On 01 November 1973, during the height of the secessionist movement in Mindanao, the 19th Infantry (BLOODHOUND) Battalion was activated pursuant to General Orders Number 4 Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Brigade (SEPARATE) Philippine Army dated 31 October 1973. During the activation, MAJOR DIMAS S NUŅEZ PA as initially designated as the Acting Battalion Commander. The newly activated Battalion was then composed of thirty (30) Officers and a number of Enlisted Personnel. However, six hundred thirty (630) trainees to include the enlisted personnel responded the call of an immediate training. The training was conducted at Camp Downes, Ormoc City from ALPHA, BRAVO, and Headquarters Service Companies while Charlie Company was trained in Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City. After three (3) months of rigorous and intensive training, CHARLIE Company, was shipped from Cebu City to Ormoc City to join the group. On 01 January 1974 and on the last (2) months of training, MAJ NUŅEZ was relieved and replaced by LIEUTENANT COLONEL RAUL T AQUINO PA as its Battalion Commander. Soon after, Molave Warfare Course was introduce on 16 July 1974, while the sweat of training was still fresh, the newly trained Officers and men we transported from Ormoc City to Awang, Dinaig, Maguindanao for its initial combat assignment. Upon their arrival in Maguindanao, the Battalion was immediately deployed for combat operations in Tupi and the Officers and men of the unit were able to taste their first baptism of fire. It was during said operation the unit gained laurels as the sweat of training was rewarded with excellence in combat. Then on September 1974, after a series of combat operations, its rifle Companies were deployed to the different places of its AOR namely; Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Buluan and Mariano Marcos. From there, the different units of the Battalion started to launch its campaign to stabilize the situation with their respective areas of responsibilities.

On 12 February 1976, LTC AQUINO was relieved and replaced by LIEUTENANT COLONEL VICENTE M OCAMPO PA. During the period, the unit able to attain additional laurels the civilian populace in the area. On 01 July 1978, the courageous LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDUARDO "LAGALAG" FERNANDEZ PA took over as the Commanding Officer of the unit from LTC OCAMPO. Two (2) months later, the Battalion was transferred from Buluan, Maguindanao to Puala Lanao del Sur. During the term of LTC FERNANDEZ, the courage, and discipline of its personnel was again tested in an operation in Maguing, Lanao del Sur in which the unit was awarded with the Commanding General, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army Streamer for Calendar Year 1978. On 30 September 1978 - MAJOR RICARDO MINOZA PA was designated as the Acting Commanding Officer of the Battalion until he was relieved on 15 October 1978 by LIEUTENANT COLONEL GILBERT EAMAGUEL PA.

On 09 February 1979, MAJOR ALEJANDRO B TRESPECES JR PA took over and on 28 May 1979, the unit was transferred to Catbalogan, Samar. During its arrival at Catbalogan on 28 May 1979, the unit was tendered with a heroes welcomed by the local officials and populace of Catbalogan, Samar. On 01 January 1981, with the arrival of the Eastern Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Battalion Headquarters was transferred to Brgy Trinidad, Calbayog City. On 15 January 1984, COLONEL TRESPECES who was twice promoted during his term after a successful four (4) years and eleven (11) months stint as Battalion Commander was replaced on 01 March 1984. MAJOR CONSTANCIO A MINOZA PA took over as the Acting Battalion Commander.

On 21 February 1985, LIEUTENANT COLONEL CESAR C URSAL PA took over as the new Battalion Commander. On 21 February 1985, the Battalion was again transferred to the Northern Samar.

On 01 June 1985, MAJOR TEODORO V ILAGAN PA relieved COL URSAL who was promoted during his tenure.

On 01 July 1985, MAJ ILAGAN was relieved and LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM AGAZA PA assumed command of the unit. During the tenure of LTC AGAZA when the unit was at ebb, series of encounters were met that resulted to a number of casualties.

On 15 February 1986, LTC AGAZA was relieved by COLONEL RUPERTO AMBIL JR MNSA (FA) PA. It was during the time of COLONEL AMBIL JR that the name of the 19th Infantry Battalion was changed from BLOODHOUND to COMMANDO in which series of Command type training was conducted. Again, the stature of the unit started to recover.

