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10th Infantry Division welcomes new PMA ‘Talang Dangal’ graduates from Region XI

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

MAJOR General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry Division, officially welcomed eight newly commissioned officers from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 during a courtesy call at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. on Tuesday, June 2.

The young officers, all natives of Region XI, visited the division headquarters following their recent graduation from the country’s premier military institution.

The group consists of two Philippine Army officers, two Philippine Navy officers, and four Philippine Air Force officers who are preparing to deploy to their respective branches within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

During the meeting, Luzon urged the new ensigns and lieutenants to adopt his “AVL” framework—Accountability, Values, and Leadership—as they begin their military careers.

He challenged them to take full ownership of their decisions, live by the core military values of courage, integrity, loyalty, honor, and service, and use their leadership to positively impact both their troops and the communities they will protect.

“As newly commissioned officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, you are entrusted with a sacred responsibility to lead with integrity, serve with humility, and uphold the highest standards of accountability,” Luzon told the graduates. “Let your values guide your decisions and your leadership inspire those under your command as you dedicate yourselves to the service of our nation.”

According to the 10th Infantry Division, the engagement highlights the AFP’s ongoing focus on developing disciplined, mission-oriented leadership to sustain national defense, peace, and development initiatives across the country.

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4ID’s new chief vows to transform Northern Mindanao, Caraga into a haven of ‘stable peace’ 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

MAJOR General Marion T. Angcao, a seasoned counter-insurgency officer with deep roots in the Davao Region, officially assumed leadership of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) on May 9, during a change of command ceremony presided over by Philippine Army Commanding General Antonio G. Nafarrete.

Angcao was installed as the 55th commander of the division, succeeding Brig. Gen. Seigfred C. Tubalado.

In his address, Angcao said his objective “is to declare all areas of the division under a state of stable internal peace and security.” 

“Mission accomplishment will depend on trust, coordination, and shared responsibility. We operate as one unit, not as individuals,” he added.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maalab” Class of 1993, Angcao brings over 30 years of experience back to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom). 

He is well-known in the Davao Region for his previous high-profile assignments:

  1. 1003rd Infantry Brigade: Served as Commander and Deputy Commander in Davao City, where he led the dismantling of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG) Peddler.
  2. 73rd Infantry Battalion: Commanded successful operations in Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur from 2017 to 2019.
  3. National Staff: Most recently served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3) of the Philippine Army.

Nafarrete, who donned the ranks of Major General on Angcao during the ceremony, expressed total confidence in the new commander’s ability to steward the division, which oversees security for Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Region.

“I am very confident that this division will work hand-in-hand with their new commander,” Nafarrete said, noting that Angcao’s focus on unit readiness and collaboration with peace partners is exactly what the region needs to sustain its current gains.

Angcao’s appointment follows the retirement of Maj. Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr. on April 28, 2026. Angcao was appointed ad interim to his current rank effective May 1, 2026, pursuant to RA 11709.

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Maj. Gen. Anayron bids farewell as 4ID chief 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

MAJOR Gen. Michele B. Anayron, commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), was accorded arrival honors during his formal exit visit to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) on Monday, April 20.

EastMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio presided over the ceremony, held at Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, and attended by officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources.

A legacy of service

Anayron, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992, has led the 4ID since January 28, 2025. His leadership of the “Diamond” Division followed a successful stint as the commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade.

During the visit, Orio expressed his appreciation for the strong operational synergy between the 4ID and EastMinCom, which has been vital in maintaining regional stability.

The exit visit is a time-honored military tradition, serving as a final formal meeting between a divisional commander and the higher command to signify the completion of a major assignment and to reinforce the continuity of the mission.

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Delos Santos installed as 37th ‘Stingers’ commander

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

The 402nd Infantry Brigade welcomed Brigadier General Edmund Paul R. Delos Santos as its 37th commander during a formal change of command ceremony on March 12 at Barangay Bancasi.

Delos Santos, a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bantay Laya” Class of 1994, succeeds Brigadier General Adolfo B. Espuelas Jr. in a transition presided over by Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division.

The new commander is no stranger to the security landscape of Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region. 

