ILOILO CITY -- Brigadier General Marion Sison is now the chief of the Philippine Army for Western Visayas and Central Visayas.

Sison formally took over from Lieutenant General Benedict Arevalo in a change-of-command ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 26.

“I hope we can all achieve the common goal of a more peaceful and progressive Western and Central Visayas,” said Sison in a speech at Camp Peralta, the headquarters of the PA’s 3^rd Infantry Division Capiz province.

Sison assured Army Commanding General Romeo Brawner Jr. that 3ID under his helm will continue working towards ending communist insurgency in the Visayas.

Sison also issued a strongly-worded warning to members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

“For those who insist on doing terrorism, I can be your worst nightmare,” said Sison as he vowed to implement more programs to curb the strength of the CPP-NPA in areas of Western and Central Visayas.

“I am offering my hand for a peaceful negotiation through local peace dialogue engagement,” said Sison.

“We are encouraging you to return to the folds of the law and enjoy the benefits from the government's enhanced comprehensive local integration program,” added Sison.

Prior to becoming 3ID chief, Sison was the longest serving commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, which oversees the army in Panay Island.

Arevalo has been appointed as the commanding general for the Army in the entire Visayas.