ESCANILLAS (3rd ID)
ILOILO CITY— Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas is the new commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division which oversees most of the Visayas.
Escanillas replaced Major Gen. Michael Samson who retired in a July 15 ceremony led by commanding general Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete.
“We will remain steadfast in our mission to preserve peace and protect our people,” said Escanillas during the turnover ceremony in Camp Peralta, the 3rd ID headquarters in Jamindan town, Capiz province.
He assured he will continue the programs and strategies initiated by Samson.
Escanillas vowed to strengthen internal security operations that will further reduce the strength of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
He said there have been operational gains but there are still NPA remnants in Negros and Panay Islands.
Like Nafarrete, Escanillas is an Ilonggo and a native of Alimodian town, Iloilo.
Escanillas was the assistant 3rd ID commander prior to replacing Samson.
Escanillas also served as commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade ( IBde) which operates in Negros Oriental and parts of Central Visayas.
He led the 302nd IB when it dismantled the southwest front of the NPA Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros.