91st Infantry Battalion Holds Change of Command Ceremony in Aurora | The 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion of the Philippine Army officially welcomed its new commanding officer, Lt. Col. Michelangelo G. Ramirez, during a Change of Command ceremony held at the battalion headquarters in Baler, Aurora. The ceremony, presided over by Major General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, commander of the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, marked the formal turnover of leadership from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Aries A. Quinto, who was commended for his dedicated service and accomplishments during his tenure. (Jason de Asis)
BALER, Aurora — A change of command ceremony was held Thursday, March 26, 2026, marking the assumption of a new commander of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion of the Philippine Army at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Calabuanan.
The ceremony was presided over by Major General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, commander of the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, who oversaw the formal transition of leadership from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Aries A. Quinto to incoming commander Lt. Col. Michelangelo G. Ramirez.
The program began with an invocation led by Division Chaplain Lt. Col. Randy Val A. Dizon, followed by the reading of the relief and designation orders by Battalion Adjutant Capt. Bobby A. Ferrer. Lt. Col. Ramirez then signed the assumption of command orders, officially taking over leadership of the battalion.
In his farewell message, Lt. Col. Quinto expressed gratitude to the officers and personnel of the 91st Infantry Battalion for their dedication and teamwork during his two-year tenure as commander. He highlighted the unit’s accomplishments in security operations, community engagement, disaster response, and infrastructure development across the province.
Quinto recalled the battalion’s role in supporting brigade operations across the Sierra Madre mountain range and assisting in the dismantling of insurgent influence in parts of Aurora and neighboring areas. He also noted the voluntary surrender of remnants of communist groups and the recovery of arms and supply caches as key milestones during their campaign.
Beyond combat operations, Quinto emphasized the battalion’s strong civil-military initiatives, including thousands of public affairs and civil affairs activities aimed at strengthening community ties, supporting local development projects, and protecting residents from insurgent recruitment and misinformation.
The outgoing commander also cited the battalion’s disaster response efforts during several typhoons that affected Aurora, where troops assisted in evacuations, relief distribution, and rescue operations for affected communities.
During his leadership, the battalion also improved its operational readiness by maintaining full serviceability of equipment and modernizing communication capabilities, including the installation of satellite internet and new command and control systems in remote patrol bases.
Quinto formally turned over his tour of duty report to the division commander before passing the leadership of the battalion to Lt. Col. Ramirez.
In a brief interview, Ramirez said he intends to continue the programs and initiatives started by his predecessor, particularly in strengthening civil-military operations, internal security operations, and external security operations in the province.
Pasamonte expressed confidence in the new commander, saying the battalion would continue to uphold its role in maintaining peace and security in Aurora.
“I have full confidence that under the command of Lt. Col. Ramirez, the 91st Infantry Battalion will remain steadfast as a pillar of strength, integrity, and professionalism,” Pasamonte said during the ceremony.
He also thanked Lt. Col. Quinto for his exceptional service and contributions to the battalion and the people of Aurora.
The event concluded with the traditional turnover of the battalion’s unit symbol, signifying the official transfer of authority and responsibility to the new commanding officer. (Jason de Asis)