The Philippine Army (PA) announced on Wednesday that Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr. has taken command of the Rizal-based 2nd Infantry Division (2ID).
This change of command occurred during a ceremony led by Army commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido at Camp Capinpin in Tanay.
Balaoro succeeds Brig. Gen. Jose Augusto Villareal, who served as acting commander after Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong’s retirement on September 13.
Army Spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala noted that the transition ensures continuity and maintains operational momentum.
“Brig. Gen. Balaoro, a member of the Philippine Military Academy ‘Sambisig’ Class of 1991 and former commander of 202nd ‘Unifier’ Infantry Brigade, has been instrumental in maintaining operational momentum in the division’s area of responsibility as the former particularly in the Calabarzon (Region IV-A),” Dema-ala said.
Balaoro is expected to enhance peace and development efforts in Southern Tagalog and surrounding provinces.
Meanwhile, Galido urged Balaoro to sustain the 2nd Infantry Division’s thrust of ensuring peace, security, and progress in Southern Tagalog and the provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and Romblon, as well as further strengthen the unit’s capabilities in pursuing peace and development campaigns.
