By Francis Wakefield  The Philippine Army's 80th Infantry (Steadfast) Battalion based in Barangay Pinugay, Baras, Rizal and the 85th Infantry (Sandiwa) Battalion in Barangay Villa Prinsipe, Gumaca, Quezon have new battalion commanders – Lt. Col. Christopher M. Diaz and Lt. Col. Arnold L. Gasalatan, respectively. Major General Rhoderick M Parayno, commander of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, led the turn- over ceremonies at their respective headquarters on Saturday, February 2, 2019, as the presiding general officer. Diaz replaced Lt. Col. Melencio W. Ragudo who assumed the post of battalion commander of the 59th Infantry (CADRE) Battalion on Monday, February 4. Gasalatan, as the new 85th IB commander, replaced Lt. Col. Ely R. Tono who opted to retire. Parayno expressed his deepest appreciation to the accomplishments of the two outgoing battalion commanders. “Allow me to commend you for successfully graduating as Battalion Commanders with flying colors. Indeed, you have effectively marched your respective battalions in pursuit of our mission. You have successfully led the various combat operations in your areas which resulted in the neutralization of several NPA personalities and the recovery of various firearms. These extensively decimated the leadership structure and degraded the NPA members," Parayno said. He welcomed Diaz and Gasalatan to their new posts with high hopes that their vast military experiences and competencies will be of great help to their respective units. “I encourage you to maintain your passion and enthusiasm that you have shown from your previous units to your new work. Carry on the torch of persistently confronting the real and present enemies within our area of operations. I wish you the best days and months ahead," Parayno said to the new commanders. The Change of Command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility to a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another. The passing of unit color from an outgoing commander to an incoming one ensures that the unit and its soldiers is never without official leadership, a continuation of trust, and also signifies an allegiance of soldiers to their unit’s commander. Parayno also thanked the different members of the Local Government Units (LGUs) for their support. "I am confident that with all of you, solidly supporting the Army in its programs and undertakings, we will be able to finally win the peace we all deserve," he said.