Ilocano officer named Army 12th IB commander

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An officer from Ilocos Norte has assumed command of the Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (IB).

Lt. Col. Richard Caliva, a 2004 graduate of the Officer Candidate School, formally took over the post from Lt. Col. Vicel Jan Garsuta.

The turnover of command ceremony was presided over by Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, on Feb. 4 at the 12th IB headquarters in Camp Ceferino Carreon, Calinog, Iloilo.

Garsuta will assume Caliva’s former post as executive officer of the 301st Infantry Brigade based at Camp Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo.

The 12th Infantry Battalion is responsible for security operations in Central Panay, an area historically affected by armed conflict.

Samson noted that Central Panay, which includes parts of Iloilo and Aklan and the whole of Capiz, was once among the fiercest battlegrounds of the New People’s Army, which he said aimed “to spread fear, divide the people, and weaken democracy.”

He said the conflict not only claimed the lives of combatants but also affected entire communities.

However, Samson said the situation in Central Panay has significantly improved.

“I can proudly say that this area has turned a corner,” Samson said. “Through years of sustained, people-centered operations, all barangays once affected by the communist terrorist group were cleared, and the NPA’s Central Front was dismantled.”

He added that what was once marked by insecurity is now moving toward stability, confidence, and normalcy.

Samson stressed that the gains were the result of collective efforts, noting that while soldiers played a vital role, peace was achieved because communities themselves chose it.

He also cited the support of local government units, national government agencies, the Philippine National Police, and other stakeholders in ensuring that security efforts were matched by governance, development, and basic services.

“When roads were built, farms were supported, schools reopened, and communities were heard, the space for armed conflict grew smaller,” Samson said.

Samson, who previously commanded the 301st Infantry Brigade, said the progress in Central Panay is the result of disciplined soldiers, principled leadership, and strong collaboration with partners.

He commended Garsuta’s leadership, which he said “embodied the true meaning of the whole-of-nation approach.”

During the ceremony, Garsuta received a Military Merit Medal for “eminently meritorious and valuable services rendered” as 12th IB commander from Feb. 6, 2024, to February 2026.

Under his leadership, the battalion conducted intensified military operations in Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo that led to the dismantling of the NPA Central Front and Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.

Police records showed that these operations resulted in encounters initiated by government forces, the arrest of communist terrorist group personalities, and the recovery of high-powered and low-powered firearms, war materiel, and subversive documents with significant intelligence value.

Garsuta was also cited for his leadership in intelligence operations, civil-military activities, training, personnel administration, and camp development.