CEBU CITY – The Central Command (CentCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has a new commander in the person of Maj. Gen. Ralph Villanueva. The latter replaced Lt. Gen Isagani Cachuela during the latter’s retirement ceremony done at the Centcom grounds. The event was attended by high- ranking AFP officials headed by Gen. Victor Ibrado, who had also served as Centcom commanding general in the past.

The ninth commander of Centcom, Villanueva was born in Iba, Zambales on August 17, 1965 and was the former Commanding General of the 7th Infantry Division in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. He was responsible for the conduct of immediate dialogue with the local government unit in the area, gaining their support for internal security operations.

As commander of the 7th Infantry Division, Villanueva was responsible for the establishment of a strong link between the military and LGUs in the fight against insurgency.

Also, prior to his assumption as commander of the 7th Infantry Division, Villanueva served as the Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army where he oversaw the formulation and implementation of Army plans and programs.

In his speech as the new Centcom commander, Villanueva vowed to continue the programs of Cachuela, who was instrumental in making Centcom a dependable strategic partner for national development particularly in the Central Visayas region where the AFP’s contribution in ensuring peace and order is highly recognized.

Villanueva admitted that he has “mixed emotions” in assuming his new post as his plans for Central Luzon had been cut short. Still, he gave the assurance that he intends to pursue Centcom’s mission in the region.