New 49th IB chief assumes post
MANILA, Philippines - The new commander of the Camarines Norte-based 49th Infantry Battalion (IB) has assumed office, replacing Lt. Col. Epimaco Macalisang, who was relieved after an attack by communist rebels that left four soldiers dead.
Lt. Col. Michael Buhat took over the reins of the battalion last Saturday during a change of command ceremony presided by 902nd Infantry Brigade chief Col. Richard Lagrana.
“Lt. Col. Buhat’s experience as the 9th Infantry Division’s CMO (civil-military operations) officer makes him very much qualified and familiar to the operations of the 49th IB, which is focused on peace and development operations in Camarines Norte,” Lagrana said.
Macalisang was transferred to the 903rd IB based in Castilla, Sorsogon.
Four soldiers and a civilian were killed after more than 20 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked an Army peace and development team in Labo town.
Killed during the attack were Cpl. Amado Perillo, Pfc. Paulo Orticio, Pfc. Teodoro Ojeda, Pfc. Sonecio Potian and a civilian identified as Francisco Ruales.
A soldier identified as Pfc. Leland Besada sustained a bullet wound on his neck. A civilian named Marlo Matibang was also injured.
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