5th Infantry Division has new commander

By Charlie Lagasca 

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – The Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division, one of the country’s biggest Army divisions covering northeast Luzon, has a new chief in Maj. Gen. Benito Antonio de Leon. De Leon formally assumed the post April 4 in simple turnover rites presided over by Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri at the 5th ID headquarters at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela.

A member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1981, De Leon, who belongs to the Ibanag tribe of Cagayan, replaced Brig. Gen. Ricardo Jalad, who assumed one of the most coveted military posts in an acting capacity from Maj. Gen. Joel Ibañez last month.

Before his appointment, De Leon served as chief of the Armed Forces’ Training and Doctrine Command based at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Also dubbed as Star Division, the 5th ID covers Cagayan Valley and the Cordilleras, where New People’s Army rebels are still active in several areas, especially in mountain communities.

De Leon vowed to continue the division’s operations “to maintain its momentum toward a peaceful, progressive and prosperous northern Luzon.”