79th IB has new commander

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines is the new commander of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Negros Occidental.

Javines replaced Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Alvaran, who assumed the helm of the 82nd IB in Cebu.

The turnover of command of the 79th IB was presided by Major General Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) at its headquarters in Sagay City last Friday.

In his speech, Javines emphasized a more collaborative and participative approach to end insurgency in his area of responsibility.

Javines said they will always be a responsive and reliable partner in pursuit of genuine peace and equitable development in northern Negros.

He urged everyone to help them build a community that is inhospitable to the presence and influence of any threat group who seek to undermine our efforts for nation building.

“Makasalig gid kamo sang matuod, madasig kag sinsero nga serbisyo sang 79th IB,” he added.

Javines vowed to continue to fulfill the task given to him as he gives emphasis on his priorities which is anchored on ‘Mission Accomplishment’ and “Moral and Welfare” of the personnel.

“Our efforts shall always be geared towards achieving our mission, while maintaining the moral and welfare of our troops, at its best,” he said.

Vinoya acknowledged the contribution of Alvaran, as he challenged Javines to continue what his predecessor has started coupled with strong commitment, passion, and dedication.

“Do not let us down, continue our unfinished tasked here in this particular area,” Vinoya said.

Vinoya urged them to sustain their gains and ensure that the communities within their area of operation will be completely insulated from the recovery efforts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“We cannot afford to lose the things that we have achieved and gained here in northern Negros,” he said, as he directed them to hit the ground running.

Meanwhile, Alvaran thanked the 79th IB troopers and the stakeholders for their unwavering support during his stint.