By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, July 15 (PNA) – Just like his marching orders to new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday also ordered new Philippine Army (PA) commanding general Maj. Gen. Eduardo Ano to ensure peaceful and clean elections next year.
”Ang atas at hamon ko sa ating unipormadong hanay: Siguruhin ninyong magiging payapa at malinis ang pagpili ng ating mga kababayan ng mga pinuno; sa bawat pagkakataon, mangibabaw nawa ang interes ng sambayanan,” the President said in his speech during the PA Change of Command ceremony at the Philippine Army Wellness Center in Taguig City.
President Aquino stressed that peace is the foundation of the long-term prosperity of the country.
”Kompiyansa akong sa ilalim ng bagong liderato ng Hukbong Katihan at ng ating Sandatahang Lakas, patuloy na mabibigyang lakas ang ating mga sundalo bilang mga kawal ng kapayapaan, at bilang kawal ng positibong pagbabago,” the President said.
The President admitted that he did not know Maj. Gen. Ano personally but “I was impressed for what he has accomplished and contributed in the military.”
”Pinamunuan niya ang operasyon sa matagumpay na pag-aresto kay Jovito Palparan, sa mag-asawang (Benito & Wilma) Tiamzon, at sa marami pang matataas na opisyal ng mga rebeldeng grupo. Batid natin: Ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi dinaan sa tsamba, bagkus sa mahusay na estratehiya at dedikasyong tugisin ang masasamang elemento sa lipunan ni Major General Año,” the President said.
President Aquino expressed optimism that Ano will be able to continue, if not surpass, the positive changes that his predecessor has achieved in the Philippine Army.
”Sa maayos namang ugnayan mula sa inyong mga pinuno, non-commissioned officers, hanggang sa inyong mga sarhento at private, patuloy ang modernisasyon at paglalatag natin ng programa para sa inyong mga kawal,” the President said.
Ano, a former commander of the PA’s 10th Infantry Division of the Eastern Mindanao Command, replaced Iriberri as Philippine Army chief.
President Aquino appointed Iriberri as the new Chief of Staff of the AFP last Friday.
Both Iriberri and Año were members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983. (PNA)