FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army installed the new Commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) on October 13, 2020 at Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan.
In a Change of Command Ceremony presided by the Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the outgoing FSRR Commander Brig. Gen. William Gonzales relinquished his post to the incoming Commander Col Freddie Dela Cruz.
Prior to his assumption, Col. Dela Cruz served as the Deputy Group Commander of the Presidential Security Group. As a combat leader, he served as the commanding officer of the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion in Mindanao, and the 3rd Scout Ranger Company in Visayas. He held various staff positions mostly within the Regiment. A member of Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992, he graduated first in his Scout Ranger course and underwent the US Army Ranger Course in Fort Benning, Georgia, United States. He holds a Master’s Degree in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.
On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Gonzales, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1989, is recognized for his accomplishments in leading the Regiment. Under his command, the FSRR neutralized 150 enemy personalities including two Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leaders and seized 130 firearms. The CGPA also lauded Brig. Gen. Gonzales for ensuring the well-being of his personnel by providing skills and livelihood trainings for wounded-in-action personnel.
The CGPA also led the pinning of the Army Governance Pathways Proficient Status medallion on FSRR’s plaque. The AGP follows four stages namely Initiated, Compliant, Proficient and Institutionalized status which is aimed to drive results, reward performance, and institutionalize the Army Transformation Roadmap in the organization.
“Rangers, carry on with your Musang spirit. Always display unwavering dedication, commitment to your mission and be passionate towards productivity. Live up to a meaning of RANGER – Remain Aggressive in Neutralizing Groups that Endanger the Rights for everyone. Your success is also the success of the Army and our People.” Lt. Gen. Sobejana said in his remarks. #
