The Philippine Army designated an acting commander of the Bicol-based 9th Infantry “Spear” Division (9ID) during a Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony presided over by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran at Camp Elias Angeles in Barangay San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur on October 17, 2026.
In his remarks, the Army Chief recognized the Spear Division as the bulwark of stability in the Bicol region and commended outgoing 9ID Commander Maj. Gen. Aldwine I. Almase, who led Spear Troopers from July 2025 until his retirement this month.
9ID Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. Ariel M. Reyes succeeded Almase in an acting capacity.
“Thank you for your brilliant leadership of the Spear Division and Joint Task Force Bicolandia,” Lt. Gen. Gumiran said.
Under Almase’s leadership, the division dismantled all sub-regional committees of the Bicol Regional Party Committee, recovered hundreds of firearms, and provided prompt emergency responses during calamities such as tropical storms.
“The legacy you leave behind is a testament to a career built on integrity, strategic foresight, and profound operational excellence,” Lt. Gen. Gumiran added.
Turning to the newly installed acting commander, Gumiran highlighted the extensive leadership experience of Reyes, noting his background leading platoons and infantry battalions across Mindanao and the Visayas, holding staff assignments at Headquarters Philippine Army, and serving as a peacekeeping staff officer in Haiti.
The Army Chief outlined his operational expectations for the incoming acting commander.
“Sustain the intellectual rigor, the aggressive yet balanced triad approach, and the ironclad partnerships with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and stakeholders across Bicolandia,” Lt. Gen. Gumiran also said.
The Philippine Army leadership affirmed its continued support for Spear Troopers as the division works to secure critical infrastructure, strengthen the national territorial defense framework, and maintain peace across the Bicol Region.