ISABELA CITY, BASILAN – The 4th Special Forces (Dolphin Warriors) Battalion has a new leader. Lieutenant Colonel Adolf Ian M Garceron took over the command of the elite unit from Colonel Bernard P Samin on January 18, 2024.
The change of command ceremony was held at the battalion’s headquarters in Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City, Basilan Province. It was officiated by Colonel Rosendo C Abad Jr, the deputy commander of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Philippine Army.
Lieutenant Colonel Garceron is the 9th commander of the 4SF Battalion, which is known for its counter-terrorism and unconventional warfare operations in Mindanao. He vowed to continue the legacy of his predecessor, who led the battalion in various successful missions against the Abu Sayyaf Group and other threat groups.
“I am honored and humbled to assume the command of this prestigious unit. I thank Colonel Samin for his exemplary leadership and guidance. I also thank the men and women of the Dolphin Warriors for their dedication and professionalism. I assure you that I will do my best to uphold the standards and traditions of the Special Forces,” he said.
Colonel Samin, who will be reassigned to the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Metro Manila, expressed his gratitude and confidence to his successor.
“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as the commander of the 4SF Battalion. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I am also confident that Lieutenant Colonel Garceron will lead the battalion to greater heights. He is a seasoned and competent officer who has the trust and respect of his troops,” he said.
The ceremony was also attended by Brigadier General Alvin V Luzon, the commander of the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade, Colonel Frederick M Sales, the deputy brigade commander, and other stakeholders from the local government and civil society.
The 4SF Battalion is one of the five battalions under the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), which is the primary special operations unit of the Philippine Army. It was activated on October 16, 2006, and has been deployed in various areas of conflict in Mindanao.