A new commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) assumed the post in a change of command ceremony presided by Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., at Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro on March 24, 2023.
Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II took over the leadership of the Diamond Division from Maj. Gen. Wilbur C. Mamawag, who served as the division’s commander for one year. Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (J1), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) prior to his new designation. He also served as Brigade Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade (103Bde), 1st Infantry Division (1ID); AFP Secretary Joint Staff; and Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB), 4ID. Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II belongs to the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990. He holds a Master’s degree in Management from the Asian Institute of Management.
Meanwhile, outgoing 4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Mamawag retired from military service after 38 years. Before his designation as 4ID Commander, he served as the Brigade Commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade (603Bde), 6th Infantry Division (6ID); Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G2), PA; and Commanding Officer of the 4th Infantry Battalion (4IB) under the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID). He is a member of PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989 and holds a Master’s degree in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
Moreover, Lt. Gen. Brawner called on Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II to sustain the Army’s vital gains against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), sustaining ad upholding the culture of stability and development across 4ID's area of operations. “As you now render your official duties as the commander of the Diamond troopers, I am expecting that you will pursue the foundations laid by your predecessors and advance the Division’s hallmark of fostering the standard of excellence,” the Army Chief added.
Photos by Pfc Rodgen V Quirante PA/ OACPA