FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – The Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) that holds jurisdiction over Central Luzon and eastern Pangasinan has a new commander.

Its incumbent chief, Major Gen. Jose Mabanta, Jr. was designated to the 3rd Infantry division (3ID) based in Western Visayas.

Mabanta was replaced on Sunday by Brig. Gen. Alan Luga, former commander of the 802nd Brigade of the Philippine Army.

“I extend my grateful appreciation and deepest gratitude for the sincere efforts and keeping the spirit of cooperation and support bestowed upon me during my two-month stint as division commander,” said Mabanta as he expressed belief the same support will be enjoyed by Luga.

There was no explanation on the reshuffle even as it came on the heels of speculation that fugitive former military Gen. Jovito Palparan, who himself served as division commander here, could be hiding somewhere in Aurora province or Bataan provinces.

Mabanta said he has relished camaraderie and atmosphere at the division. “I will be hard-pressed to find anything like it,” he said.

However, he said the movement was just part ”of a constant change.”

Mabanta also cited the warm participation of peace stakeholders in the province during the meeting held at the headquarters here on Friday.

“With the recently concluded Stakeholders Consultative Meeting we had, 7ID is now on the process of updating its internal peace and security plan “Bayanihan,” he added.

The Army has yet to announce a formal turn-over of command.

Mabanta was former deputy chief of staff for Operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He was also former commander of the AFP’s civil relations service.