Newly installed 19th IB chief exhorts troops to lead by good example

By NEIL D. LOPIDO, PIA 8
January 11, 2012

KANANGA, Leyte  –  LtCol. Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, the newly installed commanding officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion based in Kananga, Leyte stressed in his assumption speech that every soldier must lead and live by correct and good example in order to attain desired goals not just in the 19th IB but in the entire Philippine Army as well.

LtCol. Nacnac, who took over command on January 7, emphasized discipline and professionalism among his troops as they perform their job.

“We should make an effort to uplift and institutionalize within our ranks the distinguishing marks of military discipline by following the rules and practicing our code of conduct, and as we do so the sanctity of human rights will be protected, and the rule of law upheld”, Nacnac said.

Despite the immense accomplishments of 19th IB under his predecessor, Nacnac remain positive that there are still labors left to be done.

It can be recalled that the 19th Infantry Battalion had battled and successfully surmounted an NPA allied sectoral organization in Carigara, Leyte during the term of LtCol. Francis Cabugon.

Moreover, Leyte had been declared Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development Ready province a month before Nacnac assumed command of the Philippine Army’s top performing battalion.

Nacnac likewise calls on the support of the stakeholders, partners, government and non-government organizations, religious, academe and other civil-society organizations as 19th IB under his leadership pursue its quest for peace and social and economic progress.

A member of Philippine Military Academy Class ’90, Nacnac formerly was the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operation (CMO) of the 8th Infantry Division based in Samar. He started his almost 22 years of military service as Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Company Commander, Battalion and Brigade Staff, Division Staff. He graduated number one (1) when he took up the Command and General Staff Course, the highest career course for Philippine military officers.