AFP reshuffles Mindanao military chiefs

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reshuffled its military commanders in Mindanao.

AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año designated Col. Divino Pabayo Jr. as the new commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade based in Sulu, replacing Col. Jacinto Baring.

Insiders said Pabayo would be joined by Medal of Valor awardee Col. Cirilito Sobejana as commander of the Joint Task Force-Sulu.

Sobejana is the current commander of the Maguindanao-- based 601st Brigade, an Army unit pursuing members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Baring was designated commander of the 102nd Brigade based in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. He replaced Col. Nixon Fortes, who will be transferred to the 103rd Brigade in Marawi City. The 103rd Brigade has been fighting the Maute Group in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

Fortes replaced newly promoted Brig. Gen. Roseller Murillo as 103rd Brigade commander. Murillo was appointed senior military assistant of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Año also designated Col. Ruben Basiao as the commander of the 701st Brigade based in Davao City. Basiao will replace Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin whose new assignment has yet to be announced.

Rear Admiral Rene Medina was named chief of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, which is under the operational command of the Western Mindanao Command.

Medina replaced Rear Admiral Jorge Amba, who was designated commander of the Philippine Fleet’s Sealift Amphibious Force, a position previously held by Medina.

Navy Capt. Ramil Enriquez, meanwhile, takes the helm of the Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao Command, replacing Vice Commodore Elson Aguilar who retired from the service.

Marine Brig. Gen. Alvin Pareño was designated deputy commander of Philippine Marine Corps with Marine Col. Melquiades Ordiales taking over the 1st Marine Brigade based in Sultan Kudarat.