On 01 April 1986, COLONEL AMBIL was relieved and LIEUTENANT COLONEL SERGIO L SUMALINOG PA took over. Steering significantly found a new vigor and demonstrating the needed leadership, LTC SUMALINOG was instrumental in regaining the waning glory of the unit. During his tenure as Battalion Commander, the late TSg Mamerto Dionio (Inf) was awarded with the Distinguish Conduct Star (DCS), for successfully defending the Nenita Patrol Base, Brgy Nenita Mondaragon, Northern Samar against more or less one hundred fifty (150) CPP / NPA attackers on 15 July 1987. Aside from this achievement, series of combat accomplishments were also recorded by the unit as number of high powered firearms were recovered and scoring through body count several number of CPP/NPA hard-core on encounters. Additionally, supporters / sympathizers returned to the folds of the law.

On 30 June 1988, LTC SUMALINOG was relieved and LIEUTENANT COLONEL GREGORIO C RAMOS JR PA took over. It was during the incumbency of LTC RAMOS that this unit was selected as the Best Battalion of the Year CY 1989 within 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

On 01 September 1989, LTC RAMOS was relieved and LTC GODOFREDO C MELAD PA who was again succeeded by MAJOR RICARDO G VALUIS JR (INF) PA (also promoted during his incumbency) on 15 January 1990. During his term as Battalion Commander from 15 January 1990 to 13 June 1994 the unit had been involved in a series of COIN operations resulting to a strings of achievements and the units was again adjudged as the number one (1) Battalion in COIN operation within VISCOM area for the first Quarter of Calendar Year 1990. Moreover, the unit was awarded as the Best Maneuver Battalion of 8ID, PA during the same year. Nevertheless, on Calendar Year 1991 the unit was not as lucky as its previous years as it was hounded by major setback it suffered in terms of personnel and equipment in a raid / attack perpetrated by the CPP/NPA the resulted to the over-run of Palanit patrol base at Brgy Palanit, San Isidro, Northern Samar sometimes on 09 October 1990. As a true command in spirit, the unit significantly rose to the occasion and in the year 1992, the unit again intensified the conduct of TRIAD Concept of operations that enable it to regain its lost Glory. It was also in this year where the unit was able to clear all CPP/NPA/NDF affected barangays within its AOR ahead of the given time frame set forth by Higher Headquarters. Several numbers of enemies were neutralized and several assorted highpowered firearms were recovered to that period with less casualties on the government side. Additionally, significant number of sympathizers/members of the CPP/NPA/NDF including hard-core members with their firearms surrendered and returned to the mainstream of society. With this extra-ordinary accomplishment, the unit under the command and supervision of LTC VALUIS JR was again adjudged as the Best Maneuver Battalion of the 8ID, PA and 3rd placer as the Best Battalion of the Year 1992 - Philippine Army wide respectively. In addition, the unit initiated the turn over COIN responsibilities of the seven (7) municipalities through the local government units to the PNP namely; Lapinig; Gamay; Laong; Las Navas; Catubig, Pambujan and San Roque all of Northern Samar as setforth in the Joint Memorandum of Agreement entered between the AFP-DILG/PNP. In the year 1993, the unit had participated a series of aggressive offensive small unit operations against the remnants of DTs in the AOR, which resulted to the recovery of several number of high and low powered firearms and other war materials, and the neutralization of some DTs. Additionally, information / psychological operations was massively conducted by the unit among the AOR to illicit in them the fallacy and evils of communism. Subsequently, this turned several numbers of DTs sympathizers/supporters and voluntarily surrendered and returned to the folds of the law. With these initiatives, the unit was again awarded as the Best Maneuver Battalion of the 8ID, PA for Calendar Year 1993. It was also in said year the unit under the leadership of LTC VALUIS JR earned remarkable laurels in a successful rescue operation of more or less seventy (70) passengers of the fated M/V ARLENE that met a tragic sea mishap at Laoang Bay, Laoang, Northern Samar on 02 November 1993.

On 13 May 1994, LTC VALUIS JR was relieved and replaced by COLONEL PLARIDEL S OBRIQUE MNSA (INF) PA. During his tenure, the Battalion participated in an intensive campaign against the remnants of the DTs aside from taking part in a massive province-wide economic development transition through close coordination with the Local Government Units (LGU) and Non Government Organizations (NGOs). Additionally it was during his stint when OPLAN "MAGTULUNGAN" was implemented as a follow thru of the development transitions geared the economic stability and normalcy for the province. Moreover, the unit was also instrumental in the rescue of a ten (10) wheeler cargo truck loaded with groceries/commodities owned by a businessman which caught by fire about few meters away from the Battalion Headquarters. Said rescue saved million worth of valuable effects earning for the unit the accolade of the civilian community in the area for its remarkable feat in risking the life of soldiers in community endeavor. On 21 April 1995, the unit was again committed to extend assistance to the earthquake victims that stricken the unit's AOR by providing temporary sheltered to more or less seventy (70) civilians evacuees at the CP of Bravo Company this unit located at Poblacion Gamay, Northern Samar.

