TACLOBAN CITY – The 801st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) welcomed its new commander, Col. Arlino Sendaydiego, during a change of command ceremony held at Camp Daza, Hinabangan, Samar.
Sendaydiego, the former chief of staff of the 8ID Division, succeeded Col. Oliver Alvior, who had been serving as acting brigade commander. Alvior will now assume the post of Deputy Brigade Commander.
In his acceptance speech, Sendaydiego thanked God, his family, and senior military leaders for their trust, vowing to lead the brigade with integrity, transparency, and discipline. He emphasized that achieving lasting peace and progress in Samar requires a shared effort between the military and the people.
“Peace and progress are not the tasks of soldiers alone—they are shared responsibilities. I pledge transparency, collaboration, and open communication as we move forward together,” he said.
Alvior, in his message, described his stint as acting commander as a “homecoming” and lauded the troops for their dedication during his tenure.
“Leadership is stewardship. The successes we achieved were because of our unity. I am proud to have led this unit and I look forward to continuing our mission as Deputy Brigade Commander,” he said.
Presiding over the ceremony, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8ID, underscored the importance of continuity in military leadership.
“While commanders may change, the mission and the trust of the Filipino people remain. Col. Alvior upheld the standards of this brigade with competence and resolve. To Col. Sendaydiego, you now carry the trust of your soldiers and the hopes of the people. Lead with courage—and with a heart for the people we serve,” Maj. Gen. Orio said.
He further reminded the new commander to uphold the brigade’s proud tradition as “Bantay at Gabay” of the people of Samar and Eastern Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
