Mabanta bows out as 3rd ID commander

ILOILO, Philippines – After 16 months of leading the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. is relinquishing his post today.

Maj. Gen. Essel Soriano, Army vice commander, will preside over the turnover ceremony, which will also see Mabanta’s retirement from active military service after almost 35 years.

Maj. Ray Tiongson, 3rd ID spokesman, said the Armed Forces has yet to name Mabanta’s successor, although in the interim, Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay may be designated as acting commander.