ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB), stationed at Camp Ceferino S. Carreon in Barangay Libot, Calinog, Iloilo, officially welcomed a new leader.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Caliva formally assumed command on Wednesday, February 4, replacing Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta. The turnover ceremony was presided over by Major General Michael Samson, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).
Garsuta completed a successful two-year tour of duty with the 12IB and will be temporarily assigned to a staff position at the 3ID headquarters.
During his tenure, Garsuta led intensified operations against insurgents, particularly in Tapaz, Capiz, and the central part of Iloilo province. His leadership was instrumental in the dismantling of the Central Front (CF) of the Komiteng Rehiyon Panay (KRP). These operations also resulted in the recovery of numerous high- and low-powered firearms and high-value subversive documents.
Notably, the 12IB under Garsuta neutralized several high-ranking rebel leaders, including the secretary of KRP known by the aliases “Arjie,” “Hadjie,” “Mandi,” and “LJ”; Maria Concepcion Araneta Bocala alias “Concha”), the 1st deputy secretary of KRP; and Vivian Torato Teodosio, also known by the aliases “Minerva,” “Mara,” and “Morayon,” the secretary of CF, KRP.
Taking the helm, Caliva vowed to sustain the momentum and strategic plans established by his predecessor. He issued a stern but open call to remaining insurgents to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs.
“Kung patuloy ang mga remnants na magtago, we continue to run after them hanggang mag-surrender sila,” Caliva said.
Meanwhile, Samson commended Garsuta for his landmark achievements and expressed full confidence in Caliva’s ability to finish the job.
“Mga walo na lang sila na mga remnants. Ipagpatuloy lang ang pagtugis sa kanila,” Samson told Caliva./PN
