CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Lt. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante, the Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command of the AFP, visited the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City. During his visit on Monday, August 5, he emphasized the importance of the mental and physical health of troops, as the division pushes for a sustained and intensified campaign against the communist terrorist group (CTG).
Lt. Gen. Bergante was welcomed with a military arrival honor by the Officers and Enlisted Personnel led by Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of 4ID. He was then briefed on the operational situation of 4ID and commended its accomplishments, which contributed to the overall success of the EMC. During the briefing, he encouraged all the Officers and key NCOs present to continue pushing for the campaign and maintain the momentum, noting that the division is on the right track in defeating the CTG.
The briefing was attended by Commanders from Infantry Brigades and Battalions, along with other Senior Officers, the General, Special, Personal, and Technical Staff of 4ID, and Post and Tenat Units via video teleconferencing and face-to-face meetings. The discussion focused on the best practices and assessments of the JTFD campaign, as well as raised issues and concerns for the EMC Commander’s appreciation.
In his Talk to Troops at the Montalvan Hall (4ID Gym), the EMC Commander reminded the Diamond troopers to take good care of themselves and remain strong, stating that the success of the division’s operations depends not only on tactical prowess but also on the well-being of its troops. He encouraged the troopers to stay strong for the Philippine Army and the country, emphasizing the importance of being healthy both physically and mentally.
Meanwhile, MGen. Cuerpo II, thanked Lt. Gen. Bergante for his visit, which greatly demonstrated leadership, support, and recognition. He assured that the division is continuing its efforts to prioritize the mental and physical health of its troops through various initiatives such as wellness checks, mental health seminars, and training programs to increase the capability of soldiers combating the remnants of the CTG in the frontline.
The visit ended with a traditional military boodle fight, which was shared by the EMC Commander and Diamond troopers. It was Lt. Gen. Bergante’s first field visit at 4ID after he was named as EMC Commander last June 2024, replacing Lt. Gen. Greg T. Almerol who retired from military service.
