TWO Army generals have assumed higher positions in the Philippine Army, including Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) commander Brig. Ferdinand Napuli.

Napuli assumed the post of Army Inspector General, a two-star position, last Monday during rites presided over by Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Napuli, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1992, succeeded Maj. Gen. Rommel Tello (PMA Class 1990) who reached the retirement age.

Napuli took the helm of the SFRA in May 2022. He was deputy commander of the Presidential Security Group prior to that.

Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said Napuli, as the Army’s Inspector General, will be performing the “important role of upholding the Army’s integrity and readiness towards the shift to territorial defense.”

On Tuesday, Galido also installed Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro (PMA Class 1991) as commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division based in Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

Balaoro replaced Brig. Gen. Jose Augusto Villareal (PMA Class 1990) who assumed the position of acting division commander following the retirement of 2nd ID commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong (PMA Class 1990) last September 13.

Prior to his designation as 2nd ID commander, Balaoro was commander of the 202nd Brigade.

2nd ID spokesman Lt. Col. Jeffrex Molina said Balaoro was “instrumental in maintaining operational momentum in the division’s area of responsibility, particularly in the Calabarzon region.”

“His familiarity with the operational landscape of Southern Tagalog, combined with his hands-on leadership style, instills confidence that he will further strengthen the division’s capabilities in its ongoing peace and development campaigns,” he said.

He said Balaoro, during his turnover ceremony, “affirmed his commitment to upholding the division’s legacy of ensuring peace, security, and progress in Southern Tagalog.”

Dema-ala said Galido urged Balaoro to sustain the division’s “thrust of ensuring peace, security, and progress” in its areas of responsibility and strengthen the units “capabilities in peace and development campaigns.”