ROXAS CITY – The Philippine Army promoted Brig. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division that has jurisdiction over Western and Central Visayas, to major general.
MAJOR Gen. Michael Samson (center) receives his second star during a ceremony in Fort Bonifacio led by Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido. Assisting Galido is Samson’s wife. (Philippine Army)
Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido presided over the donning of rank for Samson in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
Samson took over the 3rd ID on Jan. 31 following the retirement of Major Gen. Marion Sison. Samson was commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade that covers Panay Island.
Under Samson's command, the strength of the New People’s Army in Panay Island was significantly reduced when their guerilla fronts were dismantled.
Fifty-three combat engagements where 26 key NPA leaders were neutralized and 62 other NPA rebels arrested, captured, or surrendered were conducted under Samson.
Among them was Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala or “Ka Concha” who was killed in an encounter with the 82nd Infantry Battalion under the 301st IB last August in Lambunao town, Iloilo province.
Bocala was considered the most wanted NPA rebel in the Visayas with a P5.3-million bounty.
Samson is a native of Bacolod City and one of the commanders of the 3rd ID from Western Visayas.
Retired Major Gen. Jon Aying, now mayor of Sara town in northern loilo, led the 3rd ID before Samson.