Friday, April 11, 2008 Army chief inspects troops in Negros Island By Edmund B. Sestoso
SIBULAN, Negros Oriental -- Army Chief Alexander Yano arrived in this town Wednesday afternoon for a routine inspection of Philippine Army troops stationed in Negros Island.
General Yano was accompanied by some high-ranking military officials, which included his brother Colonel Cesar Yano.
Yano inspected Army troops belonging to the 302nd Infantry Brigade led by his brother Cesar based in Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City in Negros Oriental and 303rd Infantry Brigade headed by Colonel Honorato de los Reyes based in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia town in Negros Occidental.
The 302nd Brigade covers the southern part while the 303rd covers the northern part of Negros Island.
The general explained that one of the reasons for his visit is to strengthen and consolidate the Army forces in their continuing fight against insurgents, members of the underground New People's Army (NPA) in particular. The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
He said the fight remains the priority of the armed forces and involves continued linkages with local government executives as well as other stakeholders.
While inspecting the troops in Tanjay City, General Yano was briefed by his younger brother on the recent activities and programs of Army troops in Negros Oriental.
In his speech to soldiers, General Yano urged them to be disciplined and serve as models for the community.
He also called on brigade leaders to collaborate with other government agencies and stakeholders. "Soldiers should work closely with the people in the barangays," emphasized Yano in his speech.
Yano is being groomed to take over as Armed Forces chief of staff right after the end of General Hermogenes Esperon's extended term.
Yano said he hopes to complete his inspection of the troops before he assumes as chief of staff.
In Negros Occidental, the Army general will also meet with top officials of the Roman Catholic Church.
The post of Army chief is being contested by Lieutenant General Victor Ibrado, chief of the AFP Central Command, and Lieutenant General Rodrigo Maclang, chief of the AFP Northern Luzon Command.
Ibrado, a Negrense, witnessed the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between local military officials and four bishops of Negros Island that paved the way for the creation of the Church-Military Advisory Group (CMAG).
Fr. Frank Fernandez, a top official of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Negros Island, said the military's move is part of psychological operations to boost its image.
