He will replace Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, who retired from the military service Sept. 6, when he reached 56, the mandatory age retirement.
Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief of staff for Civil Military Operations, will assume command of the Army’s 5,000-strong 3rd Infantry Division on Sept. 21.
Arevalo will supervise the internal security operations in regions 6 and 7.
Prior to his present assignment, Arevalo also served as the commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Island. He was instrumental in the capture of Negros Island top rebel leader, Frank Fernandez, two years ago.
As a young lieutenant, his first assignment was in southern Negros as a platoon leader.
Arevalo said the 3ID change of command will be presided over by Army chief, Maj. Gen. Andres Centino, through a telethon. – GB
