New 4th Infantry Division chief installed

MANILA, Philippines -   Brig. Gen. Mario Chan took over the helm of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City in a formal ceremony headed by Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit.

Chan replaced Brig. Gen. Rolito Abad who acted as officer-in-charge when Maj. Ricardo David assumed the top post at the military’s Northern Luzon Command based in Tarlac City.

Abad was designated as Chan’s deputy.

Prior to his appointment, Chan was the assistant of the Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief for plans and programs.

Among his other major assignments were commanding officer of the 204th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army and chief of staff of the 6th Infantry Division.

“The new division commander is expected to lead 4ID in conducting successful operations against insurgents in the southern parts of the country. Under a new leadership, the 4th ID is expected to maintain the momentum in the intensified efforts to bring peace and stability in the region,” said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, quoting Bangit.

The 4th ID found itself in the middle of controversy when its former commander, Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto was charged before the military court martial for alleged corruption, particularly in the collection of fees from candidate soldiers.