A HIGHLY decorated military strategist instrumental in declaring Basilan as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free and playing a crucial role in directing operations during the 2017 Marawi Siege has taken the helm of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division.
Brigadier General Alvin V. Luzon, a magna cum laude graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “Bantay-Laya” Class of 1994, officially assumed command as the division’s 17th commander on Wednesday, vowing to sustain the gains in maintaining an insurgency-free region.
Before taking the helm of the Agila Division, Brigadier General Luzon served as Commander of the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade.
He previously held other key leadership positions, including senior military assistant to the officer-in-charge of the Department of National Defense (DND) and assistant chief of Staff for operations (G3), Philippine Army.
He has been at the forefront of major counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, most notably in Basilan, where he played a decisive role in the neutralization of Mudzrimar “Mundi” Sawadjaan, one of the most notorious terrorists in Southern Mindanao.
His leadership was instrumental in the successful declaration of Basilan as ASG-Free on June 9, 2025.
Luzon also previously commanded the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion and the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion.
During the 2017 Marawi Siege, he served as assistant chief of Unified Command Staff for Intelligence (U2) and Operations (U3) at the Western Mindanao Command, where he played a crucial role in directing the overall operational campaign.
In his assumption speech, Luzon reaffirmed his commitment to sustain the gains in maintaining an insurgency-free region, emphasizing unity and shared purpose among the Agila Troopers.
“Like an eagle in flight, our Division must move with unity, purpose, and strength—each wing, each feather, each movement working in harmony toward a common goal,” he said.
Immediately after the ceremony, Brigadier General Luzon presided over his first Command Conference with 10ID officers, where he issued his initial command guidance.
He introduced his leadership mantra, A.G.I.L.A., which stands for Accountability, Growth, Integrity, Loyalty, and Achievement through Excellence.
This guiding philosophy encapsulates his vision for a disciplined, competent, and mission-focused Agila Division.
Under this principle, every Agila Trooper is expected to take responsibility for their actions, pursue growth, uphold integrity, remain steadfast in loyalty, and strive for excellence in all endeavors to achieve collective success.
Luzon’s return to Davao carries a sense of familiarity and continuity.
Earlier in his career, he was assigned to the region as Brigade Executive Officer of the 105th Infantry Brigade from Basilan, which was later realigned under the 10th Infantry Division to form the present-day 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade.
