10ID new commander officially assumes post

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila- The10th Infantry “Agila” Division has a new commander in the person of Brig. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr. who succeeded Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement in a simple Change of Command Ceremony presided by the Commanding General Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. Brgy. Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley on Saturday, December 22, 2018.

The 10th Infantry Division since its activation in August 16, 2006 have already proven a lot and provided a legacy to Eastern Mindanaoans as a true partner in peace and development and as a vanguard of people’s right and democracy. It has exemplified resiliency to its sworn duty as a potent force by working with dignity coupled with vigor to address lawlessness and terrorism in its assigned area of responsibility. This year alone, more than 8,000 former rebels and militias surrendered through the Community Support Program of the Division and availed the government Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Additionally, more than 700 firearms were recovered through the gallant effort of the “Agila troopers.”

One of the highlights of the ceremony is the ceremonial handover of the Command symbol presided by the CGPA. It is one of the noble military traditions that represent the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the out-going Commander, Maj. Gen. Clement who also just recently assumed as Commander of Central Command (CENTCOM) in Visayas Region to the in-coming, Brig.Gen Faustino Jr.

Brig.Gen. Faustino Jr., is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988. He is a well-rounded officer, full of competence and capable to stir the 10ID into a greater height. He held various key-positions in the field of intelligence, operations, and training. Significantly, he served as the Commander of 501st Infantry “Valiant” Brigade in Sulu, Commandant of the Philippine Military Academy and shortly, as Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army prior to his new post.

In his assumption speech Brig. Gen Faustino said, “as your new commander, I am very thankful for the trust and confidence bestowed by the Command. Together we will expand our horizon, institute strategy-based and purposive operation within the bounds of human security framework, overarching to end insurgency as priority thrust to better-serve the Filipino people.”

Lt. Gen. Alberto for his part expressed his profound gratitude to Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement for leading the unit with excellence, adaptive to organizational change and supportive to the Army’s Transformation Roadmap. He also urged the personnel of 10ID to extend the same cooperation and team work to their new commander. He is very optimistic that Brig. Gen. Faustino Jr. will not just sustain what his predecessor had started but will introduce more innovative measures to attain the desired organizational goals and objectives.

“Your achievements and sacrifices are immeasurable, that makes the Filipino people proud and honored. Just continue to fulfill your mission to be the vanguard of peace and protector of the constitution. Similarly, let us also take some time to feel the spirit of Christmas with our families and friends but never let our guard down, CGPA added.” #