New commander assumes post at Army’s 10th Infantry Division
COTABATO CITY, Philippines — An Army general instrumental in the campaign to liberate Basilan from the now-defunct Abu Sayyaf Group formally assumed command of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) on Wednesday, October 29.
Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon replaced retired Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala as 10th ID commander during a traditional change of command ceremony at Camp General Manuel Yan Sr. in Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Davao de Oro.
The event was presided over by Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.
Luzon, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1994, previously served as commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade and later as assistant division commander under Hambala.
The 10th ID oversees military operations across Region 11 and parts of Regions 10 and 13.
Basilan Vice Gov. Hadjiman Salliman, who was governor during Luzon’s tenure as brigade commander, praised his role in supporting peacebuilding programs that contributed to the province’s recent declaration as “Abu Sayyaf-free.”
More than 400 Abu Sayyaf members have surrendered in batches in recent years through joint efforts of the 101st Infantry Brigade, local officials, and the Basilan Provincial Police, Salliman said.
“To him, we are thankful,” he added, referring to Luzon.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abrulrauf Macacua, chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, told reporters on Friday, October 31, that he is glad with Luzon’s having taken over the leadership of the 10th ID.
“The areas under the 10th ID are outside the Bangsamoro region, but there are Muslim communities there that we care for. We are confident he will help ensure peace and harmony in those areas,” Macacua said.
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