CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte —The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division of the Philippine Army welcomes a new commander committed to furthering the division’s efforts against insurgency and terrorism.

Major Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete assumed his new role as the Acting Commander of the 6ID, an Army’s premier fighting division, in a formal rite here on July 23 presided over by Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, PA Commanding General. He succeeded Major Gen. Alex S. Rillera.

Gen. Rillera, who served as the 41st head of the Kampilan Division for one year and nearly six months, reflected on his tenure with deep gratitude: “As I look back through all the achievements and accomplishments, I am reminded of those who stood by me. I find myself filled with overflowing gratitude, thankful for all the people who became part of my journey,” he expressed, marking the end of his 38 years of dedicated service to the nation.

He thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Philippine Army, for the trust and confidence placed in him. “I would also like to thank the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Philippine Army, for the trust and confidence, for the belief in my competence, and for all the learnings that honed me to become the better version of myself,” Major General Rillera stated.

Under Rillera’s watch, the 6th Infantry Division achieved significant milestones in neutralizing threats and ensuring regional safety and stability. From 2023 to mid-2024, the division neutralized 689 members of various threat groups, including high-value targets within communist and local terrorist groups. The feats included the capture, confiscation, surrender, and recovery of 737 war materials, including various types of weaponry and 262 explosive devices.

Maj. Gen. Nafarrete, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He previously served as the Commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division and was the Deputy Chief for Internal Defense Operations of the Western Mindanao Command.

His extensive background includes serving as chairman of the joint government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities and as Commander of an Army Brigade in Sulu, where he played a crucial role in the campaign against Abu Sayyaf bandits.

“I express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to lead the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division. Together, we will build upon our proud legacy and continue to set the standard for excellence. Our journey ahead will undoubtedly present challenges, but I am confident that with our unity of purpose and unwavering commitment, nothing will be impossible,” said Maj. Gen. Nafarrete.

Lt. Gen. Galido expressed his gratitude to Maj. Gen. Rillera for his exemplary leadership of the 6ID and his relentless efforts to maintain peace and order in Central and South-Central Mindanao.

Gen. Galido lauded the construction of the Peace Museum, which highlights the struggle of the Moro people and the citizens of BARMM in achieving peace. He also appreciated pronouncements in the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President BongBong Marcos Jr.

The turnover rite was attended by Brigade and Battalion Commanders of the Organic and OPCON units, officers, enlisted personnel, civilian human resource of the Kampilan Division, PNP counterparts, governors, mayors, stakeholders, private sectors, and many others, showcasing the broad support and collaboration that underpins the division’s mission. (PR)

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FEATURED PHOTO shows Gen. Nafarrete (left) handing a token to his predecessor, Gern. Rillera. (Contributed photo)