801st Infantry
Brigade in Samar has new commander
By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 15, 2015
CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN,
Catbalogan City – The Philippine Army installed Col. Perfecto M.
Rimando as the new Commander of 801st Infantry Brigade in a Change-
of-Command Ceremony held at Camp Daza, Brgy Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar
on September 14, 2015.
Col. Rimando succeeded BGen.
Leoncio A. Cirunay Jr., who assumed the position as Commander of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command. He took over the helm
of an Army unit that covers the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar.
Prior to taking the helm of
801st Infantry Brigade, Col. Rimando was the Chief of Philippine Army
Human Rights Office (PAHRO) based in Ft Bonifacio, Metro Manila.
The installation of Rimando
was presided by Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th
Infantry Division, Philippine Army. It was also attended by Ms. Imelda
Bonifacio, OPAPP Area Manager; Hon. Arman Sevillano, Brgy Chairman of
Fatima; Mr. Jun Arcenio, Philippine Information Agency- Samar; and
Rev. Fr. Jester Jake Yboa, Parish Priest St. Anthony De Padua.
Col. 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,” said Rimando.
MGen Velarmino in his
message acknowledged the contribution of BGen Cirunay to the relative
peace that Samar and Eastern Samar provinces are now experiencing, at
the same time, he challenged Rimando 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 BGen. 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, I expect him to
perform well. My guidance is stay healthy, take care of your men, know
your job and do it well and lastly, never forget to pray before you
sleep in service for our country and people,” said Velarmino.