THE new commanding general of the Central Command (Centcom) yesterday urged soldiers to show dedication and competence in serving the community and fighting communist rebels and other groups that threatened the region’s security.
As he took over as the highest post in Centcom, Major General Victor Ibrado said he will review the organization for effective command, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Ibrado replaced former Centcom Commanding General Cardozo Luna, who has been transferred to Western Mindanao.
Speaker
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Hermogenes Espe-ron, who was the guest speaker during yester-day’s turn-over of command at the Camp Lapu-Lapu in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, issued five instructions for the Centcom:
* Increase the operational fervor to achieve our goals. The President has repeated her order to defeat the communist terrorist movement by 2010 and the destruction of the Abu Sayyaf Group as soon as possible,
* Continue and enhance intelligence operability with the PNP, which was proven during the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) summit,
* Be aware of the doctrine of command responsibility, especially in protecting and upholding the human rights,
* Assist the PNP and other investigation bodies in investigating extra-judicial killings, and
* Ensure the peaceful conduct of the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan and Barangay elections (in October).
Preliminary
Meanwhile, Esperon, told reporters after the ceremony that preliminary plan on the transfer of Centcom to Mactan Island has been undertaken.
Once the funds will be available, Esperon said, construction of the headquarters will start.
Esperon, however, said that not all the units that are occupying Camp Lapu-Lapu will be transferred to Mactan.
Purpose
He said some will go to the provinces of Bohol and Iloilo “where they can serve their purpose”
“We know the economic opportunities that are present in this arrangement and so we will try to do it as soon as we can. But we will see to it that our troops and units will be given what are necessary to function effectively,” he said.
President Arroyo earlier announced that the Centcom will be transferred to the island. This means 80 hectares of land in Cebu City that the military is occupying will now revert to the Capitol.
Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has been moving to recover Capitol properties and mentioned the military camp as one area that the Capitol could earn from. (JST)
