PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

10TH INFANTRY (AGILA) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City
Landline No: (082) 235-1041

Press Release October 1, 2010

Army Battalion in Sarangani welcomes new Commander

Major General Jorge V. Segovia, Commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division
presided over the turn-over ceremony of the 73rd Infantry Battalion in Maitum, Sarangani
Province on Thursday at 10:00 AM. Assuming the position during a tumultuous situation
brought about by the break out of hostilities in August 2008, Lieutenant Colonel
Edgardo “Boogie” De Leon relinquish his post to a much younger but equally energetic
officer in the person of Major Adolfo Espuelas.

During his stint, Lieutenant Colonel De Leon led his unit in successfully
suppressing various threat groups. Peace and order was restored in the MAKIMA area
(Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum, all of Sarangani Province) after the attacked launched by
rogue MILF members supporting Ameril Umras Kato. His unit was also deployed in
Maguindanao Province for peace enforcement operations after the gruesome murder of
57 persons. He was also very effective in counterinsurgency operations which resulted
to the surrender many active members of the CPP/NPA/NDF.

Lieutenant Colonel De Leon actively engaged the local government units,

national government agencies, non-government and people’s organizations which
resulted to the implementation of various community development projects such as
youth empowerment and livelihood enhancement program for the benefit of the
communities within his area of responsibility. Just three days before the turn-over, he
led his men in actively participating to the “Karunungan Kontra Kahirapan” program,
which sealed the strong partnership between the AFP and other stakeholders in the
fight against poverty through education.

Recommended to receive the award of a “Distinguished Service Star”, Lieutenant

Colonel De Leon expressed his warm gratitude to his subordinates and the people of
Sarangani to whom he has devoted his service as an Battalion Commander for two
years. He said, “I hope that this battalion will remain excellent in accomplishing its
mission”.

Major Espuelas, the newly designated 73IB Commander, said that he will do his
best to complete the mission of the unit. He also committed that he will continue
supporting the local government unit and other partners in serving the people. His
previous assignment was commander of the 10th MIB based in Barangay Tuburan,
Mawab, Compostela Valley Province.

Major General Jorge Segovia commended the accomplishment of the outgoing

commander and encouraged the newly designated commander to continue what his
predecessor has initiated. He also expressed his gratitude to the support extended by
the LGU, NGOs and people’s organizations to the 73rd Infantry Battalion in
accomplishing its mission to serve and protect the people.

Released by:

LTC MEDEL M AGUILAR PA

Public Information Officer
Email add: dpao10id@yahoo.com