MANILA, Jan. 9 -- Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. ordered newly-appointed 9th Infantry Division (9ID) chief Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao to sustain the unit's operations and gains against the communist insurgents in its areas of operation.

On Sunday, Bajao formally assumed command of the Camarines Sur-based 9th Infantry Division.

"Lt. Gen. Brawner, in his keynote speech, called on Spear troopers (nickname of the 9th Infantry Division) now led by Maj. Gen. Bajao, to sustain their gains against the communist terrorist group (New People's Army insurgents) in the 9ID area of operations in the Bicol region and parts of Mindanao" PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Monday.

The PA chief also said that ...