The 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion welcomed its new Commanding Officer (CO) in a Change of Command Ceremony held at the 36IB Headquarters in Carmen, Surigao del Sur, on June 16, 2023, presided by 4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II.
Lt. Col. Vincent M. Viray officially took command of the unit, replacing Lt. Col. Michael Rey S. Reuyan, who served as the CO for more than two (2) years. Prior to his assumption, Lt. Col. Viray served as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, 4ID, and the Executive Officer of the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Both officers were members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2000.
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Reuyan was accorded with Military Merit Medal for his meritorious and exceptional service rendered as the Commanding Officer of 36IB, bringing the Valor Battalion to new heights through combat and non-combat accomplishments during his stint.
Under his leadership, the unit has decisively reduced the enemy’s manpower while simultaneously reduced its firepower through relentless Combat Operations, intensified Intelligence Operations and purposive and effective Civil Military Operations. This resulted to the death of Noel Tumarlas Alacre alias Megan, former CO of Platoon 2, and eventually led to the dissolution of Platoon 2 of the Weakened Guerilla Front 30 of the CTG.
Moreover, a total of 32 CNT personalities were neutralized, 29 high-powered and six (6) high-powered firearms were captured, surrendered and discovered by Valorian troopers since 2021 until 2023.
Meanwhile, the newly-installed Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Viray, encouraged the valorian troopers to continue working hand in hand to sustain its gains and continue to uphold excellence in maintaining the peace and order situation in its area of operation.
In his message, Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II put his trust and confidence in Lt. Col. Viray, emphasizing that he is entrusted with the authority, responsibility, and accountability to stir the unit to achieve the Army’s vision of becoming a world-class, multi-mission ready, and cross-domain capable force.
