BACOLOD City – The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry “Brown Eagle” Brigade in Negros Island has a new commander.
Colonel Alberto Desoyo assumed the post during a change of command ceremony Thursday at their headquarters in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Desoyo replaced Brigadier General Eliezer Losañes, whose tour of duty in Negros lasted about a year and a half. He was previously the chief of staff of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar.
“I cannot help but feel honored to be welcomed by all the combat support and its service unit commanders and by no less than three fighting battalions,” Desoyo said.
He is no stranger to Negros Occidental. In 2008 he was commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Bato, Sagay City.
Aside from the 62nd IB, two other battalions are under the 303rd Brigade: the 15th IB in Cauayan, Negros Occidental and the 79th IB in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1989, Desoyo said he did not expect to return to Negros. He said he thought he would retire in Samar.
“I promise to do everything I can to fulfill my duties, and I believe our jobs would be easier if we work together,” he said. “Some jobs may be difficult. Yes, difficult, but not impossible.”
Losañes will join the 8th Infantry Division as assistant division commander.
Boosting the troops’ morale and introducing initiatives to improve the well-being of soldiers were his most important accomplishments, he said.
Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, urged Negrenses to give Desoyo the same support they gave Losañes. (PNA)
