New Basilan Army chief assumes command

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – The new head of the military in Basilan assumed command yesterday and vowed to enforce a tighter security campaign, particularly against the Abu Sayyaf.

Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista, a counter-terrorism expert, succeeded Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez as commander of the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade in a ceremony held in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City.

The event was led by Brig. Gen. Gerry Barrientos, chief of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, who vowed full support for Bautista.

Bautista, prior to his designation, was the head of the Task Force Gensan in General Santos City.

Galvez vacated the post after more than two years of leading a fight against the Abu Sayyaf and the lost command group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). He initiated economic development in remote and rebel-infested areas of Sumisip, Tuburan, and Al-Barka towns.

Galvez was appointed as head of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostility.