FRESHLY installed 29th Infantry Battalion commander LTCOL Rodulfo Cordero Jr. has pledged a people-centered approach and strict resource transparency as he officially takes the helm of the “Matatag” troopers, drawing on his deep rooted service and history of local collaboration in Caraga.
During his assumption speech following the change of command ceremony presided over by 4th Infantry Division commander MGEN Marion T. Angcao, Cordero outlined a dual-pillar leadership philosophy focused on mission-focused operational excellence and the holistic welfare of his personnel.
Cordero opened his address by thanking the military leadership—including Angcao, 4ID Board of Senior Officers vice chair BGEN Consolito Yecla, Eastern Mindanao Command chief LTGEN Adonis Ariel G. Orio, and 402nd Brigade Commander BGEN Edmund Paul Delos Santos—before highlighting his long-standing professional history with Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica Amante.
Recalling his past work briefing the governor on civil-military operations, including case studies on the interim barangay of Lawan-Lawan in Las Nieves and regional Indigenous Peoples (IP) summits, Cordero praised Amante’s hands-on public service and insistence on maximizing community representation.
“I feel so nervous now because of the presentation of my predecessor, the collaboration of the 29IB with the LGUs, national government agencies… Hopefully Ma’am, it will continue and catch up with what COL Tabon has done,” Cordero remarked, addressing the governor.
Setting the tone for his tenure, Cordero emphasized that leading the 29IB is both a privilege and an operational responsibility.
“Leading the 29 Infantry ‘Matatag’ troopers is a both privileged and profound responsibility that is an opportunity to serve the people of Agusan del Norte and every community within our areas of responsibility. As I take command with this unit I would like to share my leadership philosophy that will serve as our combat mission and endeavor. The 29IB will remain mission focused, while carrying for our personnel’welfare we will do this following two principles,” he said.
He detailed two core operational tenets for the unit:
- People-Centered Approach: Ensuring that all operations and multi-stakeholder collaborations prioritize the impact on local communities, strictly adhering to human rights, the rule of law, and international humanitarian law.
- Organizationally Aligned Management: Managing personnel, equipment, logistics, and finances with strict accountability, efficiency, and transparency to maintain peak operational readiness, while placing top priority on the morale and welfare of troops and their families.
“Additionally the men and women of these are our greatest strength. I commit to prioritizing the morale and welfare of our personnel and their families because I believe that a high morale soldier is an effective soldier. Once again to our commanders, Sir thank you so much for the trust and confidence, and for the opportunity to lead this unit, “he further said.
Cordero inherits a unit fresh from dismantling communist terrorist groups in the region, pivoting alongside the 4ID toward the complex challenge of regional peace sustainment and development.
In his charge to the incoming commander, Angcao previously stressed the necessity of keeping step with the dynamic administrative pace of local chief executives and maintaining the high standards set by outgoing commander LTC Mark S. Tabon.
Reassuring leadership and local stakeholders, Cordero closed with a firm commitment: “Rest assured that I will do my best, with the support of all Matatag troopers in partnership with our stakeholders, to sustain the peace in our areas of operation.”
“To our guests, peace and development partners and stakeholders, on behalf of the 29IB Matatag troopers we are excited to continue to work with you, to sustain the peace and Security in our area of operations, to establish an environment where our people can leave in peace, and achieve sustainable development, “he added.
Angcao presided over the change of command ceremony of the 29IB headquarters in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, on Monday afternoon, Sept. 28, 2026.
