CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – In an Assumption Ceremony held at Headquarters 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Brigadier General George L. Banzon officially assumed post as the new 4ID Assistant Division Commander.
Prior to his current designation, Brig. Gen. Banzon, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992, held the position as the Commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, one of the 4ID operationally-controlled unit in Placer, Surigao del Norte from 2020 to 2023. He vacated his post as the Brigade Commander on October 27 this year and subsequently designated as the Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies and Strategy Management (OSSSM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
On the other hand, the Office of the Assistant Division Commander was previously led by Brig. Gen. Joel M. Paloma, who formally assumed as the Chief of the OSSSM, AFP on December 13, 2023.
In his assumption speech, Brig. Gen. Banzon expressed his utmost gratitude to 4ID for welcoming him back and vowed to fully support the campaign of the Command in defeating the remaining CPP NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and eventually dismantle its networks in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region.
Moreover, 4ID Commander Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, warmly welcomed Brig. Gen. Banzon, highlighting his significant accomplishments as an operation-oriented officer. He also expressed confidence to the new ADC that he will be of great help in the attainment of the Division’s mission, having a significant role in the operational aspect of the 4ID, encompassing readiness and fostering a culture of excellence among troops.
“It would be a great help for all of us that we have an Assistant Division Commander who is knowledgeable enough of our area of operations. We are very happy that again another hardworking and able officer is added to our force. To everyone, with the assumption of our new ADC, let us remain steadfast and focused on our mission and let’s look forward for a fruitful new year 2024,” he added.
