Arrojado is new Joint Task Force-NCR chief

Mananquil, meanwhile, will be the incoming commander of the 9th Infantry Division in Bicol Region. (Photo: Philippine Navy 2020/ Facebook)

MANILA— Former Central Command deputy commander, Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, formally took command of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) during short ceremonies Wednesday.

Arrojado, who also served as commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade and Joint Task Force Sulu, units tasked to pursue and neutralize Abu Sayyaf terrorists, replaced Brig. Gen. Jesus Mananquil Jr., a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1985.

Mananquil, meanwhile, will be the incoming commander of the 9th Infantry Division in Bicol Region.

JTF-NCR is the military formation tasked to protect Metro Manila from all forms of threats, including terrorism.

A battalion-sized formation, or about 500 troops, from JTF-NCR will be augmenting the Philippine National Police contingent tasked to secure the annual Black Nazerene procession, also known as the “Traslacion”, on January 9, he added.

When asked about possible security threats, including terrorism, against the annual procession, Arrojado, a member of PMA Class of 1984, said they always consider all forms of threats.

He, however, added that the terrorism angle is not verified as of now.

Arrojado said they are not expecting any threat other than criminality.

“Except for usual criminality, and others, so far, in my capacity as new chief, wala pa naman nakarating. Kung meron man, then we will be prepared for it,” the JTF-NCR chief said.