AFP Eastern Mindanao Command has new chief

DAVAO CITY – Major General Adonis Ariel Orio took his oath as the new commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincon) on Saturday. 

Orio replaced Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante who retired at 57 after 37 years, eight months and five days in service.

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The turnover ceremony at Camp Panacan here was presided by AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.

“Today, the Eastern Mindanao Command stands at the forefront of an enduring mission. We are a joint force of soldiers, airmen and sailors united to protect Eastern Mindanao, preserve peace and defend our sovereignty across the land, sea and sky,” Orio said. 

“We will secure our archipelagic frontier – the sea lanes, air corridors and maritime zones vital to our nation. From the Davao Gulf to the Surigao Strait, we will strengthen domain awareness through patrols, surveillance and fused intelligence. We will synchronize land, sea, air and cyber capabilities to guard against intrusion, smuggling and infiltration along our eastern seaboard, ” Orio added. 

Before his appointment, Orio, a native of Cagayan de Oro City, served as division commander of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar.

He also served as commanding officer of the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion based in Agusan del Norte after which he rose to become commander of the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade under the 4th Infantry Division based in Butuan City. 

Orio is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1992 (Tanglaw-Diwa) and Bergante of Class of 1990 (Bigkis-Lahi).  /jpv