CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) held a Retirement and Change of Command Ceremony to appoint Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo II as its acting Commander, replacing Lieutenant General Greg Almerol who relinquished his post after reaching mandatory retirement age.
The ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General Charlton Sean Gaerlan, The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP, representing the AFP Chief of Staff on May 31, 2024 at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Camp Panacan, Davao City.
LtGen Almerol, a member of the PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989, bid farewell after a distinguished tenure as the Commander, EASTMINCOM since March 8, 2021. He also had pivotal roles in the military including commander of the 903rd Brigade and deputy commander of the Southern Luzon Command.
MGen Cuerpo II, a member of PMA "Bigkis-Lahi" Class of 1990, takes the helm in an acting capacity while concurrently leading the Army's 4th Infantry Division. He had previously served as the commander of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Brigade and a veteran of the Marawi conflict.
The swift change in leadership of the Eastern Mindanao Command comes at a crucial juncture, underscoring the significance of the Eastern Mindanao Command in the AFP's broader strategic framework. EASTMINCOM plays a pivotal role in safeguarding peace and security in the region, confronting various security challenges with resolve and determination.///
Photo by: PIO, EASTMINCOM
