LTC Jearie Boy P. Faminial takes the reins from LTC Thomas Dominic Baluga as the new Battalion Commander of the  24IB, 7ID, PA at the Change of Command Ceremony held at the 24IB Headquarters in Lagangilang on March 16, 2018.

Major General Felimon T. Santos Jr., AFP Commander, 7ID, PA presided over the Change of command Ceremony.

Outgoing Battalion Commander LTC Baluga was also awarded the military merit medal by Major General Santos for his valuable service from February 1, 2016 to March 16, 2018.  Among his achievements were leading 23 battalion operations and 4,134 small unit operations.

LTC Baluga also facilitated livelihood assistance to rebel returnees under the Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program amounting to P2.4 million and 4 municipal youth leadership summits in Licuan-Baay, Lagangilang, Lacub, and Malibcong which later led to the 1st Abra Provincial Youth Leadership Summit on May 9-12, 2017 with 500 youth participants.