On 20 June 1995, COL OBRIQUE was relieved and a new helm of leadership was bestowed to a dynamic officer in the person of MAJOR PEDRO L FLORIDA (INF) PA (also promoted to LTC). Taking over clue from his predecessors, the unit continued to shine both in combat and no combat operations. Demonstrating remarkable skills in insurgency warfare, MAJ FLORIDA was instrumental in containing the enemy and held its ground in denying the enemy of any upper hand, intensifying further the gains of previous campaign.

On 31 March 1998, LTC FLORIDA was relieved and replaced by LTC ALXANDER CABALES (INF) PA. During his short term as the Commanding Officer of the unit, LTC CABALES implemented successfully the tasked of the unit in assisting the PNP personnel / COMELEC Officials the province for the peaceful local and national elections in the AOR last 11 May 1998.

On 14 May 1998, LTC CABALES was relieved and replaced by LTC RESTITUTO DURAN JR (INF) PA who intensifies the conduct of TRIAD mixed operations in the AOR. For a share period of time under his leadership the unit started to regain it lost glory and his initiatives became fruitful. The unit had raided four (4) enemy camps that resulted to the killing of one (1) DT lead identified as KA HUGO (TNU) and the recovery on one (1) U>S rifle Cal 5.56 sub machinegun M653P one (1) Caliber .38 revolver; and assorted war material/equipment and inflicted undetermined number of wounded DT's. Based on the Quarterly Battalion Evaluation Standard Test for Operations foe 3rd Quarters CY 98, conducted by G3, 8ID, PA the unit under the Command of LTC DURAN JR PA was declared number three (3) passing the five (5) Infantry Battalions in the entire 8ID, PA.

On 08 Feb 1999, LTC DURAN was relieved and replaced by LTC RODRIGO S DINGLE INF (GSC) PA. During his incumbency as a Battalion Commander, LTC DINGLE intensifies the conduct ISO in the AOR. For a brief period of time, the unit was able to exterminate/neutralize three (3) DTL who were identified as DTL Rogelio BANTILO @ Petre / Pedie / Pepe Co, Dragon Squad, Rodulo Gorpido Command (RGC), FGU, NFC II and two (2) were identified only through their aliases as KA LIZA & KA PACUT and recovered three (3) caliber 5.56mm M16 rifles, two (2) shotgun and various with material/equipment. Also numerous DT's safehouses / encampments were discovered/neutralized by the unit. Whit this valuable accomplishment, the unit was adjudged number two (2) for the 1st Qtr, number three (3) for 2nd Qtr and number one (1) for 3rd Qtr all CY 1999 as Best Battalion for Internal Security Operation (ISO) by 8ID, PA. For the first month of year 2000, the unit once again has gained significant accomplishment for the recovery of two (2) high powered firearms (1 M16 rifle and 1 Garand) and neutralizing six (6) DTs four (4) of whom were identified as DTL Pacifico SURIO, Rocky/Million/Aser, Co, Unit "BULIG", Rodulfo Gorpido Command (RGC), FGU, NFC-11, Riza Bantilo @ Riza daughter of late DTL Rogelio Bantilo @ Pedi/Peter/Pepe, Indong NORCIO @ Beloy, Dan Montera and two (2) unindentified close in security of DTL Pacifico Surio and Five (5) wounded identified or through their aliases as; Aka MICO, Aka MARIBEL, Aka ROY, Aka MAX and Aka BEN. With his dynamic leadership, the unit remains the hallmark unit in the province of Northern Samar.

