by Roselle Aquino
Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal – The 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division of the Philippine Army welcomed a new leader as Brig. Gen. Cerilo C. Balaoro Jr., the current Commander of the 202nd Infantry “Unifier” Brigade assumed command of the division at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal on September 17.
The Change of Command Ceremony, presided by the Commanding General, Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, saw Brig. Gen. Balaoro succeed Acting 2ID Commander Brig. Gen. Jose Augusto V. Villareal who took on the role in acting capacity following the retirement of immediate former 2ID Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong on Friday, September 13. This continuity of leadership ensures a smooth transition and maintains the division’s operational momentum.
Balaoro, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” class of 1991, has been instrumental in maintaining operational momentum in the division’s area of responsibility, particularly in the CALABARZON region.
His familiarity with the operational landscape of Southern Tagalog, combined with his hands-on leadership style, instills confidence that he will further strengthen the division’s capabilities in its ongoing peace and development campaigns.
Balaoro expressed deep gratitude upon his appointment as the new commander of the Jungle Fighter Division and emphasized the privilege of leading such a distinguished unit and affirmed his commitment to upholding the division’s legacy of ensuring peace, security, and progress in Southern Tagalog.
