Philippine Army’s 9th ID has new commanding general

By Ana-Liza Macatangay

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, PILI, Camarines Sur --- Major General Adonis Rizon Bajao, PA formally assumed on Sunday, January 8, his post as the new commanding general of the 9th Infantry “SPEAR” Division of the Philippine Army in a fitting Change of Command Ceremony, here.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency-Camarines Sur, MGen Bajao said that he intends to sustain the gains of the 9th ID collectively attained by his predecessors during the past years. He even called on all stakeholders to support the Philippine Army in its call for unity towards peace and progress.

“Pagtitibayin po natin ang ating mga institusyon na nandito sa ating komunidad, ang mga local governments, ang ating mga Local Chief Executives, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations, private sectors, the academe, the media and the church. Tulungan nating mapagtibay ang mga ito. [Sila] ang makakatulong natin maliban sa mga sibilyan na sector, upang matulungan ang ating mga kasamahan na nalilihis ng landas,” the general said.

Bajao also underscored the significant contribution of the civilians in the government’s fight against insurgency.

“An mga makakaliwang kilusan, grupo ng mga komunistang terorista, ay nabubuhay sa suporta ng sibilyan, kaya kung ang sibilyan na mismo ang magtatakwil sa kanila, ay talaga pong dahan dahan nang mawawala ang ganitong banta sa ating lipunan. Kaya napakalaking tulong po ng ating mga sibilyan sa ating operasyon,” he said.

He also said that the competency of the military personnel, officers, and soldiers under his watch will be at the top of his priorities.

Bajao vehemently denied the alleged destabilization plan posted on the social media by the detractors of the government, saying that there’s no truth to it, citing the professionalism inculcated in every Philippine Army soldier, more so, in the 9th Infantry Division.

“Tumutulong tayo para mapaunlad ang ating bayan, sumusunod sa mga namumuno lalo na sa Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas, kaya po buo ang ating suporta sa magiging desisyon sa ano mang mangyaring change of leadership. Bibigyan natin ito ng full support at i- implement natin kung ano man ang utos ng Commander- In-Chief na si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr.” MGen Bajao said.

Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., PA, who was invited to serve as the presiding general during the ceremony, extended his congratulations to Bajao and expressed his full support to all the endeavors that the 9th ID will embark on as he now holds the reign that aims to create another milestone in the “Second to None Division,” the 9th Infantry “SPEAR” Division.

MGen Bajao served as Assistant Division Commander during the incumbency of retired MGen. Henry Robinson Jr and served as Officer-In-Charge for a while after the latter’s retirement in 2020. He is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Makatao” Class of 1989. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)