MAJOR GENERAL ALEX SANTOS RILLERA PA is a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy “SAMBISIG” Class of 1991 who rose to a star rank attributable to his untiring commitment to his duty and exceptional accomplishments. On 27 January 2023, he took the helm of the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division as its 41st Commander.
Initially studying at Mapua Institute of Technology in Intramuros, Manila, MGEN RILLERA shifted course and pursued a military career graduating in 1991 at the Philippine Military Academy. His first job after joining the Philippine Army was serving as a Platoon Leader of the 72nd Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division in Northern Luzon during the height of Marag Valley Campaign. With the infamous Ipil incident in 1995, his Battalion was quickly brought to Basilan Province to pursue the fleeing ASG members responsible for the burning and looting of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay. Subsequent to his Mindanao assignment, he returned to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and served as a Course Director and Tactical Officer for almost three years and was awarded “PMA Officer of the Year” in CY 2000 in recognition of his outstanding performance during his stint in the academy.
For almost 37 years in the military, he held various significant positions that enabled him to develop his capabilities and sharpened his visions as an Officer. Prior to being the Commander of the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, MGEN RILLERA was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Moreover, his previous command positions include the following: Commanding Officer of 44th Infantry Battalion and Commanding Officer of 18th Infantry Battalion, both under the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division; and Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade of 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division. As Commander of 202Bde, he led the localized implementation of institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (Executive Order No. 70), as well as peace-building initiative development in his joint area of operations. During his stint as Brigade Commander, his unit was able to dismantle two (2) (KLG Cesar and PLTN Silangan) of the three (3) enemy fronts and was able to reduce the remaining enemy front (KLG Narciso) to WEAKENED status.
Further, he also demonstrated the finest ideals of military professionalism and discipline in his previous staff designations. Among his significant posts were Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, 2nd Infantry Division, PA (2006-2007) where his unit made prompt response during Typhoon “Winnie” that earned the respect and recognition of the people here and abroad; Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, 1st Infantry Division, PA and at the same time the Operations Officer, JTF ZAMPELAN, Western Mindanao Command (2013-2014) wherein he served as both the planner and operations man that led to the successful handling of Zamboanga Crisis in 2013; Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff (ACUCS) for Operations, U3, Northern Luzon Command (10 Jul 2014-Mar 2016); Chief, Operations Division, OJ3, GHQ (Jun 2016- May 2017); Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, PA (May 2017- Jul 2019) where his vital role as G3, PA contributed to the successful campaign against terrorist groups during the 2017 Marawi Siege; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, AJ3 wherein he was also designated as the Chief of the AFP Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (June-December 2021). Having exposed from the lowest operations post as Bn S3 to the pinnacle as the J3, MGEN RILLERA is certainly the AFP's complete “Operations Man”.
As MGEN RILLERA advanced in his illustrious military career, he sought to increase his knowledge and skills as he embarked on the challenges attendant to his professional life by attending local and foreign courses. While his local military courses included, among others, areas in Special Operations, Intelligence, and stakeholders’ engagement. He also took Resource Management Course and Intermediate Staff Course at the Land Warfare Center, Australia (1997). He further studied Defense Media Awareness Course and Command and Staff Course at the Australian Command and Staff College, Australia (2008). In 2019, he took his Senior Executive Course in National Security at the National Defense College of the Philippines.
Apart from taking military courses, MGEN RILLERA broadened his horizons by further taking civilian courses abroad including a Graduate Diploma of Management in Defense Studies from the Australian Defense College (2008); a Diploma in Defense Studies in Strategic Planning Management at the University of New South Wales, Australia (2008); and Professional Directors Program at the Institute of Corporate Directors (2018).
His achievements and service have been duly recognized through the awards and commendations he received both from the AFP and civilian stakeholders. This comprised of the Outstanding Achievement Medal; CSAFP Commendation Medals and Ribbons; several Meritorious Achievement Medals; Distinguished Service Stars; Distinguished Service Medal; Gold Cross Medal and numerous Silver Cross and Bronze Cross Medals; Military Commendation Medals; Gawad sa Kaunlaran; Sagisag ng Ulirang Kawal; Award of Teaching Excellence from PMA Foundation Inc.; numerous Letters of Commendation, Merit, Appreciation, and Achievement from various AFP Commanders; and several Plaques of Recognition and Appreciation from Local Government Units.
MGEN RILLERA is an Ilocano-Kapampangan by blood and was born on 30 July 1967 in Makati City. His life story as a military man would not have been successful without the support from his beautiful wife, the former Dra. Chona Gonzales, a civilian dentist, and they are blessed with a son named Alexander Cyle.
