Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division assumed post as the Acting Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command in a Retirement and Change of Command Ceremony held at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Camp Panacan, Davao City on May 31, replacing Lieutenant General Greg T. Almerol who reached the mandatory retirement age.
Said ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General Charlton Sean Gaerlan, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines representing the AFP Chief of Staff.
Lt. Gen. Almerol, a member of the PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989, served as the CEMC since March 2021 and has led the command in achieving greater heights especially in the fight against insurgency.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II, a member of the PMA “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, has been successfully steering the 4ID in various operations and initiatives that weakened the communist terrorist group (CTG), and maintained peace and development in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region since March 2023. He also served as the commander of the 103rd Brigade where he led the troops in defeating terrorists during the Marawi siege in 2017.
As he takes the helm of EMC in an acting capacity in the meantime, he will continue to serve as the 4ID Commander.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II vowed to continue to fight relentlessly against all forms of terrorism and committed to protect the welfare of Filipinos in Eastern Mindanao.
“As the caretaker of the Eastern Mindanao Command, I am aware of the formidable challenges ahead, and I am committed to continue the legacy Lt. Gen. Almerol has built. I acknowledged the immense responsibility that comes with this position and I understand the significance of the work ahead of us. Nevertheless, I will do my best to lead our forces safely and effectively. And with this, I encouraged the troops to remain vigilant, disciplined and focused, keeping in mind the crucial mission before us. We will continue to fight relentlessly against all forms of terrorism, promote the rule of law, and respect the rights of all that we serve in the area without discrimination. Our commitment to the welfare of our fellow Filipinos will remain unwavering as we strive to provide a secure and unified Mindanao,” he said.
