Army unit covering Western, Central Visayas has new chief

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An officer who is very much familiar with the Visayas terrain was chosen to lead the more than 13,000-strong Army force in Western and Central Visayas

Major General Benedict Arevalo is back in Panay Island. But this time around, he would not only lead Army soldiers in the island but in the two major regions in the country.

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division based in Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz on Thursday confirmed Arevalo’s appointment as 3rd ID commanding general.

His appointment took effect Sept. 6, 2021, but President Rodrigo Duterte only signed the order September 15.

On September 6, Major General Eric Vinoya bade farewell to 3rd ID which also coincided with his retirement from service.

His assistant division commander, Brigadier General Noel Baluyan temporarily took over his post in an acting capacity.

Major Cenon Pancito III, 3rd ID spokesperson, said Arevalo might formally assume post on September 21.

Arevalo was appointed as commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade based in Camp Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo on June 29, 2018.

Four months later on Oct. 29, 2018, he was reassigned to lead the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental effective.

Arevalo, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1990, was then assigned as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training, AJ8 and later as AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations.

A native of Baguio City, Arevalo used to be an Intelligence Officer of 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade in Negros Island from 1994-1995 and 1996-1998.

He also acted as Intelligence and Operations Officer of the defunct 3ID’s 7th Infantry Battalion in 1992-1994.

Arevalo used to be the commander of the Combat Arms School, Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

He took up various military trainings both local and abroad including Command & General Staff Course in Indonesia; Preparatory Course, Department of Defense Indonesia; Infantry Officer Advance Course and Infantry Officer Basic Course in Combat Arms School, TRADOC; Intel Officer Course at Special Intelligence Training School, Intelligence Service AFP, where he was among the top graduates.

He is also a recipient of various awards including bronze cross medals and numerous military merit medals and commendations both from military and civilian authorities.