SOCOM troopers welcome newly-appointed Commanders
FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – A transition of leadership is happening at the Special Operations Command, Philippine Army with the assumption of two new commanders in their respective forces, Maj. Gen. Romulo M Bambao and Col. Donato B San Juan.
As experienced officers, Bambao and San Juan were handpicked from the pool of qualified candidates to be the next SOCOM Commanding General and Regiment Commander of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne).
Major Harold M Cabunoc, Army Spokesperson, said that Bambao was chosen by the Board of Senior Officers out of the short-list of high-ranking and qualified generals.
On the other hand, San Juan will assume as the new commander of SFR (A).
In his speech as the presiding officer of the change of command ceremony, Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T Bautista said that the two newly appointed commanders must be guided by the strategic precepts of the IPSP Bayanihan and the Army Transformation Roadmap.
The Elite Forces
Out of the Army Special Warfare Brigade (ASWABde) that was organized in 1978, SOCOM continued to evolve and is now home to the Army’s elite forces – Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), the First Scout Ranger Regiment, and the Light Reaction Battalion.
“SOCOM was formed with the responsibility to plan, conduct, and support special operations of the Philippine Army,” said Cabunoc.
The Scout Rangers, known officially as the First Scout Ranger Regiment, specializes in anti-guerrilla warfare and is boasted as one of the world’s anti-guerrilla fighters.
The Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), like the Scout Rangers, is also trained in the art of counter-insurgency operations. They are primarily trained in unconventional warfare operations and psychological warfare operations.
The newest member of SOCOM, the Light Reaction Battalion (formerly known as the Light Reaction Company), was established in the year 2000. It is the lead counter-terrorist unit of the Philippine Army trained by American military advisers from the 1stBattalion, 1st Special Forces Group. The LRC was first deployed in Mindanao to combat Abu Sayyaf Group responsible for abducting several foreign hostages.
A deserving appointment for professional & well-respected leaders Bambao was regarded as a highly professional military officer that is respected and lauded for his exemplary service both in the field and in staff positions.
He relinquished his command of 2nd Infantry Division to former CRSAFP chief, Brig. Gen. Eduardo D Del Rosario in a ceremony held at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal on January 21.
San Juan, the incoming SFR (A) commander, is also regarded as an army professional with first-rate performance in all the assignments and posts he took command.
He is the current Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 of the Philippine Army. San Juan is a member of the PMA “Maharlika” Class of 1984.
Both officers have earned themselves distinguished military careers that showcase a high standard of performance and outstanding leadership that is worthy for them to lead the elite team of the Army.
“The Philippine Army congratulates and welcomes the appointment of Major General Bambao and Colonel San Juan. They are one of the finest military professionals. They are sure to make a difference for the betterment, not just for the SOCOM but for the Army as a whole.” Cabunoc concluded.
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