ILOILO City – The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army formally welcomed its new commander during a change of command ceremony at Camp Gen. Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz on Wednesday, July 15.
Brigadier General Joey Escanillas officially assumed leadership, replacing Major General Michael Samson, who retired after 39 years of distinguished military service.
Escanillas, a native of Alimodian, Iloilo, is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1993. Prior to taking the helm of the division, he served as the 3ID’s assistant division commander.
He is no stranger to the security landscape of Western and Central Visayas, having spent the majority of his military career serving in the Visayas region.
The incoming commander vowed to sustain the momentum and programs established by his predecessor, particularly the relentless campaign against the remaining elements of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Meanwhile, Samson expressed his profound gratitude to the division’s personnel, local stakeholders, and government partners for their unwavering support during his tenure.
“I retire peacefully because I know I did my best to keep Western and Central Visayas peaceful,” the outgoing commander said.
He also urged the 3ID personnel to extend the same dedication and support to Escanillas.
Under Samson’s leadership, the 3ID successfully neutralized hundreds of rebels, including high-profile leaders like Concha Araneta-Bocala, which severely crippled the local insurgent movement.
Current 3ID records showed that around eight NPA remnants have been left in the region following the neutralization of their leaders./PN
