• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, which supervises internal security operations in Negros Island, Western Visayas and Central Visayas, has a new commander effective Wednesday, July 15.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas succeeds Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, who served as the 3ID commander for almost two years.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete is expected to preside over the 3ID change of command at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
Presently the assistant division commander of 3ID, Escanillas rose from the ranks after serving in various command and staff assignments.
Escanillas had served as commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade in Negros Oriental in 2023.
During his tenure, he led military operations across Negros Oriental and portions of Central Visayas aimed at combating the remaining New People’s Army insurgency while working with local governments on peace and development initiatives.
Under his command, the 302nd Infantry Brigade had dismantled the South West Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros in collaboration with local government units. | GPB
