Hidalgo shifts Avenger’s Battalion Command to Lt. Col. Demafiles

By JAZMINE ODYSSA C. BONIFACIO
September 19, 2010

ORAS, Eastern Samar  –  The 14th Infantry (AVENGER) Battalion welcomed its new Commanding Officer in a simple turn-over ceremony held within its camp premises at Barangay Dao, Oras, Eastern Samar  last September 7, this year.  A mass was celebrated to start the activity.

Col. Jaime Fernando R. Hidalgo served the “Avengers” as its 18th Commander for one (1) year, seven (7) months and two (2) days since his assumption last February 05, 2009. His leadership gained much recognition and respect from its stakeholders because of the many remarkable accomplishments he has achieved through good rapport with local chief executives. In a brief interview, Hidalgo is proud to have left his troops a simple legacy of guiding spiritually and physically motivated men in uniform that excelled in serving the interests of the populace in accord with that of the higher headquarters. He humbly gave credit to the collective effort of every men and women in his unit and appreciated the formal working relations that he has established with the civilian benefactors and friends, as factors in attaining the sustained peace and development in his area of responsibility.

In his relinquishment speech, Hidalgo went teary-eyed as he expressed his gratitude to the Estahanons for their unwavering support.  ”Walang katapusan ang aking pagpupugay at pagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat sa suporta na binigay nyo sa akin. Nagawa ko lahat ito dahil sa inyong walang sawang suporta,” quips the outgoing commander. In addition to the Meritorious Medal that was awarded to him by the Division for his exemplary service as the 14thIB Battalion Commander, Hon. Emiliana P. Villacarillo handed over a Plaque of Appreciation, for and in behalf of all the people of Eastern Samar, who were the direct recipients of the peace efforts that the battalion has achieved under his stint. The mayors serenaded Col. Hidalgo with the famous friendship song, “Auld Lang Syne”, a gesture reflecting a sincere and deeper friendship with the Estehanons. This, according to the mayors, made the occasion more memorable.

The 14th IB leadership was turned-over to Lt. Col. Hermilo Demafiles, a native of Antique. He was the G7 at the 4th Infantry Division before Assumption Order No.643 directed him to replace Col. Hidalgo.  Just like MGen. Mario F. Chan, the new 8ID Commanding General, Demafiles is proud to have come from a battalion that has been awarded nationwide, as the Best Division for the past two successive years.

Col. Arnulfo Atendido, the Assistant Division Commander of the Stormtroopers Division presided the Change of Command Ceremony and acted as the guest speaker in behalf of MGen. Mario F. Chan, the 8ID commanding General. The activity was witnessed by Col. Alex Albano, 801st Brigade Commander; Lt. Col. Virgilio D. Magaway, OIC Division Adjutant; Lt.Col. Quilana, CO of the 543 Engineering Brigade; former Northern Samar Congressman Wilmar Lucero; former BID Commissioner Marcelino Libanan and PNP Provincial Director P/Sr. Supt. Felixberto Castillo.

Furthermore, the League of Mayors of Eastern Samar led by Oras Mayor Neil Alvarez was in attendance to deliver a message. Other guests present were Dolores Mayor Emiliana P. Villacarillo; Can-avid Mayor Alicia Cesista; Dolores Vice Mayor, Aquilino Mejica;  Maslog Mayor Septemio  “Boc “Santiago; Board Member Jojie Montallana; Sulat Mayor, Virginia Sacate, Can-avid Vice Mayor Gil Norman Germino; Giporlos Mayor Mateo Biong, Llorente Mayor Tito Dindo Cudoy; San Policarpio Mayor Rolando Evardone;  Arteche SP Member Floro Balato; Oras Vmayor Franklin; ABC President of Eastern Samar, Hon. Daniel Lucero; Dolores Vice Mayor Raul Tan and Dr. Rumuar.

“Am happy to commend the outgoing commander, despite the constant demands of the battalion, there is still part where the welfare of his men was his priority-essential for every commander”, was Atendido’s reaffirmation on Hidalgo’s mission of providing incentives for every productive soldier that are morally and spiritually focused. “Accomplishment bespeaks of you as a commander. You are a leader in your own right and there is no better tribute today as the commander who is leaving the Estehanons with a legacy”, were the final inspiring thoughts of the ADC for Col. Hidalgo. As of press time, Col. Hidalgo was reassigned as CG’s staff to oversee the tactical operations of the entire Division.