THE 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10ID) welcomed its new commander as Major General Jose Eriel Niembra assumed his position as the unit's commander, replacing Major Gen. Nolasco Mempin.
Niembra took the helm as the 15th commander of 10ID during the Change of Command Ceremony held at Sgt. Demerin Grandstand, Camp General Manuel T. Yan Senior in Mawab, Davao De Oro on Friday, January 27, 2023
During his speech, Niembra saw how Davao Region progressed from being a communist terror group-inspected region to a progressive one.
“We all know that the game is not yet over. In fact, maintaining peace is harder than obtaining peace because we will be plunged into unfamiliar territory other than our core competency, which is warfighting,” he said.
As the new commander of 10ID, he is hoping for the cooperation of all stakeholders in ensuring the safety and security of the region.
“But may I ask you once more to please lend a hand to the 10th Infantry Division in one final push that shall make Davao Region a peaceful place to live,” he said.
Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. presided over the ceremony.
In his speech, Brawner congratulated both officers. He also lauded Mempin’s service to the army and country for the past 36 years.
"Let us remain professional. Let us focus on our jobs—give it the best we can and always maintain that culture of excellence,” the Army chief said.
Mempin officially bowed out of military service on January 28, 2023, upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 56.
Niembra, a native of Polomolok, South Cotabato, served as Inspector General of the Philippine Army and Chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines before his designation as 10ID Commander. He also served as Presidential Security Group Commander, 701st Infantry Brigade Commander in Davao Oriental, and 58th Infantry Battalion Commander.
During the stint of Mempin as 10ID Commander, the Agila Division dismantled 11 units of the Communist Terrorist Group composed of four Sub-Regional Committees, three Guerilla Fronts, and four Vertical Units of the communist group New People's Army. He also led the Division in achieving an Insurgency-Free Davao Region - the third in the country to do so.
Mempin and Niembra are both members of the Philippine Military Academy (Bigkis Lahi) Class of 1990 and (Sambisig) Class of 1991, respectively. RGL