CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte - Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera assumed Friday as the new head of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID), replacing Maj. Gen. Roy Galido.

Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner officiated the turnover ceremonies and change of command held at the 6ID parade grounds on Friday morning.

In turning over the reign of 6ID, Galido - now the commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Mindanao Command - expressed confidence that the unit will be in "good hands" under Rillera.

Rillera vowed to sustain 6ID's peacebuilding projects, describing his new area of assignment as challenging due to the presence of local terrorist groups linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

The 6ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, South Cotabato, parts of Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur; and the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos. (PNA)