. Dolina, Commander 802nd Brigade, PNP officials headed by PSSupt Daniel C. Mayuni, Provincial Director NSPPO, Civil Society Organizations, partners and stakeholders of the Brigade, the media, friends, Army's field commanders and the men and women of the 803rd Brigade.

In his message, Col Lacurom recognized the significant milestone of Northern Samar after the province was declared as Manageable Conflict Affected and Development Ready this year and confident to push Northern Samar as Insurgency Free province by urging the support from the stakeholders so that just and lasting peace will be realized.

Col. Lacurom further 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".

"This is a blessing to me from God and I am inspired for this designation and ready to face the challenges as I recalled my time when I was a Battalion Commander in Southern Leyte and now a Brigade Commander in Northern Samar is indeed a challenge in my life", Lacurom added.

Meanwhile, Major General Velarmino congratulated Brigadier General Aquino for a job well done during his stint as the Brigade Commander as the unit was conferred as initiated status of genuine transformation and reform thru Governance Strategy and Management and Col Lacurom for being selected to head the 803rd Brigade.