FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – In a change of command ceremony, the Philippine Army officially installed the new commander of the 1st Brigade “Aegis” Combat Team (1BCT) today, December 22, 2020 at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.
The Commanding General, Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, presided the turnover of leadership from Col. Benjamin G. Batara Jr. to Brig. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio.
The 1BCT is the Army’s contingency force capable of addressing conventional, unconventional, and asymmetric threats through its different units including an Intelligence Unit, Combat Engineer Company, Aviation, EOD Platoon, and 1st Air Defense Artillery Battery among others.
Prior to his new assignment, Brig. Gen. Patrimonio served as Brigade Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, 11th Infantry Division. A member of PMA “Sambisig” Class of 1991, Brig. Gen. Patrimonio graduated from the Development Academy of the Philippines with a Master in Public Management Major in Development Security.
On the other hand, Col. Batara led the unit towards its operational achievements, notably the neutralization of nine Abu Sayyaf Group members, two Communist Terrorist Group members, and eleven lawless elements; and the recovery of eleven firearms and nine anti-personnel mines. The 1BCT successfully conducted the first Philippines-United States Virtual Staff Exercise with the 5th Special Force Assistance Brigade and United States Army, and participated in the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Exercise “DAGIT-PA” 2020. Col. Batara, a member of PMA “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990, will is set to assume as the next commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade.
“To the 'Aegis' Troopers, continue your commitment and vigilance in serving with your new Commander. As stipulated by your unit name, you are a team, so remember that working together is essential to the aspirations of the Philippine Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Lt. Gen. Sobejana in his remarks. #