COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 23 July) – Major General Antonio Nafarrete assumed Tuesday, July 23, as commander of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division (6th ID) and Joint Task Force Central chief, replacing Major General Alex Rillera who retired from service.
Nafarrete, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, has a significant background in peace building efforts, serving as chairman of the Government of the Philippines’ Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).
The CCCH is one of the mechanisms under the Bangsamoro peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which forged an amity accord with the government in 2014.
Nafarette also served as commander of an Army Brigade in Sulu, where he played a crucial role in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group.
He is the commander of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division stationed in Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur until this new assignment.
Nafarette also served as the Western Mindanao Command’s deputy chief for internal defense operations.
“Together, we will build upon our proud legacy and continue to set the standard for excellence. Our journey ahead will undoubtedly present challenges, but I am confident that with our unity of purpose and unwavering commitment, nothing will be impossible,” Nafarrete said during the 42nd Change of Command ceremony at Camp Siongco in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The event also served as retirement ceremony in honor of Rillera.
Under Rillera’s leadership, the 6th ID achieved significant milestones in neutralizing threats and ensuring regional safety and stability.
From 2023 until his retirement, the division successfully neutralized approximately 689 members of various threat groups, including high-value targets within communist and local terrorist groups. These operations resulted in the capture, confiscation, surrender, and recovery of 737 war materials, including various types of weaponry and 262 explosive devices, the 6th ID said in a statement.
“We gather here today not only to mark the end of my military service but to celebrate a remarkable transformation. With the neutralization of the numerous high value targets and decreased number of enemy firearms, coupled with our joint efforts and commitment, we make the “SPMS” box ever smaller. Truly, this transformation is not a victory solely for the Team Kampilan. It is a testament to the power of collaboration with our dear stakeholders of building trust, and of the unwavering spirit of the Filipino people,” Rillera said.
The SPMS box refers to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona where the Islamic State-aligned Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters operates.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido expressed his gratitude to Rillera “for his exemplary leadership” of the 6th ID and his relentless efforts to maintain peace and order in the region.
In his message, Galido commended the Rillera’s Peace Museum initiative, which highlights the struggle of the Moro people in achieving peace in Mindanao. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)
