FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City– The Philippine Army in North Luzon welcomes the designation and appointment of its new Division Commander, an Army official said.
Major Harold M Cabunoc, the Army Spokesperson, said that Major General Joel P Ibañez has assumed as Commander of the 5th Infantry Division located at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu, Isabela.
Army Chief Lieutenant General Emmanuel T Bautista led the Turn-Over and Change of Command Ceremony which was held at the 5ID Headquarters at 10:00am today.
Last September 17, Brigadier General Arnulfo J Marcos Jr., the Assistant Division Commander of 5ID, assumed command in an acting capacity replacing, Major General Rommel A Gomez who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Ibañez is one of the Army officers whose designation was approved by President Benigno S Aquino III on September 17, 2012.
The President also approved the designations of Brigadier General Gregorio Pio P Catapang as Division Commander of the 7thInfantry Division, and Colonel Angelito M De Leon as Brigade Commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade.
The new commander
Ibañez, 53, was the former Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army based in Capas, Tarlac.
He also once commanded the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM), wherein he was instrumental in enhancing the training system of the POTC cadets, as well as the Army’s programs for the reservists.
He also commanded the 1003rdBrigade in Mindanao which led to the success of the Army's in Davao del Norte.
As a young lieutenant, he saw combat actions in Mindanao serving as Platoon Leader of Bravo Company and later on as Company Commander under the 5th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division.
He also led the 74thInfantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division operating in Southern Luzon.
Ibañez is a proud member of the Officer Cadet School in Portsea, Australia. He hails from Talisay, Negros Occidental.
He received numerous awards such as the Distinguished Service Star, Military Merit Medals and several campaign medals and ribbons.
I sulte this fine commander/ wish him the best at his new post.
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