Philippine Army Gets New 3rd Infantry Division Acting Commander

Brigadier General Noel T Baluyan is now the new 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division Acting Commander. The change of command ceremony was held at Camp Gen. Macario B Peralta Jr, Jamindan, Capiz. Brig Gen Baluyan took over the helm of leadership from Maj Gen Eric C Vinoya. The Commanding General Philippine Army Maj Gen Andres C Centino presided the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony.

Brig Gen Baluyan, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bigkis Lahi” Class 1990, served as the 3ID’s Assistant Division Commander prior to his assumption. He also held key positions and led various units such as the 302nd Brigade, Task Force Cebu, Civil-Military Operations Battalion, and Offices of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Civil-Military Operations.

On the other hand, Maj Gen Vinoya graduated from PMA as a part of “Hinirang” Class of 1987. He rendered 38 years of service including almost two years as 3ID Commander where he directed the troops to conduct relentless Focused Military Operations resulting in the surrender of 25 NPA members and 154 Milisya ng Bayan, and the recovery of 111 firearms. Under Maj Gen Vinoya’s direction, the Spearhead Troopers conducted thousands of combat operations that led to 83 tactical engagements with a total of 20 CTG members killed, while 23 high and low-powered firearms were seized. He also focused on the establishment of enhanced Barangay Intelligence Networks (BIN), which led to the neutralisation of 830 CTG personalities during his stint. –shp/adj/aaa (Photo: Philippine Army)