New 3rd ID chief

CEBU, Philippines - A former Army battalion commander in Negros Island will officially lead the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division  after the turnover of command ceremonies today, September 4.

Lieutenant Colonel Rey Leonardo Guerrero, former commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion in southern Negros from 2003 to 2005, will take over the helm of 3rd ID from Major General Aurelio Baladad, who is slated to head the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command on Sept. 5.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy  Maharlika Class of 1984, Guerrero is the outgoing Philippine Army chief of staff.

After his Negros stint, Guerrero became the deputy commander of the Presidential Security Group and then went on to serve as Task Force Davao chief and the 701st Infantry Brigade commanding officer.

Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri, the Philippine Army chief, will lead today’s turnover rites at the 3rd ID headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz. —(FREEMAN)