The Philippine Army installed a new Army Chief of Engineers last February 7, 2023 at Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.
Col. Jose Eduardo F. Liboon formally assumed as the Army Chief of Engineers in a Change of Chief of Office ceremony. Prior to his new post, Col. Liboon served as the Acting Commander of the 51st Engineer Brigade (51EBde). He also led other units such as the Chief of Staff of the 53rd Engineer Brigade (53EBde); Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics (OG4) of the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division; and Chief of the Governance and Strategy Management Office (GSMO) of the 52nd Engineer Brigade (52EBde). Col. Liboon is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Bantay Laya" Class of 1994 and holds a Master's in Community Development from the University of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, outgoing chief Col. Antonio C. Rota Jr. will be the Commander of the 51st Engineer Brigade. Before being Army Chief of Engineers, he also headed other units as Chief of Staff of the 54th Engineer Brigade (54EBde); Commanding Officer of the 547th Engineer Construction Battalion (ECB) under 54EBde; and Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations under 52EBde. Col. Rota is a graduate of the Officer Preparatory Course and was commissioned in 1993. Col. Rota has a Master's in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
The presiding officer Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba conveyed his well wishes to Col. Liboon as he takes on a new role and to Col. Rota on his success. “To Col. Rota, you are more than ready to take a challenging role as the new commander of 51EBde. I wish you good luck in your future endeavors. To Col. Liboon, rest assured that you have the support of the command, especially in the accomplishment of the mission. To Col. Rota and Col. Liboon, ipagpatuloy ang maayos na paglilingkod sa bayan. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas!” said Maj. Gen. Camba in his message.
Photos by Pvt Angelica Rose Valderrama PA / OACPA