CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officially welcomed Lieutenant General Cerilo C Balaoro Jr as the new Commander of the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) in a change of command ceremony held on July 7, at Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City.
The event was presided over by AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr, who lauded the leadership and dedication of Brigadier General Aldwine I Almase, the outgoing Acting Commander of SOLCOM.
LtGen Balaoro most recently served as the Commander of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, and earlier as Commander of the 202nd Infantry (Unifier) Brigade under the same division. He is a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991, and holds a Master in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, BGen Almase was commended for his exemplary service during his tenure as Acting Commander. A member of PMA “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992, BGen Almase previously served as Assistant Commander of SOLCOM; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, AJ2; and Chief of Staff of the 9th Infantry Division. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
The ceremony not only marked a transition of leadership, but also reaffirmed the AFP’s continued commitment to upholding peace, development, and security in the Southern Luzon region.
Photo by PFC Carmelotes PN(M)/PAOAFP
