The Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade deputy brigade commander in Panay Island assumed the post of 303rd Infantry Brigade commander during a change of command ceremony at Camp Maj. Gerona, Brgy Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday, January 31.
Lt. Gen Benedict Arevalo, Visayas Command head, let the turnover rites.
Col. Orlando D. Edralin took over the helm of the 303rd Infantry Brigade as its 28th Brigade Commander, replacing Col. Michael Samson, who served as the Acting 303rd Brigade Commander for more than a month.
Samson was also the 303rd Brigade deputy brigade commander for over three years before becoming the commander 303rd Brigade in an acting capacity.
Edralin has served as the deputy brigade commander of the 301st Brigade for more than four years since 2018. He also served with the AFP’s elite Special Forces Regiment and Special Operations Command.
Arevalo said he has directed Edralin to maintain and improve on the tempo of the Army’s pursuit operations against the New People’s Army rebels in Negros, whose forces have weakened.
“We will not be complacent”, Arevelo said.*