Army chief retiring

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 13): Army chief retiring

Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Negros and Panay, will retire from the military service next week.

Mabanta will relinquish the Army unit command on June 19 in a ceremony to be held at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz. His successor is not yet known.

Mabanta will reach the mandatory age retirement of 56 on June 20. As 3ID commander, he supervises Army forces stationed in Negros and Panay islands.

“I will be changing my hat 10 days from now, but I assure you that my support to the AFP will remain. I still offer my dedication and support in achieving peace and development in our country”, Mabanta, who visited the 302nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Tanjay, Negros Oriental Monday, said.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes will preside over the change of command between Mabanta and his successor.

Mabanta, a classmate of AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, thanked 3ID soldiers for their untiring support that contributed to the successful conduct of Internal Peace and Security Operation in the region.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/June/13/negor5.htm