FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 70th Infantry (Matapat at Matatag) Battalion held the Change of Command Ceremony led by MGen Andrew Costelo PA, Commander of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division on June 29, 2022 at 70IB Headquarters, Barangay Pulong Sampaloc, DRT, Bulacan.
MGen Costelo, the Presiding Officer turned over the unit color to incoming Battalion Commanding Officer of 70IB LTC Ronnel Dela Cruz from outgoing Commanding Officer LTC Eugene Garce.
On his statement Lt Col Garce humbly recognized the men and women of the 70IB for their remarkable performance for the battalion. “I did not elaborate the accomplishments we have achieved because the citation of my award read earlier will affirm on how I have addressed the challenges of newly organized unit and how I led the men and women to accomplish the mission given to us.”
Meanwhile, Lt Col Dela Cruz is honored for his new unit assignment. “Ang mapabilang sa hanay ng 70IB ay isang karangalan para sakin bilang Battalion Commanding Officer. Aking gagampanan ang mga tungkulin na inatas sa akin at nag papasalamat ako sa ating Division Commander sa pag tatalaga sa akin.”
On the other hand, MGen Costelo emphasized the importance of the said ceremony. “Today another Officer will assume the leadership and responsibility of 70IB. Change of command or leadership transition is one of the finest and solemn traditions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As the torch of leadership is passed on to another, it symbolizes dynamism and continuity in our organization.”
