BALER, Aurora — Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army, installed the 4th Commanding Officer of the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion in a simple Change of Command Ceremony held at its Headquarters in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on Friday (April 5).
Lt. Col. Julio Recto Jr. relinquished his position to Lt. Col. Aries Quinto, who was the former Executive Officer of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, Philippine Army.
Among the significant accomplishments of the unit under Lt. Col. Recto Jr. were the federation of people’s organizations in the province of Aurora, the massive withdrawal of support from the former Communist Terrorist Group, the surrender of its members, various community support programs, stakeholder engagements, information drives in schools against the recruitment of the CTG, successful intelligence and combat operations that led to various recovery of enemy weapons, and the recent declaration of the State of Stable Internal Peace and Security in the province, among others.
In his message, Maj. Gen. Costelo commended the exemplary leadership of Lt. Col. Recto Jr., saying that his unit’s accomplishments have contributed to the command’s mission.
“You’ve exemplified this balance admirably, showcasing the capabilities of the 91IB and leading with action, not just words. The people of Aurora and our troops have witnessed your leadership firsthand. When challenges arose, you saw them as opportunities to demonstrate the capabilities of the 91IB. Since assuming command precisely two years and five days ago on March 31, 2022, you’ve displayed excellence and enthusiasm, furthering our mission with every endeavor,” Costelo noted.
Meanwhile, the commander extended his full support and confidence to Lt. Col. Quinto as he led the Sinagtala Troopers and urged him to continue the accomplishments of the unit.
Lt. Col. Recto Jr. will be the incoming Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1, 7ID. (UnliNews Online)
