2nd Infantry Division commander formally retires from service Friday

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8): 2nd Infantry Division commander formally retires from service Friday
 

After reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56, 2nd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Rodelio V. Santos will formally retire from the service on Friday.

Change of command ceremonies will be held at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal 10 a.m.

The ceremony’s highlights include the ceremonial parade and review that will be held at the 2nd Infantry Division grandstand.

Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri, the Army commander and "mistah" (classmate) of Santos will be the presiding officer.

Both are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983.

Replacing Santos is another "mistah", Brig. Gen. Romeo G. Gan, the incumbent commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service.

During the ceremony, Santos will receive the award of the Distinguished Service Star and Command Plaque for ably taking the helm of the military’s primary infantry unit that specializes in jungle warfare.

Santos held the post as Commander of the Jungle Fighter Division since Nov. 25, 2013. He was also the J3 (operations officer) of the AFP during the height of the Zamboanga crisis.

He has served the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for almost 32 years since his graduation at the PMA in 1983.

Santos was known in the military circle as a man and a leader with substance.

During his tenure as 2nd Infantry Division chief, his unit carried out its mission of conducting peace and security operations against the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC), the New People's Army operating arm in the area.

With the aim of achieving just and lasting peace and development in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon) and Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon), Santos supported efforts to render the NPA irrelevant.

During his stint, 2nd Infantry Division conducted combat operations which resulted to the neutralization of 44 New NPA personalities and 86 lawless elements, and the recovery of 54 firearms during his leadership.

Santos likewise supported the enhancement of the command’s intelligence arm leading to successful intelligence operations that resulted to the neutralization of 57 NPAs and recovery of 25 assorted firearms.

Further, 121 active criminal cases against the rebel personalities, and 237 standing warrants of arrest were actively pursued by the command as part of legal cooperation.

To further hone his military expertise, Santos took-up military trainings, both local and abroad. Among these are Scout Ranger Course at Scout Ranger Training Command in 1983; Foreign Officer Tactical Intel Course at School for Military Intel, Australia in 1995, and Command and General Staff Course at CGSC, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA.

These trainings equipped him with necessary proficiency in holding various key and sensitive positions such as chief-of-staff 6th Infantry Division, and commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade.

He is also a recipient of various awards in recognition to his outstanding service including the Combat Kagitingan Badge, Army Chief Ordnance and Chemical Service Award, Bronze Cross Medals, Presidential Streamer Award, Distinguished Service Star, Military Merit Medals and Letter of Commendations from various Military and Civilian entities among others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=722991