Combat veteran named chief of staff of Army division in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY—A seasoned combat officer is now the new chief of staff of the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Division (ID) in Sulu province.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commanding officer of the 11th ID, announced that Col. Andrew Bacala has taken over the division’s chief of staff tasks from Col. Gregorio Nieveras, who had been serving the post in an acting capacity since March this year, after the then chief of staff, Col. Christopher Tampus, assumed as 1103rd Brigade commander.

Bacala, a multiawarded officer who spent a significant part of his military career fighting the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan, took over his new post following the turnover ceremony on June 2 at the 11th ID headquarters in Barangay Bus-Bus of Jolo, the capital town of Sulu.

“Serving as a chief of staff is the most challenging of tasks,” said Patrimonio in his statement, adding: “[The] position requires skills and knowledge in operation and administration. Bacala, take charge. I am confident that your experience will become the best asset in [carrying out] your tasks.”

Bacala has been instrumental in surrender of Abu Sayyaf fighters and for helping them become productive farmers.

Bacala, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Bantay Laya” Class of 1994, had served as the Intelligence chief of the 11th ID and commanding officer of the 11th Military Intelligence Battalion.

As a combat officer, he was a recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest award given to personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for gallantry in action.

—JULIE ALIPALA INQ