Manila: The Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division's new commander, Maj. Gen. Aldwine Almase, assumed his post on Monday, pledging to combat New People's Army (NPA) rebels and ensure the safety of Bicolanos.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the change of command ceremony at Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur, Almase emphasized that the Joint Task Force Bicolandia is prepared to defend the people, the country, and the Constitution. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the organization through the efficient and effective use of resources for military operations.

Almase outlined his commitment to defeating the NPA's Bicol Regional Party Committee. He also announced plans to enhance training programs, incorporating combined arms, joint and inter-agency operations, as well as humanitarian response strategies.

The new commander stressed the importance of bolstering the capabilities of maneuver battalions in warfare and utilizing reservists for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. He expressed the intention to acquire mission-essential equipment to meet the operational needs of the forces and reinforce their capabilities.

Maj. Gen. Almase, the 19th commander of the Army's 9th ID, leads more than 6,000 soldiers in the region. He is an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992.