CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Army celebrated the leadership of outgoing 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) Commander, MGen Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II in a Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony, January 17, Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, here. Cuerpo has reached the mandatory retirement age and will be succeeded by BGen Consolito P. Yecla after being appointed as the acting 4ID commander.
Under Cuerpo’s command, 4ID achieved significant operational success and transformed the division into a more progressive and resilient force. He underscores his life in service as a thrilling and meaningful ride on an off-road vehicle.
“I began my military career here in the 4th Infantry Division, serving as a young and eager beaver junior officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion. It was here that I laid the foundation of my career, learned the essence of leadership, and embraced the values of service and sacrifice,” he said.
Under Cuerpo’s command, the Diamond Division stood as a pillar in terms of internal security and stability in the northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, which led to significant degradation of the communist terrorist group’s operational capabilities and losses in its resources, manpower, and recruitment.
Through community engagement, youth involvement, and strengthening partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 4ID brought the services of the Armed Forces closer to local communities, which fostered significant strides in addressing insurgency through its Civil-Military Operations (CMO).
Cuerpo went on to say that the greatest pressure he felt was not from the work itself or from enemy threats, but rather from the fear of failing the expectations of colleagues and the public.
“That fear became my compass, pushing me to do my very best to lead and serve this division with honor and dedication. It is with profound honor and heartfelt gratitude that I return to where it all began to conclude my service in this very division that shaped me—the soldier and leader I am today,” he said.
Cuerpo addressed the troops one last time, and as his personal flag was lowered, symbolizing the end of his tenure at the Diamond Division, he said, “To conclude my service in this very division that shaped me, the soldier and leader I am today. With this, allow me to extend my deepest gratitude to all individuals, units, and officers that have immensely contributed to my military career.”
BGen Consolito P. Yecla, who served as 4ID’s Assistant Division Commander since July 31, 2024, assumed the post as Acting Commander of the 4ID during the joint ceremony.
Throughout Yecla’s career, he held several important roles and key positions, including Deputy Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Commander of Task Force Davao, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), and Brigade Commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade under the 10th Infantry Division (10ID). He also served as the commanding officer of the 74th Infantry Battalion under the 2nd Infantry Division.
In February of 2023, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. presented Yecla with the Cavalier Award in the field of Army Operations, making him the only Army Infantry Brigade Commander in the history of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) to receive this honor.
The feat meant that he successfully led his unit to conclude the insurgency ahead of the timeline set by the former president—eliminating 100 percent of the enemy forces in their Area of Responsibility (AOR) in just over six months with zero casualties among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and without losing any firearms to the enemy.
Addressing the troops, Yecla asserted, “Under my watch, we will renew all our efforts to promote peace and stability in our area of responsibility. Let us continue to collaborate with our stakeholders, the local government units, and partner agencies to force ahead with programs that foster trust and inclusivity.”
He also stated that the division will strengthen its campaign to neutralize the remaining threats to peace in the northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
LtGen Roy M. Galido, commanding general of the Philippine Army, presided over the ceremony at the 4ID Grandstand in Camp Evangelista.
For his part, Galido addressed the troops, saying, “We are on the stage of making the Army better. We have to align with the principle of Bagong Pilipinas.”
Galido stated that this begins with adopting a new mindset that prioritizes the welfare of the majority and requires soldiers to set aside their personal interests.
Citing the important role the armed forces will have this year, Galido calls on the army to collaborate and communicate with stakeholders to achieve peaceful conduct for the upcoming election.
“I’m 100 percent sure that with collaboration, communication, and defining the challenges and working together, we will make sure the election for 2025 will be peaceful as we wanted it to be,” he said.
Galido emphasized that all must be communicating and working well with the concept of Bagong Pilipinas in mind to achieve a prosperous northern Mindanao.
Heads of national government agencies, retired and active military officials with their families, local chief executives from various cities and municipalities in the region, media, and guests were in attendance to honor Cuerpo and welcome incoming acting commander Yecla. (SAYU/PIA-10)
