New 6th ID commander named

AN Army general has been named Army commander in Central Mindanao, nine months after he was relieved from a similar major position and put on a “floating status.”

Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete took the helm of the 6th Infantry Division (ID) based in Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday during rites presided over by Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.

Nafarrete, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1990, succeeded Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, of the PMA Class 1991, who is due to reach the retirement age of 57 on July 30.

Nafarrete was last posted as commander of the Army’s 1st ID based in Zamboanga del Sur. He was relieved from that post in October last year and succeeded by Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, previously the AFP deputy chief of staff for civil military operations.

“He was on floating status before he was designated as 6th ID commander,” said Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala of Nafarrete.

Dema-ala said he was unaware of the reason Nafarrete was relieved as 1st ID commander in October. He said Nafarette was reporting to Galido’s office while on floating status.

Nafarrete has also served as deputy commander for internal defense operations of the AFP Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City and commander of an Army brigade in Sulu.

“I express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to lead the 6th Infantry Division. Together, we will build upon our proud legacy and continue to set the standard for excellence,” said Nafarrete during his assumption.

“Our journey ahead will undoubtedly present challenges, but I am confident that with our unity of purpose and unwavering commitment, nothing will be impossible,” added Nafarrete.

The 6th ID is leading the fight against several terrorist groups, including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Daulah Islamiyah.

Dema-ala said Galido “challenged” Nafarrete “to ensure the peace and avoid conflict.”