Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., presided the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division’s (1ID) Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony where Maj. Gen. Generoso M. Ponio relinquished his post to Acting 1ID Commander Brig. Gen. Jose Randolf M. Sino Cruz on July 8, 2022 at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
Brig. Gen. Sino Cruz served as the Assistant Division Commander (ADC) and also as the ADC for Reservist and Retiree Affairs prior to his assumption as acting 1ID Commander. He belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bigkis Lahi” Class 1990. He holds a Master in Management degree from the University of the Philippines and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education degree from the Pangasinan State University.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ponio belongs to PMA “Maringal” Class of 1988. An Airborne and Scout Ranger, the outgoing Tabak Division Commander is a well-rounded military officer with vast expertise ranging from operations, intelligence, and training.
Maj. Gen. Ponio took helm of the 1ID in January 2020. He also served as deputy chief for operations of AFP Western Mindanao Command; commander of Joint Task Force Ranao where he played a crucial role in the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City; and commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.
Photos by Pfc Rodgen V Quirante PA/ OACPA