Madrigal is new Eastmincom chief

LIEUTENANT General Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., the newly-designated Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander, will officially assume his post today, November 15, as the new chief during a Military Change of Command Ceremony at Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Command covered court.

Eastmincom Public Information Officer (PIO) Major Ezra Balagtey said Madrigal is the 10th commander of Eastmincom. He cited that the incoming commander is not new in the security landscape in Eastern Mindanao as he was used to be deployed here before.

Madrigal formerly assumed as the commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade based in Mati, Davao Oriental then became assistant division commander of 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Compostela Valley. He was also commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City.

“The “mission-focusedleader” Lt. Gen Madrigal will be taking the responsibility of sustaining the peace and prevention of terrorism in Davao Region, Caraga Region, parts of Northern Mindanao Region and Southern Mind-

anao Region,” Balagtey said.

Madrigal will assume as Eeatmincom commander from Brigadier General Perfecto Rimando who served as the acting commander of Eastmincom in the absence of an appointee.

Madrigal is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sandiwa” Class of 1985. Prior to his appointment, he became commander of the Southern Luzon Command based in Camp General Nakar, Lucena City, Laguna.

The change of command will be attended by former Eastmincom commander and now Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte last October 25.

Guerrero served as Eastmincom commander for two years where he led the declaration of almost all provinces as Peaceful and Ready for Further Development, crafting of Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan and intensified implementation to sustain peace in Eastern Mindanao. JCR