Ang Pahayagan

BALER, Aurora — Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Aries A. Quinto expressed gratitude and pride in the accomplishments of the troops during his farewell message delivered at the covered court of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion during the unit’s change of command ceremony.

Quinto, who led the battalion for nearly two years, reflected on the collective achievements of the soldiers under his command, emphasizing that leadership in the military is not about personal recognition but about guiding others toward a common mission.

“In our profession, there are no goodbyes—only transitions,” Quinto said, noting that the identity of “Sinagtala,” which means starlight, symbolizes guidance and continuity in leadership. He stressed that the battalion’s success was built on the courage, discipline, and unity of its personnel.

During his tenure, Quinto highlighted the battalion’s operational accomplishments, particularly its role in security operations across the mountainous areas of the Sierra Madre range. The unit supported major campaigns that weakened the presence of insurgent groups and led to the recovery of firearms and supply caches in several areas, including Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, San Luis, Aurora, Maria Aurora, Aurora, and General Nakar, Quezon.

He also cited the voluntary surrender of former members of communist terrorist groups as a sign that peace efforts and sustained operations are yielding positive results.

Beyond combat operations, Quinto underscored the battalion’s strong engagement with communities in Aurora province. He said the unit helped bring back 167 civilians who were previously influenced by insurgent groups in the municipalities of Baler, Aurora and Dipaculao, Aurora, restoring them to the fold of the law.

The battalion also played a vital role in disaster response operations during recent typhoons, providing humanitarian assistance and evacuation support to affected communities. Troops assisted in the delivery of relief goods to remote areas and helped rescue distressed fishermen while also ensuring the peaceful conduct of the 2025 national elections.

Under Quinto’s leadership, the battalion strengthened its civil-military operations, conducting more than 3,000 public affairs activities and over 2,800 civil affairs missions aimed at strengthening the partnership between soldiers and local communities.

He added that significant improvements were made in the battalion’s facilities and operational capabilities, including the modernization of communication systems, procurement of internet connectivity through Starlink for remote patrol bases, and enhancements in camp infrastructure.

Quinto also cited the professional development of personnel, noting that several officers and enlisted personnel were promoted, while many others chose to reenlist in the service. The battalion likewise received multiple awards and recognition for operational excellence, including a high performance rating and championships in annual military competitions.

As he formally turned over his tour of duty report to Major General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, commander of the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, Quinto expressed confidence that the battalion would continue to thrive under the leadership of his successor, Lt. Col. Michelangelo G. Ramirez.

He concluded his message by thanking the officers, enlisted personnel, partner stakeholders, and his family for their unwavering support throughout his command.

“Serving as your commander has been the greatest honor of my life,” Quinto said. “The pride I feel for this battalion is immeasurable. Sinagtala will continue to shine and lead the way.”

The change of command ceremony marked the formal transition of leadership of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, a key unit of the Philippine Army tasked with maintaining peace and security in the province of Aurora and nearby areas. (Jason de Asis)

📸: Leadership Transition at 91st Infantry Battalion | Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Aries A. Quinto delivers his farewell message during the Change of Command ceremony of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion at the battalion headquarters in Baler, Aurora. Quinto expressed gratitude to the troops, stakeholders, and community partners for their unwavering support throughout his tenure, highlighting the unit’s operational accomplishments and strengthened civil-military relations in Aurora and nearby areas. The ceremony also marked the formal turnover of leadership to Lt. Col. Michelangelo G. Ramirez, under the supervision of Major General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, commander of the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division of the Philippine Army. (Jason de Asis)