Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., lauded the outgoing 50th Commander of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID) Maj. Gen. Genoroso M. Ponio for ably leading the division for more than two years during the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony on July 8, 2022 at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
The Army Chief lauded Maj. Gen. Ponio for leading “Tabak” troopers in attaining inclusive peace and sustainable progress in Western Mindanao amid the threat posed by various terrorist groups.
Lt. Gen. Brawner likewise commended the retiring commander for leading the division in neutralizing 414 key Terrorist Group leaders, dismantling guerilla fronts under the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, and for curtailing the firepower of threat groups through the recovery of 840 firearms.
“The unit’s unparalleled efforts and hallmark of operational excellence in its area of responsibility are attributed to the exceptional leadership of its division commander. Thus, it is through this time-honored ceremony that we pay tribute to Maj. Gen. Ponio,” the Army Chief said in his keynote speech.
Acting Division Commander Brig. Gen. Jose Randolf M. Sino Cruz will succeed Maj. Gen. Ponio whose military career spanned more than 38 years.
Photos by Pfc Rodgen V Quirante PA/ OACPA