Army commander promoted for anti-insurgency feats

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2024): Army commander promoted for anti-insurgency feats (By Edwin Fernandez)

SWITCH. Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (center), salutes outgoing 57th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Colonel Guillermo Mabute Jr. (left), with incoming chief Lt. Colonel Aeron Gumabao behind them, during the change of command ceremony in Camp Siongco, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday (July 7, 2024). Mabute officially took over as assistant chief of staff for training and education on Monday. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Sur – An Army officer responsible for the neutralization of 59 members of various threat groups in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur has been promoted to 6th Infantry Division assistant chief of staff for training and education.

On Monday, Lt. Col. Guillermo Mabute Jr., former commander of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion, officially replaced Lt. Col. Al Victor Burkley.

As 57IB head for two years, Mabute paved the way for the surrender and deaths of 59 members of local terrorist groups and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters operating in the two provinces.

“As a result, the 57IB also seized 165 various war materiel, showcasing its relentless efforts in maintaining peace and security in their area of operation,” Rillera said during the turnover ceremonies here.

Rillera said other key achievements during Mabute's tenure were the neutralization of Ian dela Rama, leader of the communist New People’s Army Regional Operation Command, and Rainjan Villegas, deputy secretary of the sub-regional committee.

Lt. Col. Aeron Gumabao replaced Mabute, who lauded local officials’ support for the successful fight against lawlessness and terrorism.

The 57IB areas of operation include Upi in Maguindanao del Norte, South Upi in Maguindanao del Sur and part of Lebak town in Sultan Kudarat.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228544