Brigadier General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander, 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, delivering a message, January 28, 2025. PIA-10 photo
MindanaoToday.com | BGen Anayron spells out marching orders
By: Uriel Quilinguing
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The 4th infantry division of the Philippine Army based at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Barangay Patag this city has a new commander: Brigadier General Michele Bacal Anayron Jr.
“Let us set aside personal comfort and interests for the common good,” said Anayron on Tuesday, January 28, to end his message upon his assumption of post on Mindanao’s biggest infantry division covering Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
Lieutenant General Roy M. Galido, army’s commanding general, led the change of command rites from acting commander Brigadier General Consolito P. Yecla to Anayron, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Malaybalay, Bukidnon prior to latter’s latest appointment.
Anayron reminded officers and troopers under his watch that while they have been addressing internal threats such as ending local communist armed conflicts and this year’s midterm elections, they should not lose sight of external threats.
“The 4th ID will remain vigilant and ready to defend our territorial integrity and prepare to respond to emerging external threats,” said the 55-year-old one-star general who belong to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1992. He is a native of Sugbongcogon town in Misamis Oriental.
The 4th ID, he said, will keep upholding the highest level of professionalism that is demanded in its dual roles; focusing on internal security matters and nation-building activities, and on external security operations.
Anayron said that any armed group, without mass-base support will not succeed. This, he said, is one of the lessons he learned in the relentless anti-insurgency campaigns he was engaged in, particularly in the Bukidnon province.
“Let’s go beyond military strength by working hand-in-hand with other government agencies, local government units, nongovernment(al) organizations, and the private sector,” he urged his subcommanders and those present.
The root causes of insurgency, he said, are deeply rooted from grievances brought about by poverty, inequality, and the lack of opportunities in far-flung communities and these can be addressed through “good governance, delivery of basic services, promoting social justice, and empowering communities.”
Anayron said that, with the guidance of the Commission on Elections, it is their collective duty to protect the sanctity of the ballot in the May 12 national and local elections, this year. With the police, they can prevent violence and intimidations that are intended to undermine the democratic process.
ARMY, he said, should mean Always pray for divine guidance, Reliable in one’s tasks by being Mission-oriented, and to Yield one’s personal and selfish interests. [Uriel Quilinguing/MT]
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