Army’s 3ID welcomes new assistant commander

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A bigger responsibility now hangs on the shoulders of Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Marion Sison.

On Friday, Sison formally assumed as 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division’s Assistant Division Commander (ADC) in an Assumption of Chief of Office Ceremony held at Tagapanguna Hall in Camp General Macario Peralta Jr, Jamindan, Capiz.

Sison, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991, succeeded Brigadier General Noel Baluyan, who bowed out of military service in December 2022.

Lieutenant General Benedict Arevalo, AFP Visayas Command chief and concurrent 3ID commander, presided over the rites.

Prior to his stint in Panay Island, Sison also held various key positions including Joint Intelligence Task Force Sulu Commander, Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel (G1), and Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G2) of the Philippine Army.

Sison was also the former 3ID’s Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics (G4); Commanding Officer of the 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion, and Acting Commandant of the Division Training School.

79IB was adjudged as the Best Infantry Battalion in 2011 and 2012 during Sison’s stint.

Sison underwent Command and General Staff Course at the AFP Command and General Staff College and holds a master’s degree in Public Management, majoring in Development and Society from the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City.

He was a recipient of various awards and decorations from the AFP, both in combat and non-combat accomplishments, including Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Star, CGPA Streamer for Major Engagement and Significant Accomplishments, among others.

Meanwhile, Arevalo said that the higher command has yet to designate Sison’s successor as 301st IB commander.

It was not also discussed if Sison will eventually take over the 3ID post from Arevalo.

But in his speech, Arevalo expressed his confidence that Sison’s vast experience as 301st IB’s top man could spell a difference as he performs the duties of the second top official of the 3ID.

“You are not just qualified to be the ADC, but also very much eligible to be the next Division Commander,” Arevalo said.

Arevalo also encouraged the staff officers of the division to support Sison and take his guidance and recommendations.