The Philippine Army has made an unexpected change in its Mindanao command, appointing Major General Marlon Angcao as the new commander of the 4th Infantry Division just 11 days after the previous commander took office.
Army Chief Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete announced the change during a ceremony in Cagayan de Oro City. Angcao replaces Brigadier General Siegfred Tubalado, who was acting commander after his appointment on April 29.
Nafarrete explained that Angcao's appointment was delayed at Malacañang, necessitating Tubalado's temporary leadership to ensure continuity.
"We were left with no choice and it was a good thing General Tubalado agreed to serve as acting 4ID commander, even for a short time," Nafarrete stated.
The 4th Infantry Division is a critical formation in Mindanao, tasked with leading operations against communist insurgents in the region.
Angcao previously served as the Army's assistant chief of staff for operations before his new appointment.