MANILA, Philippines — A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Dimalupig" Class of 1981 who is currently the chairman of the Government Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), Brig. Gen. Alan Luga, was designated as the new commander of the Army's 7th Infantry Division (7ID) based in Nueva Ecija, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced Sunday.

Luga, who was also former commander of the 802 Brigade, 8th Infantry Division (8ID), will replace his "mistah", Maj. Gen. Jose Z. Mabanta, who will now command the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) in Western Visayas.

It was during Luga's stint as 802nd Brigade commander that Bohol was freed from communist insurgency in March 2010 through the civilian government-led anti-insurgency campaign. This resulted to a strengthened tourism and a lessened poverty in the province.

Prior to that, he was also the commander of 1001st Brigade, 10th Infantry Division (10ID), and Task Force Davao under also the 10ID.

A highly-decorated and outstanding commander, Luga has worked as Plans Officer of the Force Headquarters of the UN Peacekeeping Force in East Timor during his younger years in the military service.

Mabanta, on the other hand, will assume the 3ID post vacated by now Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.

A former spokesman for the AFP, Mabanta also held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3 of the Armed Forces. Prior to this, he was the Commander of the AFP - Civil Relations Service (CRS).

From 1992 to 1998, Mabanta, also a member of the PMA Class1981, served with distinction in Mindanao in various capacities, both as an intelligence and infantry officer.

He was also former AFP spokesman and a recipient of various military honors including a Bronze Cross Medal, Gold Cross Medals and the Distinguished Service Star.

“I extend my grateful appreciation and deepest gratitude for the sincere efforts and keeping the spirit of cooperation and support bestowed upon me during my two-month stint as the Division Commander. I know the same will be granted to my successor," said Mabanta.

“I have relished the camaraderie and atmosphere here at Kaugnay Division and I will be hard-pressed to find anything like it in my next position. I had a very fruitful working experience here. My new position is just part of the constant change in the AFP," he added.