The newly installed Philippine Army chief of the Office of the International Military Affairs aims to further strengthen the country's defense relations with foreign allies.

Succeeding Colonel Ferdinand Rey Ga, Colonel Von Albert Sumergido, officially assumed his post on 19 September in a hybrid Change of Chief of Office ceremony, presided by Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Prior to his assumption as the PA's 3rd OIMA chief, Sumergido served as secretary of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He also worked as secretary of the Army General Staff from November 2020 to October 2021 and as commanding officer of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Armor Division for nearly two years.

Sumergido, who is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Marilag" Class of 1995, took Master's degrees in Strategic Studies from the Australian National University and International Security from Massey University, respectively.

Meanwhile, the PA feted the outgoing OIMA chief for his dedication to service.

Ga served as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Philippine Army prior to his assumption as the 2nd OIMA chief.

He started his military career as a member of the PMA "Maalab" Class of 1993 and earned three Master's degrees including Community Development from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Public Management Program Major in Development Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines, and National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.

Capulong urged Sumergdo to the momentum set forth by his predecessors such as boosting the country's defense ties with foreign friends and long-time partners.