501st Infantry Brigade has new commander

By Adonis B. Banez

TABUK, Kalinga -- The 501st Infantry (Valiant) Brigade has a new brigade commander in the person of Col.Yerson E Depayso, a native of Benguet and a full-blooded Cordilleran.

He took over the command from Col Eliseo C Posadas in a simple ceremony on Oct. 8 at the brigade’s headquarters in Barangay Calanan, Tabuk with Brig. Gen, Pompeo V Limbo, assistant division commander of 5th Infantry Division as presiding officer.

Depayso was unanimously chosen to lead the unit for having enormous experience and knowledge of the culture and traditions of Cordillera, being known for his commitment to serve the people of Cordillera.

His area of responsibility covers the provinces of Kalinga, Apayao, Ifugao, Mountain Province and part of Nueva Vizcaya.

During the short stint of Posadas as acting brigade commander, he conceptualized an innovative approach in addressing the internal security operation through the implementation of a “convergence approach.”

This involves participation of stakeholders with local government leaders in collectively working for peace initiatives geared towards peace agreement and resolution.

Depayso, said he will continue good programs started by his predecessor and soldiers’ strict adherence to human rights and international humanitarian laws and response and readiness during disasters and other crisis situation in the area of responsibility.

Depayso used to be the chief of staff of eastern Mindanao command prior his assumption as brigade commander.

He also assumed position as chief of staff of 5th Infantry division based in Gamu Isabela, chief of staff of 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan, Samar, battalion commander of 57th Infantry Battalion; battalion commander of Explosives and Ordnance Battalion, Army Support Command and Commanding Officer of Special Services Unit of Philippine Army.

The brigade was augmented with an additional battalion with newly-trained personnel of which majority are natives of Cordillera who were given priority in the recent recruitment of soldiers at the headquarters, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.