11ID's Makamandag Battalion welcomes New Commanding Officer

Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division and Joint Task Force (JTF) Orion officiated the Change of Command Ceremony of the 35th Infantry "Makamandag" Battalion at its headquarters in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu on February 11, 2024.

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio pinned the Military Merit Medal and awarded the Command Plaque to the outgoing Commanding Officer, Col. Domingo S. Robles, for his exemplary performance of duty that enormously contributed to the mission of the JTF Orion.

Col. Robles took the opportunity to express his gratitude to all those who supported 35IB and thanked his troops for the achievements and the remarkable experience as battalion commander. "Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga tulong at suporta na binibigay sa aming battalion, lalo na ang ating mga partner for peace at local government agencies. To the Makamandag Troopers, ako'y nagpapasalamat sa inyong dedikasyon at suporta upang makamit natin ang tagumpay. Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang ating nasimulan at panatiliin ang kaayusan dito sa probinsya ng Sulu."

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Christopher C. Genzola assumed the Command of the 35IB and expressed his gratitude saying, "This moment marks not just a personal milestone but a commitment to service of our nation. I am aware of the challenges and responsibilities of leading the 35IB. I accept this responsibility with utmost dedication, integrity, and profound sense of duty. I would like to thank our Division Commander for the trust and confidence bestowed upon me. Rest assured that I will fulfill my duty," said Lt. Col. Genzola.

In his message, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio thanked and lauded the outgoing Battalion Commander for his excellent leadership. Likewise, he challenged the newly-installed Commanding Officer to lead the battalion in greater heights.

"As we bid farewell to Col. Robles, we express our deepest gratitude for his exemplary leadership, commitment to duty, and the lasting impact he leaves on the 35IB. We welcome Lt. Col. Genzola as the newly-installed Commanding Officer, trusting that he will carry forward the legacy of excellence and continue the 35IB’s mission with the same dedication.

Lt. Col. Genzola, I know that you have a big shoe to fill and we, from the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, expect nothing but your best version. To Col. Robles and Lt. Col. Genzola congratulations and together, let us continue our resolve of becoming a world class army that the people of Sulu deserve.” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.

Present during the event were Brig. Gen. Mario D. Jacinto, Commander of 1101st Infantry Brigade; Brig. Gen. Giovanni T. Franza, Commander of 1102nd Infantry Brigade; Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Tampus, Commander of 1103rd Infantry Brigade; Battalion Commanders and partner stakeholders.