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Monday, July 10, 2006
Crucero makes 'final walk' in Negros
By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan
MAJOR General Alphonsus Crucero made a final visit in Negros Island Sunday. He is set to retire on July 15 from the Philippine Army.
Crucero, the outgoing commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division based in Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz will be replaced by Gen. Victor "Bong" Ibrado.
The turnover ceremony is tentatively set on July 15.
Col. Gregorio Fajardo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade said Crucero only paid a visit to the two battalions (11th IB and 61IB) of the Army in Negros Sunday.
Crucero, as quoted by Crucero, encouraged the Negros soldiers to maintain their job and loyalty to the chain of command.
Crucero is also set to visit other army brigades and battalions under the 3rd ID like in Bohol, Cebu, and Siquijor prior his last day of duty.
Fajardo, on the other hand, disclosed that they are now checking the veracity of the report that former senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan, tagged as "Kuya" of the Magdalo soldiers is hiding in Negros.
He said that like the PNP, the army is also mandated to arrest Honasan as soon as possible.
This as Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said they will not have any peace of mind during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's state of the nation address on July 24 not until authorities arrest Honasan.
Last Friday, six rebel officers alleged to be involved in the destabilization plot against the Arroyo administration were arrested in Filinvest Village, Quezon City.
These were Army Captain Nathaniel Rabonza, Army First Lieutenants Patricio Bumidang Jr., and Sonny Sarmiento; Army Second Lieutenants Aldrin Baldonado and Angelbert Gay; and Navy Lieutenant Colonel Kiram Sadaba, and lawyer Jose Christopher Belmonte.
Sarmiento, Rabonza, and Bumidang were among those who escaped from Fort Bonifacio last January 17 with First Lieutenant Lawrence San Juan where they were detained for their participation in the Oakwood Mutiny.
San Juan was captured last February 21 in Batangas.
Their arrest, however, was believed to be an off-shoot to the near arrest of Honasan.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez also believes that the former senator is still here in the island despite the negative outcome of the raid conducted by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and local authorities in Toboso town last Wednesday and in Iloilo City two weeks ago.
Gonzalez added that the two provinces continue to be under the areas to be watched together with Zambales where Honasan has many friends and relatives.
(July 10, 2006 issue)
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