TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division formally installed a new acting commander for the 801st Infantry Brigade in a change of command ceremony held on June 19, 2025, at the brigade headquarters in Hinabangan, Samar.
The ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General Efren Morados, acting division commander of the 8ID, representing Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the division’s commanding general.
Brigadier General Lenart Lelina, the outgoing brigade commander, relinquished his post to Colonel Carmilo Pangatungan, who will serve as the acting commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade.
Lelina is set to retire on June 27, 2025, after more than three years of service as the unit’s top leader.
In a message delivered by Brig. Gen. Morados on behalf of Maj. Gen. Orio, the 8ID leadership praised Brig. Gen. Lelina for his vital contributions to the region’s peace and security.
“Under your command, Sir, the 801st Infantry Brigade became a driving force in our campaign to end insurgency in Eastern Visayas,” Morados said. “You led with both strength and vision—executing over 5,000 combat and small-unit operations, dismantling three guerrilla fronts, neutralizing and encouraging the surrender of hundreds of CTG elements, and recovering a significant cache of enemy weapons, explosives, and materials. You have led with honor and left a mark that matters.”
As Col. Pangatungan assumes command, Maj. Gen. Orio challenged him to sustain and build upon the gains of the brigade in its next phase of transformation.
“You are entrusted to carry forward the momentum that has been built—to sustain operational excellence, strengthen community partnerships, and guide this Brigade through a critical period of transition as we shift from internal security to territorial defense operations,” Orio said in his statement. “Your leadership must inspire stability, adaptability, and purpose.”
In his message, Brig. Gen. Lelina extended his gratitude to the men and women of the 801st Brigade, local government units, and various partner agencies and stakeholders who supported the brigade throughout his term.
One of the key achievements under Brig. Gen. Lelina’s leadership was the successful implementation of the “Saad nga Balay” program, a housing initiative for former New People’s Army (NPA) members who have surrendered and are undergoing reintegration.
The project was first rolled out in San Jose de Buan, Samar and later expanded to other towns, as part of the whole-of-nation approach involving multiple government agencies and community stakeholders.
For his outstanding service, Brig. Gen. Lelina was awarded the Military Merit Medal Interim to the Distinguished Service Star during the retirement ceremony.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
