ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade has a new commander.
Colonel Nhel Richard Patricio officially assumed the post yesterday during a turnover ceremony at Camp Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo.
Patricio, an Ilonggo and former Inspector General of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), replaced Brigadier General Michael Samson, who held the position for two years.
Samson will take over as commander of the 3ID, succeeding Major General Marion Sison, who is set to retire this month.
Samson is no stranger to Central and Western Visayas, having previously served in these regions before his assignment to the 301st Brigade.
His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including the neutralization of key rebel leaders in Panay. These included Vicente Hinojales, regional secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P); Maria Concepcion Araneta Bocala, alias “Ka Concha,” the group’s first deputy secretary and a former peace negotiator; and Vivian Torato Teodosio, alias “Muray” or “Minerva,” secretary of KR-P’s central front.
His efforts also led to the dismantling of rebel guerrilla fronts such as the Southern Panay Front, Central Front, and Regional Sentro de Grabidad.
As the new 301st Brigade commander, Patricio has been directed by Sison to intensify operations against the remaining local insurgents in his area of responsibility.
Sison expressed confidence in Patricio’s ability to excel in his new role, citing his extensive experience in military operations.
Patricio’s leadership is expected to sustain the momentum in the fight against insurgency in Panay and neighboring areas./PN
