Taqueban Assumes Command of Key Army Brigade in Northern Mindanao, Prioritizing Peace and Development

Brigadier General Bernardo Taqueban assumed command on Friday as the new commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, headquartered in Camp Badrodin, Barangay Maria Cristina, Iligan City. Taqueban, a member of the Philippine Military Academy ‘Marilag’ Class of 1995, becomes the 14th commander of the unit. The brigade is responsible for internal security operations in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and parts of Misamis Oriental. The brigade faces threats from remnants of the communist movement in the hinterlands of Iligan City and nearby villages of Misamis Oriental, as well as local affiliates of the Islamic State (IS) in border communities of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. During his assumption of command, Taqueban stated that his top priority is "maintaining a stable internal peace and security … to sustain development in our area of responsibility." Major General Ronel Manalo, commander of the Army’s Armor Division, presided over the change of command ceremony and installed Taqueban. He reminded the soldiers to "secure the communities under your area of responsibility (and) uphold its mission, its discipline, its welfare, its readiness and its honor." Manalo also commended Taqueban for his accomplishments during his tenure as acting brigade commander for over five months. This leadership change comes as the Philippine government continues its efforts to ensure internal security and foster economic development across the country, particularly in regions still contending with security challenges.