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HomeThe RegionNorthern MindanaoMangompia Brigade welcomes new commander

Mangompia Brigade welcomes new commander

The 55th Engineer (Mangompia) Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) welcomed Col. Irineo F. Sebastian as its new acting commander in a change of command ceremony held Friday, November 13, at the Mangompia Brigade headquarters in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.

Lieutenant General Cirilito E. Sobejana, commanding general of the PA, presided the turnover of leadership between Sebastian and Brigadier General Nestor I. Abando, who is retiring.

During his remarks, Sobejana told Sebastian to strike a balance between mission accomplishments and looking after the troops’ morale and welfare.

He further reminded him to practice good governance which he considered as the hallmark of a world-class army and the source of national pride.

The Army commanding general also urged all officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the Mangompia Brigade to support their new acting commander and continue to fulfill their duties.

He said the unit plays a critical role as the development arm of the PA in Northern Mindanao especially in rehabilitating Marawi City and its neighboring communities.  

“The 55th Engineer Brigade has remained a reliable builder for 22 years, there may be some distractions because once upon a time, the unit was deactivated. But because of the compelling need for them to be reactivated, especially for the expeditious rehabilitation of the city of Marawi, the unit was reactivated,” he further said.

In his acceptance message, Sebastian said he is not a stranger to the affairs and challenges faced by the 55th Engineer Brigade as he served as the deputy brigade commander of the unit for one year and eight months.

He expressed confidence that under his leadership the Army engineers can face the challenges in supporting the Army’s combat units and contribute to the development of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).        

“Let us always be prepared and continue to serve our countrymen by supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi City and its adjoining communities and municipalities, the very reason why the 55th Engineer Brigade was reactivated in December 2018,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sobejana commended Abando for his notable accomplishments as brigade commander.

“The Mangompia brigade has completed 27 development projects and provided engineer support operations to Wesmincom campaign plan Kasanyagan. During the pandemic, it has ably assisted the local governments of Iligan, Marawi, and other parts of the Lanao provinces on their Covid-19 response operations. Its CMO-related activities benefited 200,000 Mindanaons,” he said.

In his valedictory address, Abando thanked his parents, siblings, family, as well as the officers, enlisted personnel,  and civilian employees that he has worked with, and all the partners of the 55th Engineer Brigade. “Isa kayo sa malaking bahagi ng aking tagumpay,” he remarked.

After receiving his command plaque, Abando also took his oath as a new member of the Reserve Force. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

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