Defense exec, military chief visit troops

NEWLY-appointed Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo David paid their first official visit Thursday to government troops in Davao Region.

Gazmin and David came all the way from Manila.

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The Defense secretary left on the same day while the AFP chief stayed for a series of activities in Davao City Friday.

There will be a five-kilometer run and blood-letting activities that will be attended by Gazmin and Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, both of PMA Class 77.

Commanders from the three Infantry Divisions in Eastern Mindanao were in attendance to welcome the two top officials. Among them were 4th ID commander Major Mario Chan, 6th ID commander Major General Alcantara, and 10th ID commander Major General Carlos Holganza.

After the honor guard presentation, Gazmin and David readily met with the commanders in a closed-door session. (Ben O. Tesiorna)