New Army division chief named

MANILA, Philippines – The head of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division based in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija was replaced after only two months in the post.

Major General Jose Mabanta Jr. will now command the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division based in Western Visayas, military spokesmen announced Sunday.

Mabanta would be replaced by Brigadier General Alan Luga, former commander of the 802nd Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division.

Luga is at present the chairman of the government Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

No reason was given for Mabanta’s reassignment after only two months as 7ID commander.

In a statement, Mabanta said he “had a very fruitful working experience” in the 7th Infantry Division.

“I have relished the camaraderie and atmosphere here at Kaugnay  Division and I will be hard-pressed to find anything like it in my  next position… My new position is just part of the constant change in the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

He said they have recently concluded a stakeholders’ consultative meeting and the 7ID is “now in the process of updating its Internal Peace and Security Plan ‘Bayanihan.”

Mabanta and Luga both belong to Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981.