79th IB has new commander

SIATON, NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines  – Lieutenant Col. Marion Sison is now the new commanding officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in this town.

Colonel Pio Diñoso III turned the post to Sison during ceremonies officiated by Col. Jonas Sumagaysay, activing division commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, the mother of all Philippine Army units in Negros and Panay.

Diñoso, who served for about a year and a half as commander of the 79th IB, was moved to the Philippine Army headquarters as executive assistant of Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, who was recently installed as the new PA commanding general.

In his valedictory speech, Diñoso thanked his officers and men for their efforts in establishing peace around the battalion’s area of coverage, from Manjuyod town down to Basay.

He also cited the support and cooperation of various local government units, local officials and representatives from different sectors in attaining their goals in fighting the insurgency problem.

During the turnover ceremonies, Diñoso received the Military Merit Medal Award for his accomplishments as 79th IB commander, “showing exceptional leadership” in the conduct of combat and non-combat operations.

He also received citations from the Philippine National Police, the Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Education in Siaton, the ONCAN (Oriental Negros Children’s Advocacy Network) and the 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. – (FREEMAN)