Army overseeing N. Mindanao, Caraga regions has new commander

MANILA, Philippines–A new commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division will temporarily take over on Friday in the wake of the Gingoog ambush over the weekend.

Brigadier General Ricardo Visaya will serve as officer in charge of the division which has jurisdiction over Northern Mindanao and Caraga region. The turnover rite was held at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro.

Visaya is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983. He served as Assistant Division Commander of the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao prior to his new post.

He will replace Major General Nestor Añonuevo, who is being reportedly recalled to Camp Aguinaldo.

Military chief General Emmanuel Bautista said the change of commanders was “not necessarily” referring to the ambush of Gingoog Mayor Ruth Guingona in Misamis Oriental on Saturday.

Bautista said the move is part of their approach to shuffle their men to find what will be the most effective.

Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Dumawa of the Civil Military Operations of the 4th Infantry Division said the Board of Generals will convene to recommend a replacement for Añonuevo.