Thursday, September 04, 2008 New TF Davao chief wows councilors
NEW Task Force Davao Chief Colonel Oscar Lactao has committed to make Davao City a model in implementing what he termed as a "wholistic approach to counter insurgency and anti terrorism."
This, he said, is a combination of civic and military strategies and tactics.
His impressive stance, however, bears a blot, as he was in the news in 2003 during his assignment in Leyte where his unit was implicated in the alleged massacre of civilians.
Lactao, who managed to impress the City Council with his adeptness in public relations, replaced Colonel Rainier Cruz who was transferred to Sarangani last week due to the recent disturbances in the area.
"If not for his rank and uniform, one would easily mistaken him as a politician. He shakes hands quite naturally, has a charming disposition, and talks well and with sense," City Councilor Peter Laviña said.
"It's not surprising actually. He has, in addition to military trainings here and in the US, a masters degree in international studies at UP," the councilor added.
Lactao, who hails from Metro Manila, started his military career in Davao. After finishing at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1984, he enlisted in the Philippine Army and was assigned as a young lieutenant in the Davao Region, where he rose from the officer corps. From leading platoons and companies, he matured into heading infantry battalions in the Visayas and Basilan.
He has earned many military medals and awards in his 24 years in the service. Prior to this new Davao assignment, he was Secretary of the Army General Staff at the Philippine Army Headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in Makati. (GLP)
