Brawner is new chief of 4th Infantry Division

From the Manila Times (Jul 7, 2021): Brawner is new chief of 4th Infantry Division (By Cris Diaz)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: Maj. Gen. Romeo Saturnino Brawner Jr. was installed as the new commander of the Philippine Army's Fourth Infantry (Diamond) Division (ID) here Monday.

Brawner, a native of Baguio City, belonged to "Makatao" Class 1989 of the Philippine Military Academy. He replaced Maj. Gen. Andres Centino, the recently appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army.

Prior to his present designation, Brawner held the position as the first Deputy Chief of Staff for Financial Management, J10 of the GHQ, AFP. He also served as the Commandant of Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy, the Commander of the 103rd Brigade during the liberation of Marawi City and served as Philippine Army spokesman and AFP Public Affairs Office chief.

In his assumption speech, Brawner delivered a reconciliatory but firm message to the New People's Army (NPA) encouraging them to return to the folds of the law and to live a normal life while also directly identifying the said organization as the biggest illegal business enterprise in the country collecting billions of pesos from extortion activities.

"We can stop extortion by the NPA with the cooperation of the private sector, the LGUs and the hard-working citizens," Brawner said.

Brawner appealed to all partners and stakeholders to continue supporting the soldiers to work towards achieving lasting peace in the area while delivering a clear message as a stern warning against the NPA who continuously exploit and recruit the youths, IPs and extort from the people.

"I am not red tagging you. I am tagging you as common criminals - arsonists, extortionists and murderers. Hence, my offer stands to the NPA - magbalik loob kayo, kung ayaw ninyo (return to normal and peaceful lives) or prepare to face the consequences," Brawner said.

The Fourth ID in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City is the largest military camp covering the North and Northeastern Mindanao regions.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/07/news/regions/brawner-is-new-chief-of-4th-infantry-division/1806006