Madrigal to assume as new Eastmincom chief

A change of command ceremony will be conducted Wednesday to formally turn over the Eastmincom leadership at the Naval station Felix Apolinario, Camp Panacan. (Photo: Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP/Facebook)

DAVAO CITY— Major General Benjamin Madrigal will assume as the new Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander Wednesday, replacing Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, who was named the Armed Forces Chief of Staff.

A change of command ceremony will be conducted Wednesday to formally turn over the Eastmincom leadership at the Naval station Felix Apolinario, Camp Panacan.

In an interview Tuesday, Guerrero confirmed Madrigal’s appointment.
“Yes, Gen. Madrigal will be replacing me as the new commander of the Eastern Mindanao,” Guerrero said.

Before making the announcement about Madrigal’s appointment, Guerrero hinted to Davao reporters about his replacement.

Madrigal was previously assigned as the chief of Southern Luzon Command (SolCom). He was also the former Commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro city.

A member of Philippine Military Class 1985, Madrigal is also the same class of 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Noel Clement; 4th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva; 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega; and, the Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista.

Madrigal also served as the commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade based in Mati, Davao Oriental; assistant division commander and acting division commander of 10th ID before he became the 4th ID chief in Cagayan de Oro city.