Maj. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, incumbent 7th Infantry Division commander, was appointed to head the Northern Luzon Command replacing Lt. Gen. Anthony J. Alcantara who will retiring Friday after reaching the mandatory age of 56.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said a testimonial review and parade will be rendered to Alcantara at Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac.
The latter is the main headquarters of the Northern Luzon Command.
He added that AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista will lead the change of command and retirement ceremony Friday.
Alcantara assumed as the 43rd Commander of NOLCOM in February 6, 2012 after his stint as the AFP deputy chief of staff.
Prior to this designation, he was the commander of the 6th Infantry Division in
He is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Class of 1979.
Under Alcantara's leadership, the Northern Luzon Command carried out successful focused-military operations which led to the discovery of enemy camps, recovery of high and low powered firearms, and neutralization, apprehension or surrender of New People's Army members.
In its effort to conclude the peace agreement with the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army, the Northern Luzon Command fully supported the government’s efforts to attain a lasting peace in the Cordilleras by coming up with the full implementation of Administrative Order 18 and Executive Order 49 which provided opportunities to the former members of the CPLA to be integrated at the AFP ranks.
Catapang on the other hand was the former commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade before becoming 7th Infantry Division chief in last year.
He was also the former military assistant in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessment in the Department of National Defense.
A member of Philippine Military Academy “Dimalupig” Class of 1981, Catapang moved on with his career carrying excellent standard of performance, fine leadership and keen vision that resulted in remarkable accomplishments in both of his garrison and field tours of duty.
Some of his former positions of major responsibility includes; 28th Infantry Battalion head, 4th Infantry Division, battalion commander of HHSBn (headquarters support battalion), 4th Infantry Division,; assistant chief of staff for operations (G-3), 8th Infantry Division; assistant chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations, (U-7), Northern Luzon Command, AFP; and chief of unified command staff, Northern Luzon Command.
The change of leadership in the AFP’s units and offices is part of its continuous dynamism which is essential in carrying out its mandate efficiently.
It is part of progression considering that this is a dynamic organization constantly adapting to the ever-changing security environment.
"This is also healthy for the AFP given that there are military personnel who are retiring from their respective duties and responsibilities. With this, the AFP is able to continue the implementation of the plans it is currently adopting," Zagala concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=541018
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