TACLOBAN CITY — The 802nd Infantry Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, welcomed its new commander, Colonel Rico Amaro, in a ceremonial turnover of command held on Wednesday, Oct.15, at Camp Downes, Ormoc City.
Col. Amaro succeeded Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, who officially retired from military service after reaching the mandatory retirement age. The turnover ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, assistant division commander of the 8th Infantry Division, and attended by brigade officers, commanders of subordinate units, and local government officials.
In his valedictory message, Vestuir expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the 802nd Brigade and for the strong cooperation among the military, local government units, and civilians in maintaining peace in the region.
“The peace that now reigns in Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, and Eastern Samar is not just the result of military action—it is the embodiment of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication,” Vestuir said.
Under his leadership, the brigade achieved key counterinsurgency milestones, including the dismantling of the Apoy and Bugsok Platoons of the Sub-Regional Committee SESAME in Southern Samar, and Platoon 2 of Island Committee LEVOX under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in Leyte.
Active communist insurgent numbers in the brigade’s area of operation also dropped significantly—from 65 to just 13 members—a feat Vestuir described as “not only a tactical success but a strategic victory for the people of Eastern Visayas.”
In his acceptance speech, Col. Amaro pledged to continue and strengthen the programs initiated by his predecessor, particularly efforts to encourage the remaining insurgents to surrender and reintegrate into society.
“We urge every sector—government and private alike—to join us in bringing peace to our people, from the town centers to the remotest and most disadvantaged areas,” Amaro said.
He also underscored his commitment to uphold the welfare and morale of soldiers while carrying out all peace and security operations under his command.
The 802nd Infantry Brigade has operational jurisdiction over Leyte, Biliran, and the southern parts of Samar and Eastern Samar, areas that have seen significant progress in peace and development following years of successful military and civilian cooperation.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
