By Jennifer P. Rendon
An Ilonggo military officer has assumed command of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade (IB).
Colonel Nhel Richard Patricio was officially installed as the brigade commander on Monday, January 27, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Adriano Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo.
Patricio, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1991, succeeded Brigadier General Michael Samson, another Ilonggo officer and his classmate.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, presided over the turnover ceremony between the two PMA Class 1991 alumni.
With the insurgency problem nearing resolution, Sison challenged Patricio to eradicate the remaining insurgency concerns in Panay Island.
Patricio accepted the challenge, acknowledging that what remains of the once-strong New People’s Army (NPA) presence decades ago are only remnants.
The 301st IB estimates around 20 armed members still operating in the area.
“I will do my best. I am committed to ending the insurgency,” Patricio said.
He aims to declare Panay and Guimaras as Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) areas by the first semester of 2025.
“Let’s give peace a chance. The loss of lives and destruction of property have gone on for too long. It’s time to put an end to that,” he added.
Once the insurgency issue is resolved, Patricio noted that the focus would shift to territorial defense, presenting a different and more significant challenge for the brigade.
