FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Commanding General Philippine Army (CGPA) presides the turnover of leadership of the 9th Infantry "Spear" Division at Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur today, May, 27.
Maj. Gen. Fernando T. Trinidad, who has reached the mandatory retirement age for military personnel, relinquished his post to the incoming commander Brig. Gen. Henry A. Robinson Jr. in a change of command ceremony presided by Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay.
Under the outgoing commander's leadership, the Division was able to neutralize 540 communist NPA terrorists, the seizure of 164 assorted firearms and 133 anti-personnel mines and the clearing of 2 NPA guerilla fronts. Trinidad was responsible for having the 9th Infantry "Spear" Division adjudged as the Best Philippine Army Major Unit for Operations in the 1st Quarter of 2019. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Hinirang" Class of 1987.
On the other hand, Robinson served as Assistant Division Commander of the 7th Infantry "Kaugnay" Division; Commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade; Commander of Task Force Davao, 10th Infantry "Agila" Division; and the 23rd Infantry Battalion and 29th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division.
Prior to the ceremony, the demilitarization of fifty nine (59) captured, confiscated, surrendered, and recovered (CCSR) firearms took place also attended by the CGPA.
In his speech, Gapay encouraged the troops to continue winning against the enemy and secure the Bicolandia people from COVID-19. "Binding you all across time is the desire to build a strong Army in Bicol—and the mission to provide the region security, peace, and stability. You share the vision and action to make this a reality for the Bicolanos. And that is Bayanihan," said Gapay. #