The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed MGen Facundo Palafox IV as he takes the helm of the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) in a change of command ceremony on March 2 in SOLCOM’s headquarters in Lucena City, Quezon.
The ceremony, presided by AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr, also rendered honors to the outgoing commander, LtGen Efren Baluyot, who bowed out of service after over 39 years as a military officer and cadet.
MGen Palafox IV comes from his stint as commander of the Philippine Army’s Armor Division before moving to SOLCOM. He also served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, G7 at the Headquarters, Philippine Army (PA); commander of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, PA; and commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade.
In his message, General Romeo Brawner congratulated LtGen Baluyot and thanked him for almost four decades of dedicated service to the country. He likewise challenged all SOLCOM personnel to continue their support to their new commander and strengthen their resolve as part of a united AFP.
“We only have one armed forces. We should remain solid and professional under one banner. If we have a strong AFP, we will have a strong nation that is capable of resisting those that threaten our territory and sovereignty,” General Brawner said.
