Alakdan Division bids farewell to Training School Commandant
Camp Bautista Jolo, Sulu - June 30, 2023
The 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division rendered a Change of Command Ceremony and Testimonial Parade in honor of Col. Leomar Jose M. Doctolero, Commandant of the 11th Infantry Division "Mastal" Training School at 11DTS Parade Ground, in Brgy Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu on June 28, 2023.
The Command facilitated the Change of Command Ceremony and Testimonial Parade together with the officers and enlisted personnel of 11ID as he relinquished his position upon serving 34 years in the Philippine Army.
He was replaced in an acting capacity by Lt. Col. Gregorio R. De Guzman and presided by Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division and Joint Task Force Sulu.
Col. Doctolero is a proud member of Philippine Military Academy "Makatao" Class of 1989. Prior to his position, he was given various staff positions, command responsibilities and led different training schools in the Philippine Army that became the highlights of his career as a military officer.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio pinned the Military Merit Medal and awarded Col. Doctolero with the Plaque of Recognition for his exemplary performance of duty that enormously contributed to the mission of JTF Sulu.
Col. Doctolero expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the Command and civilian partner stakeholders for attending the ceremony and bid his farewell as the commandant of 11DTS.
“I am happy that I was assigned and spent my remaining years in my service here in Sulu. Indeed, it’s an honor to work with all of you. The success of the 11DTS is not my work alone but the students and the personnel who worked so hard for the improvement of our training school. This is where discipline and capable soldiers are molded and honed. I want to show you the quality of students we have been producing. My wish is for you to continue the peace and development that we have right now. This is for our Tausug brothers and sisters and to all soldiers assigned here, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support not just to me but for the 11DTS.” said Col. Doctolero.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. De Guzman who served as the Assistant Commandant of 11DTS will now assumed as the Acting Commandant of the Division Training School.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Command for entrusting this position to me. In my professional capacity, based on my combat experiences and exposures in admin and training, management and consolidated efforts of the 11DTS, we will assure you of a better output. The legend of the success of 11DTS is through the leadership, commitment and dedication to duty of Col. Doctolero. Your legacy will never be forgotten, your bright ideas and wisdom will always be incorporated in our minds. Rest assured that the 11DTS will sustain what you have started,” said Lt. Col. De Guzman.
In his message, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio lauded Col. Doctolero's successful stint as Commandant of 11DTS for almost two years. Likewise, he challenged the newly Acting Commandant to lead the school in greater heights.
"The Alakdan Division is very fortunate when Col. Doctolero assumed as the 5th Commandant of 11DTS. We have witnessed the unprecedented improvement, not only on the physical form of the school but also with the standard of training being conducted, which greatly improve the quality of trainees we have been producing. Indeed, Col. Doctolero demonstrated exceptional leadership which transformed 11DTS to be at par with other training schools. As he bids farewell to the military service, he will be leaving a legacy that the 11DTS will be cherishing and will forever be grateful of.”
“To Col. Doctolero, congratulations on finishing the race. Thank you for your remarkable and selfless service that greatly contributed to where and what the Alakdan Division has become today. Your legacy will remain, this will served as an inspiration to push us harder in giving our best. To Lt.Col. De Guzman, I am confident that you will continue the initiatives of your predecessor,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.
The highlights of the activity were the testimonial parade pass and review in honor of Col. Doctolero, turnover of unit symbol and signing of relinquished and assumption orders which was witnessed by Brig. Gen. Eugenio C. Boquio, Brigade Commander of 1101st Bde, Brig. Gen. Giovanni T. Franza, Brigade Commander of 1102nd Bde, Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Tampus, Brigade Commander of 1103rd Bde, Battalion Commanders, JTF Sulu staff and partner stakeholders.