An Army general who led the dismantling of a New People’s Army guerrilla front in the Negros Island Region has been designated commander of a major military unit overseeing operations across three regions in the Visayas.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas formally assumed command of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division on Wednesday during a ceremony presided over by Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete at Camp Peralta in Capiz.
Escanillas succeeded Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, who retired from military service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 57 after leading the division for one year and six months.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1993, Escanillas served as deputy commander of the 3rd ID before taking over as division commander.
He previously commanded the 302nd Infantry Brigade in Negros Oriental from May 2023 to August 2025.
During Escanillas’ tenure as brigade commander, the South West Front of the Negros Island Regional Party Committee was dismantled in January 2024.
In his address, Nafarrete commended Samson for his “exemplary leadership and military service.”
He also cited the “unyielding position” of the 3rd ID under Samson’s leadership in the campaign against communist rebels.
The 3rd ID oversees Army operations against the NPA and other threat groups in the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, and Western Visayas.
Welcoming Escanillas as the division’s new commander, Nafarrete said, “This region serves as a pillar of resilience.”
“Thus, making the most out of joint partnerships and empowering reservists as crucial force multipliers will be vital in ensuring that it remains so,” he added.