79th IB installs new commander

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Calaoagan was designated as the new commander of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) (Masaligan troopers) in Negros Occidental.

Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), presided over the change of command held at the 79th IB headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City last Thursday.

Calaoagan replaced Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, who was reassigned as a staff officer of the 3ID in Jamindan, Capiz.

He served as the Executive Officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) in Murcia town prior to his present assignment.

In his message, Calaoagan vowed to continue to employ the philosophy of “leadership by example” and the theories and culture of “participative and servant leadership” to sustain the gains they have made.

He said the 79th IB will endeavor to collectively ensure that all areas of concern must be carefully and deliberately addressed and acted upon, with all the capabilities and resources the unit has.

He also thanked Sison for the trust and confidence he bestowed upon him, as he vowed to do his best to accomplish the unit’s mission.

Javines, who served the battalion from May 28, 2021 to June 29, 2023, thanked all troopers and partner stakeholders for their crucial roles in the 79th IB during his term.

Javines also recognized the late Private First Class Christoper Alada, Corporal Biencent John Trero, and Private Cesar Ian Eleuterio, who offered their lives to protect the peace in Northern Negros.

Meanwhile, three Gold Cross and 19 Bronze Cross Medals were given to deserving 79th IB troopers for their excellent service and gallantry in action in the conduct of various military operations against the New People’s Army (NPA).

Sison commended Javines for his exemplary service and remarkable leadership in the battalion.

He urged the troopers to give their 100 percent support and cooperation as Calaoagan leads them towards attaining and fulfilling their mission.

Continue to live up to your name “Masaligan,” he added.