FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army’s new 8th Infantry “Storm Trooper” Division Commander officially took charge on June 5 at Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar.
Through the change of command ceremony, Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto presided the turnover of the command symbol from the outgoing Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio to incoming Maj. Gen. Pio Q. Diñoso III.
Prior to his assumption, Diñoso III mainly led field units in Visayas, particularly by serving as Brigade Commander of 301st Infantry Brigade and as the Battalion Commander of 79th Infantry Battalion, both under the 3rd Infantry Division.
Diñoso, who is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988, holds a Master’s Degree both in Business Administration and in Human Resource Management. He was also able to accomplish the Asia Pacific Program for Senior Military Officers Course in Singapore and a Senior Executive Course on National Security from the National Defense College of the Philippines.
Storm Troopers’ efforts in sustaining peace in Samar and Leyte resulted to several CPP-NPA Terrorist personalities’ neutralization, recovery of enemy firearms and war materiel, and secured stability and development for the communities of the Eastern Visayas Region.
“Focus on your mission and work strong, work together at all times. Together, let us make the Philippine Army an agile and responsive force that our communities in Eastern Visayas can truly be proud of,” said Alberto.#
