By Francis Wakefield
The Army's 10th Infantry “Agila” Division has a new chief in the person of Brig. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., who replaced Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement during the change of command ceremony in Compostela Valley on Saturday.
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto was the guest of honor and presiding officer at the ceremony held at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., in Brgy. Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley.
BGen Jose Faustino Jr. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY REGION XI / FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN)
One of the highlights of the ceremony was when Alberto handed over the command symbol to Faustino. It is one of the noble military traditions that represent the formal transfer of authority and responsibility of the unit from Clement who assumed as commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command in the Visayas Region.
Faustino is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maringal” Class of 1988. He is a scout ranger, well-decorated officer with competence and moral courage in orchestrating land warfare and joint operations in Mindanao and Luzon.
Faustino has held various key positions in the field of intelligence, the nucleus of Army operation, training and education and commanded the 501st Infantry “Valiant” Brigade, 5th Infantry “Star Troopers” Division in Sulu, commandant of the Philippine Military Academy and Chief of Staff of the Army prior to his new post.
In his assumption speech, Faustino said he is very thankful for the trust and confidence bestowed by the Command on him.
"As your new commander, together we will expand our horizon, institute strategy-based and purposive operation within the bounds of human security framework overarching to end insurgency as priority thrust to better serve the Filipinos," he said.
Meanwhile, Alberto expressed his profound gratitude to Clement for leading the unit to become progressive, productive and agile force with operational excellence adaptive to organizational change in support to Army Transformation Roadmap.
Alberto, at the same time, said he is very optimistic that Faustino will be proactive in sustaining effective governance in unison with the AFP’s effort to quell insurgency and terrorism until the end of martial law in Mindanao.
"Your achievements and sacrifices are immeasurable, that makes the Filipino people proud and honored, continue to fulfill your mission to be the vanguard of peace and protector of the constitution. Similarly, let us also take some time to feel the spirit of Christmas with our families and friends but never let our guard down," Alberto said.
The Philippine Army unity of efforts is in support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s national security policy to create a secured environment conducive for national economic growth and development particularly in Davao region.
The 10th ID, it was recalled, was created on August 16, 2006, as a potent force by working with dignity coupled with vigor to end state of lawlessness and terrorism, to ensure “Mindanaoans” are safe, secured and the region is ready for further development all contributory to national security, democratic institutions and territorial integrity comprising its sovereign rights.
This year alone, 8,000 former rebels and militias surrender through the Community Support Program and avails the government Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Through the gallant efforts of the division, 700 firearms were recovered.