DAVAO CITY (October 27)-The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army marked its 38th Founding Anniversary on October 24, 2025, with the theme “6ID @38: Sharp Purpose, Steadfast Service, & Forged in Peace.” The celebration showcased nearly four decades of steadfast service, discipline, and a strong peacekeeping legacy across Central and South-Central Mindanao.
The day opened with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony led by Major General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command and concurrent Commander of 6ID and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), in honor of the fallen Kampilan Troopers at the Tomb of the Unknown Heroes inside Camp Siongco.
The Guest of Honor and Speaker, Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, was accorded full military honors upon arrival and formally welcomed by Maj. Gen. Gumiran and the 6ID leadership. During the program, the Command presented 1,421 captured, confiscated, surrendered, and recovered (CCSR) firearms—a clear testament to its yearlong success in peace and security operations from October 2024 to October 2025.
Nafarrete and Maj. Gen. Gumiran also inaugurated the newly built Division Chaplain Hall and Office, symbolizing 6ID’s continuing commitment to the moral and spiritual welfare of its troops.
Honoring excellence and valor
During the anniversary rites at the 6ID gymnasium, the Command recognized exemplary personnel and units through its Annual Awards Ceremony, honoring the Best Officer, Best Enlisted Personnel, Best CAFGU Active Auxiliary, Best Reservist Officer, Best Reservist Enlisted Personnel, and Best ROTC Cadet.
Special recognition was also given to 74 members of the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST)—composed of Philippine Army, Navy, PNP, and Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) personnel—for their key roles in maintaining stability and supporting normalization efforts in the Bangsamoro Region.
“Forged in peace”
In his message, Maj. Gen. Gumiran paid tribute to the unwavering dedication of the Kampilan Troopers. “This gathering reminds us how far we’ve come—from countless missions in the field to building peaceful communities. Behind every success story of the Kampilan Division are the men and women who serve with honor, sacrifice, and a heart that beats for the people.”
He also acknowledged the Command’s close collaboration with partner agencies. ” Today, we recognize not only our awardees but also our partners from the Armed Forces, the PNP, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces—individuals and institutions who share our vision of a peaceful and progressive Mindanao.”
Strength and unity in service
In his keynote address, Lt. Gen. Nafarrete lauded 6ID’s remarkable track record. “Like the mighty Kampilan once wielded by our forefathers to defend Mindanao, you have struck down the forces of extremism and dispelled falsehoods that divide our people. You have proven that courage and conviction remain the sharpest weapons of those who serve with honor and integrity.”
The celebration was graced by key officials, including Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity; Presidential Assistant David Diciano of the Office of the Bangsamoro Transition; Minister Abdulraof Macacua, Interim Chief Minister of BARMM; Governor Datu Tucao Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte; PBGen. Jaysen De Guzman, PRO-BAR Regional Director, as well as Brigade and Battalion Commanders, staff officers, and civilian partners.
Milestones in peace and security
Under Maj. Gen. Gumiran’s leadership, the 6ID/JTFC, recorded major victories in the campaign against terrorism and insurgency. The Command neutralized three notorious local terrorist groups—the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maguid Group, Dawlah Islamiyah–Turaife Group, and the BIFF–Karialan Faction—through coordinated military and law enforcement operations.
It also dismantled two communist terrorist platoons—Platoon Gilbeys and Platoon Ginebra of the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR)—and arrested FSMR leader Edward J. Flores, marking a major breakthrough in counter-insurgency efforts.
A continuing legacy
As it turns 38, the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division reaffirms its vow to protect the nation and sustain peace in Mindanao. True to its battle cry—“Sharp Purpose, Steadfast Service, and Forged in Peace”—the Division remains a cornerstone of security, stability, and nation-building in Southern Philippines.
Paul Trajera Palacio, a veteran news anchor got his Mass Communication Curriculum from University of Mindanao-Davao Campus.
He is the current News Anchor of Newsline Philippines.
