By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Colonel Leonardo Peña was designated as the new commander of the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde).
Peña, formerly the Chief of the Unified Command Staff (CUCS) of the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), replaced Brigadier General Noel Baluyan, who led the brigade for one year and two months.
The turnover rites presided by Major General Eric Vinoya, commander of 3rd Infantry Division (ID) was held at 302nd IBde camp in Leon Kilat, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental last Thursday.
Peña vowed to strengthen the Army’s cooperation with government agencies and partner stakeholders to realize inclusive peace and pursue localized peace initiatives and community support programs.
“The 302nd IBde will remain a force to be reckoned with not by mere weapons but by deeds,” Peña stressed.
He assured that he will be a team player in achieving their ultimate goal of peace and progress in this part of the country.
Peace requires the integration of an encompassing approach, one that demands the employment of military and non-military solutions and leaves no sector behind, Peña said.
“With this in mind, we shall converge and harmonize our efforts to attain our comprehensive security template,” he added.
Meanwhile, Baluyan was moved to 3ID camp in Jamindan, Capiz, where he was assigned as the new 3ID assistant division commander.
In his message, Baluyan described his stint in Negros island as “the most socially enriching, fulfilling, rewarding and exciting assignment” he has ever had.
He thanked all the stakeholders, the governor, the local chief executives, local government units (LGUs), policemen, military troopers, and the higher headquarters that he has immensely worked with that enabled him to achieve the mission and vision of the brigade.
Vinoya lauded Baluyan for the remarkable services he has rendered to the 3ID.
He also welcomed Peña, saying he has his full trust and confidence that he will lead the brigade with the same enthusiasm and commitment.
The 302nd IBde covers the sixth district of Negros Occidental, and the second and third districts of Negros Oriental.
It controls the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Bohol, 15th IB based in Negros Occidental, and the 11th IB in Negros Oriental.
