BRIGADIER General Michael Samson, who took command of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) on January 31, 2025, aims to maintain peace and security in Central and Western Visayas.
Samson succeeded Major General Marion Sison, who retired after 37 years of service.
Under Sison’s leadership, the 3ID conducted 155 focused military operations, resulting in the deaths of 94 New People's Army (NPA) members and the surrender or capture of 235 others.
Security forces also seized a significant number of firearms and dismantled five guerrilla fronts, two vertical units, and two sub-regional party committees of the NPA.
As a result of these efforts, the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Antique, as well as the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo and Bacolod, were declared Stable Internal Peace and Security (Sips) areas.
The 3ID received 25 CGPA Streamer Awards for operational excellence, including four Bayanihan Streamers, 19 Major Engagements Streamers, and two Significant Accomplishments Streamers.
It also earned the prestigious Gawad Parangal Plaque from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).
For Sison, stepping down was bittersweet.
"Retiring after more than three decades as a soldier is not easy, but I leave knowing that the division is in capable hands," he said.
Samson acknowledged the challenges ahead.
"I feel proud and happy for I never thought that I would reach this far in my career the chance to take the lead of an infantry division, considered as the fightingest unit of the army based on the number of encounters with positive results. I will be of service to the people closest to my heart the Ilonggos of Western Visayas, the Negrenses of Negros Island region and the Cebuanos and Boholanos of Central Visayas," Samson said.
He emphasized the need to address the remaining NPA remnants in the hinterlands.
"Before we could finally declare western and central Visayas as communist insurgency-free, we have to first deal with the remnants, a group of isolated armed rebels that survive by hiding and evading our pursuing government troops. For now, they no longer affect the way of life of our communities as they are isolated in the hinterlands. With our troops relentlessly pursuing even as of this moment, I'm confident that it is just a matter of time that their existence will come to an end," he said.
Samson clarified that military operations were not meant to kill but to pressure insurgents to surrender.
"As I always say and I will say it again, we take no pleasure of seeing our fellow Filipinos die or being wounded as a result of our encounters with the rebel groups. But these clashes are consequences of their decision and action to fight this government through armed struggle. And we have no choice but to fight them as it is our job and mandate," he added.
Samson also assured readiness for the 2025 midterm elections.
"Under the guidance of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), we will work with other security forces to ensure peaceful and credible elections," he said.
The 3ID is also preparing for humanitarian and disaster response operations, particularly in Negros, where Kanlaon Volcano poses a potential eruption threat, he said.
Samson highlighted the Army’s shift toward territorial defense.
"As we transition from stability operations to territorial defense operations, we will ensure that our troops will be trained and equipped, and to be multi-capable and ready to perform multi-roles, across various domains and challenges," he said.
Lieutenant General Roy Galido, the commanding general of the Philippine Army, commended the 3ID for its contributions to peace and security.
"The ideology of communism is dead. What remains is for the government to ensure that services reach the people," Galido said.
Samson expressed gratitude to Sison for his leadership.
"Maraming salamat sa suporta at tiwala. I wish you all the best in your retirement," he said.
He also thanked his family for their unwavering support.
Samson urged troopers to unite and remain focused as their new leader, highlighting the strength in unity.
"To the spearhead troopers – officers, men, women and civilian employees. As your new leader, just be with me for I will lead the way. Let us stay united and focused always, for there is strength in unity," Samson said. (Leo Solinap)