On 07 February 2000 LTC DINGLE was relieved and MAJOR ROMEO C ARGENIO (INF) PA assumed command of the unit. As the new Battalion Commander, he set a new policy and guidelines that he believes will best suit and propel the unit into better achievement. The initiative was instrumental in maintaining gains in ISO of the unit. During his stint as a Battalion Commander, he intensifies series of aggressive offensive small unit operations against the remnants of DTs in the AOR which resulted to the killing (BC) of eighteen (18) DTs, the surrender of six (6) DTs members, the captured/apprehension of five (5) DTs and the recovery of eleven (11) HPFAs after only a year stint at Battalion /commander. The year 2000 was so significant to the commando as the period was marked with series of encounters and fierce skirmishes within its AOR; accounting with eight (8) encounter through out the year, the unit made history as it did not incur any casualty from among its rank which raking to its favor a surmountable losses to the enemy side in terms of enemy killed and firearm recovered. The period also marked the dreaded "MAPANAS ATTACK" when on the early morning of September 20, 2001, more or less two hundred (200) fully armed DTs simultaneously attacked the PNP Station of Poblacion Mapanas and the Army Detachment at Brgy Burgos then manned by two (2) ferocious fighting cadres and nine (9) CAFGU's. The attacked turned these fighting men into heroes as they defied all odds in defending the detachment in four (4) hours firefight until the attackers withdrew in futile attempt. The year was profound glory for the Commandos as it banners for three (3) consecutive quarters its number one ranking in the Battalion Evaluation Standard Test (BEST) among other units of 8ID. Significantly, the 19th Infantry Battalion was a candidate for Best Maneuver Battalion within VISCOM AOR CY 2000; on the same year, the 6th Northern Samar CAFGU Active Auxiliary Company also won for the unit as CAFGU Company of the Year for the entire Visayas area.

On 19 July 2001, the unit changed its station to Brgy Oping, Catubig, Northern Samar after almost seventeen (17) years stint at its refurbished camp at Brgy Rawis, Laoang, Northern Samar. The transfer was so monumental to the commando families who have been at home to this memorable camp.

On 19 November 2001, 19th Infantry (COMMANDO) Battalion was directed to move and perform a mission in Mindanao. During the tension in Jolo following the attacks by the MNLF on 19 November 2001, the 19IB was airlifted by C-130 Hercules Plane from Catarman, Northern Samar to Zamboanga City on 21 November 2001. Stayed in Zamboanga City and was briefly utilized by Task Force Zulu (TFZ) for patrols.

On 24 November 2001, the Battalion was moved to Jolo to augment the forces thereat. In response to Cabatangan Crisis (MNLF hostage taking), it was again brought to Zamboanga City to assist in the Post Cabatangan Anti-MNLF Staggler Operations. Hours after their arrival on 30 November 201, elements of Alpha Company under 1LT TISON encountered five (5) members of Misuari Breakaway Group (MRG) which resulted to the recovery of one (1) M16 rifle and one (1) enemy killed (BC).

To augment in the containment of MRG brought to the East coast, 19IB took over the area vacated by said battalion and effectively accomplished said mission unit pullout. On 080800H March 2002, a Send-off Ceremony was accorded to then with Hon MARIA CLARA C LOBREGAT, Zamboanga City Mayor as Guest Speaker, and on 0955H same day, the unit was airlifted via C-130 Hercules Plane from Edwin Andrew Airbase, Zamboanga City to Ormoc City to perform another mission. There, they established temporarily based at Camp Downes, Ormoc City, its birthplace co-located with the Hqs of 8RCDG.

On 01 July 2002, the unit transferred to its present Battalion Headquarters at Brgy Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte with only two (2) buildings (Admin Building and BOQ).

On 05 July 2002, the unit held its 23rd Turn Over of Command Ceremony. MAJOR ARGENIO PA was relieved and replaced by LTC OSCAR T LACTAO (INF) PA. Since it has only two (2) buildings for the whole battalion, the new Commander exerted efforts in erecting additional facilities such as additional office for S2/S3/S7 and the Commanding Officer's Office, two (2) EP Barracks, one (1) EP Mess Hall, Officers Transient Quarter, Key NCOs and EP Transient Quarter, Battalion Commander's Quarters, Latrines / Comfort Rooms and Water System in order to provide decent billeting / shelters that are conducive working place for its troops and unit impediments.

On 15 July 2002, the Battalion was deputized by the Commission of ELECTION to assist in the conduct of synchronized Sangguniang Kabataan and Barangay Election in the AOR, particularly Leyte and Biliran provinces. The unit conducted synchronized ISO and provided security assistance in coordination with other deputized units / agencies thereby promoting hones, orderly and peaceful ELECTION in the AOR.