CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Army has again changed the leadership of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, replacing its newly installed commander just 11 days after he assumed post, in a move described as rare and unexpected.
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido announced the change on May 11, 2026, appointing Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II as the new division commander, replacing Maj. Gen. Allan Martin, who had only taken over on April 30, 2026. The Army cited “leadership and organizational changes” as the reason for the shift.
Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II previously served as the commander of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division and has extensive experience in counterinsurgency operations in Mindanao. The 4th Infantry Division is responsible for security operations in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region.
The rapid turnover has raised questions about internal dynamics within the Army, but officials have downplayed any controversy, emphasizing that such changes are part of normal personnel management. The division continues its mission against communist insurgents and local terrorist groups.
