FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – A new Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, of the Philippine Army assumed his position last Saturday, July 13.
Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Jesus B. Sarsagat led the ceremonial turnover of the office symbol from the outgoing Col. Alex S. Rillera to incoming Col. Ismael P. Mandanas Jr.
Rillera is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991. He holds Graduate Diplomas in Management in Defense Studies from the Australian Defense College in 2008 and in Defense Studies in Strategic Planning Management from the University of New South Wales, Australia also in 2008. He served as the Commanding Officer of the 44th Infantry Battalion and 18th Infantry Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division. He is now the Commanding Officer of the 202nd Infantry “Unifier” Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division based in Cavinti, Laguna.
On the other hand, incoming operations chief Mandanas is also a PMA graduate, belonging to the “Maalab” Class of 1993. He completed a Command and Staff Course from the Royal Australian Army School in 2007 and a Command and General Staff Course at the US Army Command and General College in 2014.
Prior to his position, he served as the commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion and the 10th Division Training School of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID). He was the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations of the Western Mindanao Command before being designated as Army operations chief.
The Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (OG3) contributes to the attainment of the command’s mission, particularly with its recent implementation of several initiatives such as publication of various military handbooks and operational policies; and directives and implementation of various capability development projects. Through the efforts of OG3, the activation of several Army units, including the1st Brigade Combat Team succeeded.
“To all the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian workforce of OG3, continue your enthusiasm as you perform the mandate of your office. I expect you to work with your new chief as one team. Bear in mind to always adhere to the highest standard of excellence and professionalism in all your tasks, as we move closer to achieving genuine transformation into a world-class organization,” said Sarsagat.#
