Phil. Army's 3rd ID celebrates 34th Anniversary
ROXAS CITY – The 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army stationed at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz under the able leadership of Major General Jovenal D. Narcise, AFP, the incumbent Commanding General of the said Army unit in Western Visayas, celebrates its 34th Anniversary today, May 1, with the theme: "3ID Team Army, God-fearing and United towards Peace, Development, and Progress."
To recall, in the early part of 1974, the unit was upgraded from 3rd Military Area to 3rd Infantry Brigade (Separate) and later became a full-pledged Infantry Division. Since then, the Division has been remarkably accomplishing both the traditional and non-traditional roles as defender of peace and protector of democracy.
Sometime in 1986, wherein increased insurrections and secessions have been spreading in some parts of the country, to gain a strategic influence over its area of responsibility, the Division transferred its Headquarters from Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City and temporarily established at Camp General Adriano D. Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo.
After quite a period of stay at the said place, the Division moved to its permanent station which is now the Headquarters, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army, at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz. The Home of the 3ID which is the 2nd largest Camp within the entire country was realized through the wisdom and optimistic foresight of Major General Rodolfo C. Canieso, AFP, then the Commanding General, Philippine Army.
The 3ID was established at Camp Peralta not only because of strategic purposes but also to act as overseer to protect the 33,000 hectares, more or less, Military Reservation covering the tri-boundaries of Capiz, Iloilo and Aklan provinces.
Since the existence of the 3ID, the Army in Western Visayas had been laudably accomplishing its exemplary deeds over enemies of the state, thereby, contributing to the over-all output of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in support and defense of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Moreover, 3ID is not only well-skilled in combat operations but also outstanding in the performance of their traditional role as guardians of peace and democracy. The Division is ever spearheading Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations, Civic Action Programs in considered depressed areas by providing free medical and dental services, free medicines and shiatsu massage to the local populace. The 3ID had also participated in several environmental protection and conservation of natural resources activities through massive tree planting in its area of responsibility.
This year's 34th Anniversary is also a Homecoming for the past officers and men of the Command more particularly the former Commanding Generals who also served the command with flying colors. Said occasion will be attended by Governor Victor A. Tanco Sr. of the province of Capiz, Mayor Ethel R. Jinon, of Jamindan, Capiz and other Local Government Officials who have been part of the successful accomplishment of the Spearhead Division.