New Bicol Army commander named

MANILA, Philippines - A senior Army officer from Mindanao has been appointed to lead the anti-insurgency campaign in the Bicol Region.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año installed Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Quidilla, a native of Banga, South Cotabato, as commander of the 9th Infantry Division based in Pili, Camarines Sur  on Thursday.

Quidilla replaced Maj. Gen. Yerson Depasyo, who retired.

“I am very optimistic that Brig. Gen. Quidilla will continue the efforts of his predecessor to attain a more peaceful Bicol Region,” Southern Luzon command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said.