New commander takes over Army's 89th Infantry Battalion

The Philippine Army's 89th Infantry Battalion (89IB) has a new commanding officer. Lt. Col. Omar Wynn Gonato took over from Lt. Col. Antonio Bulao in a change-of-command ceremony on Monday, Oct. 26, according to Mindanao Times.

The ceremony was held at the battalion's headquarters in Barangay New Visayas, which the outlet reported as being in Santo Tomas. Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID), presided over the turnover.

In his speech, Luzon pointed out that the 89IB is one of the division's designated territorial defense operations battalions. He directed the unit to step up mission-oriented training for external defense contingencies, while staying ready for internal security work and disaster response.

"Preserve the gains, build on the strengths, and prepare the battalion for the challenges ahead," Luzon told the incoming leadership and troops.

Luzon also credited Bulao with sustaining peace and security gains in Southern Bukidnon, building stronger ties with communities, and improving the welfare of soldiers during his time in command. Bulao received the military merit medal and a plaque of recognition.

The 10ID said the change in leadership is part of the division's ongoing preparations to organise its territorial defense operations brigade and to strengthen unit readiness across its area of responsibility.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Diaz, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, attended the ceremony, along with other military officers and local government stakeholders, according to the report.