Col. Arnel B. Bautista assumed as the new Chief of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, Philippine Army in a ceremony on October 2, 2023 at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Col. Bautista served as the Group Commander of the 1st Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command prior to his new assignment. He also held various leadership positions in the 9th Infantry Division such as the Commandant of the Division Training School, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, and Commanding Officer of the 49th Infantry Battalion. Col. Bautista is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Bantay-Laya" Class 1994.
On the other hand, Outgoing Chief Col. Jaime R. Datuin led the office's affairs and operations since September 2021. During his stint, the office initiated programs and activities aiming to enhance the welfare of the Army's reservists and retirees. Col. Datuin graduated from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Officer Candidate School as a member of Class 11-1993.
During the ceremony, Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba extended his congratulations to Col. Bautista for his new assignment. He also encouraged the office personnel to continue their efforts under their new Chief to develop the Army Reserve force.
Photos by Pvt Divino Lozano PA