Saturday, February 22, 2025

Tag: New Commander

Army installs new 4ID commander, pledges peacebuilding efforts

Posted on by Heber Quinco

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 28, 2025, 7:21 pm) – The Philippine Army on Tuesday installed Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr. as the new commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), overseeing parts of Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region

In his inaugural speech, Anayron emphasized his commitment to advancing peace and development in collaboration with various stakeholders and ensuring robust security measures within the division’s areas of responsibility.

“Through peace and development zones, we implement high-impact programs with the aid of national agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector,” he said.

Anayron underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder support in addressing the root causes of insurgency, which is a priority under his command.

He succeeded Brig. Gen. Consolito Yecla, who served as acting commander after the retirement of Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II earlier this month.

Prior to his appointment, Anayron commanded the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon province, leading battalions and special forces that played a crucial role in dismantling New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts.

His military career began in 1992 when he served as a civil-military operations officer in the Visayas. He later held prominent leadership roles in Mindanao, including assignments with the Eastern Mindanao Command and the Mechanized Infantry Division.

Anayron is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992 and has completed specialized military training, including the Scout Ranger and Armor Officer Basic courses, with distinction. He also trained internationally, participating in Special Operations Team training in Queensland, Australia, and completing the Grade 2 Staff Officer Course.

Alongside his military credentials, Anayron holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Xavier University, a Master’s in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines, and a Master’s in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.

“Under my leadership, the 4ID will continue its mission to foster peaceful and resilient communities,” Anayron said.

403rd Peacemaker Brigade welcomes new commander

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (Feb. 10) – Col. Ferdinand Barandon was officially installed as the new commander of the Philippine Army’s 403rd Infantry Peacemaker Brigade in a change of command held on Feb. 10 at the Headquarters of 403rd Brigade, here.

Col. Barandon replaced Brigadier General Edgardo de Leon, who was assigned at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operations.

In his acceptance message, Col. Barandon urged members of the Peacemaker team to continue to press on with the fight to end the local communist armed conflict while leaving the door for reconciliation open for more rebels to rejoin the mainstream society.

“We shall continue the momentum of our campaign and bring the fight in the guerilla bases,… we shall also protect our gains by continuously and steadfastly shielding the people and their communities who were previously radicalized by CTG (communist terrorist group),” he said.

Admitting that the army cannot do the fight against insurgency alone, Col. Barandon implored all 403rd Brigade stakeholders and partners to collaborate and continuously fuel their enthusiasm and trailblazing efforts on ending local communist armed conflict through the regional and local task forces.

Meanwhile, BGen. De Leon expressed gratitude to all the partners of the Brigade for making the convergence efforts against the CTG in his area of operations a success. “Your trust and confidence have driven me to persevere against the many challenges of a brigade commander,” he said.

He also reminded them to always make convergence efforts on the delivery of services a reality, to prevent the CTG from getting back the people’s sympathy.

The turnover ceremony was presided by Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Cagayan de Oro.

In his message, Gacal instructed Col. Barandon to sustain the gains, especially in the whole-of-nation campaign.

“Continue to be responsive on the peace and security needs of our constituents, I want you to lead all efforts to ensure physically and psychologically safe and secure environment conducive to economic development,” he said.

He also directed Col. Barandon to maximize utilizing all the ground units under the 403rd Brigade to pursue peace and development initiatives and address the root causes of conflict in their area of operations.

Moreover, he told him to support the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other integration mechanisms available so that those who wish to surrender will be given a chance. However, he reminded him to be relentless in dislocating, isolating, disintegrating and destroying those who continue to challenge the government. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran/PIA-10)