Army unit chief to retire from military service

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) in Negros Occidental will soon have a new commander.

This, after Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd IBde commander, will retire from the military service on Dec. 28.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), awarded Pasaporte with a command plaque and memento. He was also given a testimonial parade at the 3ID headquarters in Jamindan, Capiz on Dec. 7.

Pasaporte is the 27th commander of the 303rd IBde based in Murcia town, replacing Arevalo in Dec. 2019.

Prior to his designation, Pasaporte also served as the 303rd IBde deputy commander from 2017 to 2019.

He received numerous awards, medals, and commendations, and made a huge difference in peace and order and the insurgency problem, particularly in Negros island.

In his message, Pasaporte said the testimonial parade given in his honor is paying respect to the military profession and the people who mentored him through his career.

“Testimonials are not about me it is the “We” and “Us” in the Army, who shared experiences either good or bad,” he added.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Noel Baluyan, 3ID assistant commander, who is also set to retire by the end of this month, was given the same tribute.

Arevalo lauded the two general officers for their unwavering services, dedication, and the contribution they extended to the Army, including the neutralization of the hardcore leaders and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Western and Central Visayas.