The Armed Forces of the Philippines installed MGen Luis Rex Bergante as the new commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) in a Change of Command ceremony on June 7 in Davao City.
MGen Bergante comes in from his stint as commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army and with a wealth of experience from previous command positions including as the Assistant Division Commander of the 7th “Kaugnay” Division, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, and 22nd Infantry (Cadre) Battalion under the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division in the Bicol Region.
He replaced MGen Jose Maria Cuerpo II who held the position in an acting capacity following the retirement of LtGen Greg Almerol on May 31.
In his message as the presiding officer, General Romeo Brawner Jr, the AFP Chief of Staff, acknowledged the tall order given to MGen Bergante as new EASTMINCOM commander.
“You have a lot of tasks to do, but I’m confident that with your experience here, the relationships you built, and the excellent team that you have you will overcome all the challenges with flying colors,” said General Brawner Jr as he again reminded military officers and enlisted leaders to remain professional and loyal to the chain of command.