Established in 1936,[1] it was renamed in honor of Colonel Melchor dela Cruz, who was killed after his helicopter was shot down by the communist New People's Army over San Mariano, Isabela during reconnaissance operations against the rebel group on 8 November 1971.

[2] On May 23, 2011, the camp's re-enlistment office was damaged by two explosions, which authorities believed were perpetrated by rejected applicants for the army.

[4] On October 10, 2024, three people were killed in a mass shooting perpetrated by a soldier inside the camp that was believed to have been part of a domestic dispute.

[5] The camp also houses a museum dedicated to the life of dela Cruz and exhibits relating to the 5th ID.

[6] It also hosts the 5ID Memorial Pylon dedicated to the unit's soldiers who died in the course of duty in Northern Luzon.