Mabanta retires as 3ID commanding general

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Mabanta retires as 3ID commanding general

The commanding general of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID), Philippine Army in Panay Island has formally retired from the military service.

Maj. Ray C. Tiongson, spokesperson of 3ID, said Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. left the Army unit command after reaching the mandatory age retirement of 56 on June 20, 2013.

He said Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Essel Soriano graced the turnover ceremony held Wednesday morning at the headquarters of the 3ID in Camp Macario Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay took over as the acting commander following the retirement of Mabanta who steered the helm of the 3ID for the past 16 months.

It was learned that the 3ID has the overall supervision of various Army units operating in Panay and Negros islands including those in the island-province of Siquijor.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=536336