2 Army divisions get new commanders

Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, right, congratulates Maj. Fernando Trinidad, the new commander of the 9th Infantry Division. (Photo from the Philippine Army)

MANILA, Philippines — Two Philippine Army divisions based in the Bicol and Davao regions welcomed new commanders last week.

Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad, former deputy chief of staff for intelligence, assumed as the new 9th Infantry Division commander last Dec. 19 at Camp Elias Angeles in Camarines Sur.

He replaced Maj. Gen. Jesus Mananquil Jr. who retired from service. The 9ID covers the Bicol region, a hotbed of communist insurgents.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr. took the helm of 10th Infantry Division last Dec. 22 at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Compostela Valley. He replaced Maj. Gen. Noel Clement who was moved to Central Command.

The 10ID covers the Davao region, the home region of President Rodrigo Duterte. The New People’s Army are most active in this area.

Both change-of-command ceremonies for the two divisions were led by Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto. /atm

Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto passes on the command flag to Maj. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., the new commander of the 10th Infantry Division. (Photo from the Philippine Army)