MORE than 29 candidates, led by former Congresswoman Juliette Uy, have filed a petition requesting the recall of Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr. as commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID).
The petition was submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Central Office on Feb. 10, 2025.
The urgent seven-page petition was addressed to former Comelec Chairman Atty. George Erwin Garcia, Comelec Region 10 Regional Election Director Atty. Renato Magbutay, Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Carlito Ravelo, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.
The petitioners strongly opposed Anayron’s assignment as 4ID commander, citing a potential conflict of interest.
They argued that Anayron’s father, Atty. Michele Anayron Sr., is running for mayor in Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental, which could undermine the integrity of the upcoming elections.
“Undoubtedly, Brigadier General Anayron Jr.’s appointment undermines the conduct of free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections, thus violating the 1987 Constitution, election laws, and Comelec rules,” the petition reads in part.
The document also linked Anayron’s appointment to gubernatorial candidate Peter Unabia, pointing out that Anayron Sr. is aligned with Unabia’s Paglaum party.
Additionally, the petition referenced alleged incidents of harassment, intimidation, and vote-buying involving members of the Philippine Army during the May 2022 elections when Anayron Jr. was assistant division commander.
Five soldiers are currently on trial for alleged election-related crimes in Villanueva, the petition claimed.
The petitioners demanded the appointment of a neutral commander to replace Anayron.
However, during an interview with Magnum Radio on Feb. 25, 4ID Public Affairs Chief Col. Francisco Garello dismissed the allegations, saying they falsely implicated Anayron in election influence in Sugbongcogon.
“This accusation insinuates that his appointment as 4ID commander was strategically orchestrated,” Garello said.
He clarified that Anayron’s appointment was based on merit and determined by an independent board of senior military officers.
“The selection of generals for this role follows a strict merit-based process. His 30 years of leadership experience and track record made him the most qualified candidate,” he added.
Garello assured that the Philippine Army remains non-partisan and focused on its mandate to end armed conflict.
“We have always maintained our position as a non-partisan organization,” he said.
