1st Infantry “Tabak” Division has a new chief

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2): 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division has a new chief

BGen Daniel A. Lucero assumed as the new commander of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division on Wednesday, April 24 in a Change of Command Ceremony held at the Division Grandstand, Upper Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Lt. Gen Noel A. Coballes, Commanding General of the Philippine Army was the guest of honor and presiding officer who lauded the outgoing commander, MGen Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III for the major accomplishments of the division under his leadership.

Coballes said Cruz effectively addressed the various threats in his area of responsibility through operations resulting to the neutralization of high profile personalities, including commanders and members of the local communist movement, alongside the capture and apprehension of 13 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) elements.

Also noteworthy are the initiatives of the Bayanihan MEDCAP like harelip operation and other programs in cooperation with partner LGUs, national government agencies and private organizations.

”Sa pamamagitan nito, naipakita ang tunay na diwa ng Bayanihan,” Coballes declared. These efforts helped tremendously and paved the way for peace and security in the region.

“When I assumed command of this division, I felt I had reached the pinnacle of my career. With more than 7,600 men and women to lead, your exemplary service and unselfish devotion to duty, are the qualities that truly mold what the 1st Infantry Tabak Division is all about, the best and fightingest division of the Philippine Army,” outgoing commander MGen Cruz said.

Meanwhile, newly-installed division commander BGen Daniel A Lucero, who became the 40th commander of the 1ID just relinquished his post as brigade commander of the 103rd Haribon Brigade based in Marawi City. He is a home grown Tabak trooper having been a battalion commander of the 18th IB based in Basilan.

Lucero cited the IPSP Bayanihan emphasizes a people-centered approach in all military actions. “The most effective tools of the army are not our rifles, not our tanks, not our howitzers but the hands outstretched and open, sincere heart under the uniform and open mind under the helmet. In this age of globalization where physical boarders no longer keep the enemies out, the win of the game is to innovate , and we cannot innovate if our hands are clenched, our hearts are hardened and our minds are closed,” he expounded.

He went on to explain that IPSP Bayanihan lays the groundwork how we can innovate. It comes from forming together and consider security no longer the monopoly of the army.

As the new commander, Lucero committed that his mission will always be clear and consistent; to protect and safeguard the rights of everyone. Thus, he will also give priority in providing our soldiers with more capacity building so that they can operationalize the IPSP.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1361367459448