ILOILO City – Lieutenant Colonel Harold Garcia is the new commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion.
Garcia assumed command on June 15 replacing Colonel Joel Benedict Batara who was relieved from his post after a stint of two years and four months.
Garcia, a native of Santa Maria District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, entered the military service on July 1, 2000 and graduated from his Officer Candidate Course in July 2001.
He was assigned in Mindanao in the 51st Infantry Battalion (104th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division) in Zamboanga del Norte from 2001-2014.
Garcia also held the position of Executive Officer of the 303IB based in Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Meanwhile, Batara would be assigned to the Central Command based in Cebu.
Major General Vinoya of 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) recognized Batara’s various accomplishments.
Batara was instrumental for the surrender of some members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in his area, according to Vinoya.
“This unit notably inflicted serious losses to the enemy especially the Southern Front of Komiteng Rehiyon in Panay Island through a series of encounters which resulted to several deaths to the enemy’s side, numerous captured rebels, firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices,” Vinoya said.
With his meritorious service as battalion commander, Batara was awarded with the Military Merit Medal.
On the other hand, Vinoya challenged the newly-installed commanding officer to go the extra mile leading the battalion.
“It will not be easy but with your utmost dedication, it will bring out the best in you,” Vinoya added.
Meanwhile, Batara was thankful for the support of his commanders, local government units and the media./PN
