CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva assumed command of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division on Thursday, August 23, at Camp Evangelista situated in Barangay Patag here.
Villanueva takes over leadership of the ‘Diamond’ division from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., who has been appointed as the new chief of Southern Luzon Command.
Before taking his new post, Villanueva was the Chief of the AFP’s Intelligence Service. He was Company Commander under the 53rd Infantry Battalion in 1987; Commanding Officer of the 28th Infantry Battalion in 2003, and later led the 26th Infantry Battalion until 2005. He was commander of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade stationed in Sarangani Province from 2014 to 2016.
Villanueva has served as the Defense Group Commander of the Department of National Defense, as well as commander of the Defense Intelligence and Security Group from 2007 until 2010 before orchestrating the affairs of the Counter Intelligence Division of the AFP’s OJ2 from 2010 to 2011.
Villanueva was Chief of Staff of both the 4th and 7th Infantry Division from 2012 to 2014.
Raised within the vicinity of Camp Evangelista, Villanueva spent his grade school and high school years at Xavier University, where he also obtained his master’s degree in Business Administration.
He also has a Master’s Degree in National Security from the National Defense College of the Philippines and a Diploma in International Development and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
“Camp Evangelista have been home for my family, I grew up here since my father led this division from 1988-1990. Who would have thought that someday I would be standing here delivering my remarks as division commander just like my father did 29 years ago?” he observed.
Villanueva said the existing directives and policies of his predecessor will remain in effect until he sees the need to make any change.
“As I face high expectations and challenges in this new position, I feel a strong sense of confidence having a dedicated team. We need to work harder so progress would continue unhampered, peace and order maintained. We will also continue to work with all stakeholders,” he added.
“Mission first, morale always,” Villanueva told the soldiers comprising the 4thID.
The turnover ceremony was graced by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, and was attended by various local chief executives, tribal chieftains, regional directors, and guests from Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions.
Both Villanueva and Madrigal are members of the Philippine Military Academy “Sandiwa” Class of 1985.