MAHAPLAG, LEYTE – The Commander of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio presided over the Change of Command of the 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion held in Brgy. Uguis, this town, on June 4, 2025.
The region’s top army officer lauded the significant accomplishments of the said Battalion that contributed to the overall anti-insurgency campaign of the government. Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Gabia relinquished his position to Lieutenant Colonel Esmeraldo L. Sumalinog, the former Executive Officer of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade.
In his message, MGen Orio acknowledged Gabia’s exceptional leadership, emphasizing his strategic foresight, operational precision, and a deep sense of duty. “Under his watch, he did not only accomplish his mission but also elevated the standard of counter-insurgency operations, inter-agency coordination, and civil-military engagements across Leyte and Southern Leyte – from dismantling enemy formations, capturing war materials, expanding intelligence networks to securing vital infrastructure projects and bringing services closer to the people,” Orio said.
Meanwhile, he also expressed his confidence to the incoming Commanding Officer, leading the Avenger Troopers. “I am confident that your leadership and judgment will guide this Battalion to new heights. The expectations are high but so is the confidence we place in your ability to lead, innovate, and sustain the gains already made. Continue to build trust, sharpen your force, unity, and decisiveness,” he stated.
Under Gabia’s tenure, the unit’s intensive combat operations weakened Platoon 1, Island Committee LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee of the Communist Terrorist Group. Further, the declaration of the 20 municipalities and two cities in Leyte and Southern Leyte as now under the State of Internal Peace and Security Conditions also happened under his watch.
On the other hand, BGen Noel S. Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Brigade, gave recognition to the significant peace and security efforts of Lt. Col. Gabia during his stint as Commanding Officer by giving him a Plaque of Recognition. He then expressed his trust and confidence to the incoming Commanding Officer, that he would be able to continue the programs and sustain the gains of the unit, especially in its anti-insurgency campaign in Leyte and Southern Leyte. Lt. Col. Gabia will be the Chief of the Governance Strategy Management Office of 8ID, based in Catbalogan City, Samar. (By Josie Serseña / EV Mail JUNE 9-15, 2025 issue)
