19th IB has new commander

KANANGA, LEYTE, , Philippines — The 19th Infantry Battalion welcomed Lt. Col. Alejandro Nacnac last January 7 when he took over the command from Lt. Col. Francis Cabugon.

The installation rite of Nacnac as the 30th commander of the 19th IB was attended by mayors, police officials, members of the media and civilian guests.

A native of Piddig, Ilocos Norte, he is a member of PMA Class ’90, and graduated on top of his class in the Command and General Staff Course, the highest career course for military officials, at the AFP Command and General Staff College.

Before his present post, Nacnac was 8th Infantry Division’s assistant chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations. The 19th IB is the second battalion he headed in his 22 years of military service.

As the new 19th IB commander, Nacnac’s first marching order to his troops was to maintain high standards of discipline while serving the people.

Major Gen. Mario Chan, 8th ID commanding general who presided over the turnover rites, said: “19th IB had a ‘bishop;’ now I’m installing a ‘knight’ in the person of Lt. Col. Nacnac who is equally skilled as his forerunner (Cabugon).”

Chan said he expected Nacnac to accomplish more than his predecessor who led the 19th IB in topping other battalions during the third quarter of last year.

Under Cabugon’s administration, Leyte was declared Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development Ready province.

Cabugon also wrote a book, “The Implementation of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) in Leyte,” which records his experiences and battles against the communist insurgency in Leyte for just six months.

The outgoing official was awarded with a Military Merit Medal and a Command Plaque during the change of command ceremony. - THE FREEMAN