20/05/2026
๐๐๐๐! Alpha 'Achievers' Company 39IB Welcomes New Commander
In a time-honored military tradition marking the continuity of leadership, Alpha โAchieversโ Company of the 39th Infantry (Smash'Em) Battalion conducted a Change of Command Ceremony at Sitio, Cogon, Brgy. Sinoron, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur on May 19, 2026.
LTC HECTOR A ESTOLAS INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 39IB presided over the ceremony as CPT JERWIN L ESTEBAN (INF) PA passed the mantle of command to 1LT PHILIP D SERVIDAD (INF) PA.
The tenure of CPT JERWIN L ESTEBAN (INF) PA as Commander of Alpha โAchieversโ Company was marked by significant operational accomplishments and the sustained preservation of insurgency-free status across the municipalities of Santa Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Sulop, Kiblawan, Malalag and Digos City. Under his decisive leadership and strategic direction, the unit successfully maintained peace, stability, and public security within its area of operations, further consolidating the hard-earned gains of the governmentโs peace and development initiatives in Davao del Sur. His stewardship strengthened the companyโs operational effectiveness while fostering stronger relationships with local communities, partner stakeholders and government agencies.
In his farewell address, CPT ESTEBAN humbly attributed the success of the unit not to individual leadership alone, but to the collective discipline, commitment, and unwavering dedication of the officers, enlisted personnel, and CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) members of Alpha Company. He likewise emphasized the indispensable role of inter-agency cooperation, stakeholder collaboration, and the steadfast support of local government units and partner agencies in enabling the company to effectively carry out its mandate of safeguarding peace and security in the province.
Formally assuming command of the company, 1LT SERVIDAD expressed his sincere gratitude for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him by the Battalionโs leadership. He described his new responsibility not merely as an assignment, but as a God-given stewardship and a solemn commitment to serve both the organization and the people. With humility and determination, he pledged to lead the company with professionalism, integrity, and compassion, ensuring the balance between decisive mission accomplishment and genuine concern for the welfare, morale, and development of the troops under his command.
In his keynote message, LTC ESTOLAS commended CPT ESTEBAN for his exemplary service, notable operational achievements, and invaluable contributions to the continued success of the SmashโEm Battalion. He highlighted the outgoing commanderโs dedication and commitment in advancing the unitโs mission and preserving peace within the companyโs area of responsibility. Expressing full confidence in the leadership capability of 1LT SERVIDAD, LTC ESTOLAS likewise called on the personnel of Alpha โAchieversโ Company to remain united, disciplined, and mission-oriented in sustaining the high standards, professionalism, and legacy of excellence that define the SmashโEm Battalion.
The Change of Command Ceremony was witnessed by Hon. Jose Nelson Z. Sala Sr., Municipal Mayor of Santa Cruz, alongside with partner agencies, local government representatives, Youth for Peace Movement partners and community stakeholders, whose presence symbolized their continued trust, unwavering support, and strong partnership with the Philippine Army in promoting lasting peace, security, and development throughout Davao del Sur.