Delos Santos has spent a significant portion of his career within the 4th Infantry Division, holding various key staff and command positions that provide him with a deep understanding of the local operational environment.

Lieutenant General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), attended the ceremony to signify his support for the brigade’s ongoing peace initiatives. 

His presence underscored the strategic importance of the 402nd Brigade in the broader mission to maintain stability across Eastern Mindanao.

In his farewell address, Espuelas emphasized the necessity of “unified and sustained convergence efforts.” 

He urged his successor to maintain the strong collaborations built with local stakeholders and government agencies to effectively end insurgency in the area.

Accepting the mandate, Delos Santos committed to continuing the brigade’s mission of safeguarding communities and supporting regional development initiatives.

The ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, heads of AFP financial institutions, and commanding officers from subordinate battalions, marking a seamless transition for one of the Army’s key frontline units in the fight for lasting peace.

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10ID, 4ID commanders reaffirm inter-division synergy in exit visit

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

AS PART of continued military synergy, Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, hosted Major General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, during the latter’s exit visit at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. on Monday, March 9.

The 10ID rendered full military arrival honors for Anayron before he proceeded to a courtesy call with Luzon. The meeting served as a strategic touchpoint for the two key divisions operating under the Eastern Mindanao Command.

The visit highlighted the coordination between the two divisions, which share critical boundaries in the region. 

Accordingly, the collaboration ensures a unified approach to peace and stability, noting that the partnership is vital for strengthening operational cooperation and protecting recent security gains in Eastern Mindanao.

Anayron, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992, is conducting these visits as part of his exit transition, reinforcing the professional ties that bind the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the region.

The exchange concluded with a commitment from both commanders to ensure that the transition of leadership within the 4ID will not disrupt the momentum of ongoing peace and security operations across their respective areas of responsibility.

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23rd IB has new battalion commander

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE NEWLY designated 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion acting commander, Lieutenant Colonel Glennford C. Libre, vowed to continue the unit’s mission of upholding peace, security, and community development in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, and nearby areas.

Libre was among the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) installed as three new commanders to key infantry and artillery units, emphasizing leadership continuity and enhanced mission readiness across its area of responsibility.

 Libre has assumed command as the acting commanding officer of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. 

In his assumption speech, Libre vowed to continue the unit’s mission of upholding peace, security, and community development in Agusan del Norte and surrounding areas.

Libre, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2005, replaced Lt. Col. Chris C. Baloran, who has been reassigned to new responsibilities supporting the Division’s operational and administrative functions.

Libre previously served as the acting head of the Division Reconnaissance Battalion.

The simultaneous change of command ceremonies underscore the 4ID’s commitment to sustaining its operational gains, particularly in counterinsurgency efforts.

Also appointed was Lieutenant Colonel Rey Vergel A. Annogui, who took command as acting commanding officer of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

He replaced Lt. Col. Albert M. Batingga, whose leadership earned the 30IB a prestigious CGPA Streamer for its contributions to peace in Surigao and Agusan del Norte. 

Annogui is a graduate of the Officer Candidate Course, Class of 2004, and formerly served as deputy assistant chief of staff for civil-military operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Allan M. Peñaflor, who was designated acting commanding officer of the 4th Field Artillery Battalion (4FAB), replacing Lt. Col. Victor A. Teleron. 

Peñaflor, also an Officer Candidate Course Class of 2004 graduate, ensures continuity in crucial artillery support across the 4ID’s operational area.

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4ID, commended both the outgoing and incoming commanders for their dedication and commitment.

Anayron stressed that competent and continuous leadership is vital for maintaining operational readiness, fostering community engagement, and advancing the Army’s mission to protect and serve the people in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Regions.

“The 4th Infantry Division remains steadfast in its commitment to professional excellence, operational preparedness, and collaborative partnerships with local government units, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders,” Anayron concluded.

The outgoing commanders were recognized for their exceptional service and contributions to peacekeeping and development, receiving Military Merit Medals and Command Plaques during the ceremonial turnovers.

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Marawi siege veteran, ASG-free architect takes command of 10th Infantry Division

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

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.

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