ARMED Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero expressed his trust and confidence on the next commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) in pursuing peace, development and addressing threats in his area of responsibility.
During the turnover of command at the Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao Command (NFEM) covered court in Camp Panacan on Wednesday, November 15, Guerrero said that he is assured that the Eastmincom is at the right track with the new leadership under Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr.
"Now that he is the commander of Eastmincom, I am confident that the command is in good hands and continues to the command's peace and development programs in the area," he said in his remark.
He likewise acknowledged the significant contribution of various stakeholders in the success of their campaign for peace and development by giving them plaques of appreciation on Wednesday, November 15.
"Naniniwala ako na sa pagkatalaga ng bagong commander sa pamumuno ni Lieutenant General madrigal, ay maipagpapatuloy ninyo at higitan pa an gating nasimulan," he said.
The new commander of Eastmincom is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Sandiwa" Class of 1985. Prior to his appointment, he became commander of the Southern Luzon Command based in Camp General Nakar, Lucena City, Laguna.
Madrigal is not new in the area as he commanded of the 701st Infantry Brigade based in Mati, Davao Oriental then became assistant division commander of 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Compostela Valley.
He was also commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City.
"Our new commander Lieutenant General Madrigal is not a stranger to the command as he has also served the Eastmincom in the past," he said.
Madrigal, in his message, said that he will do his best to live up to their mandate in protecting its AOR as well as in supporting the local government units in their peace initiatives.
He added that he will follow the footsteps and continue what Guerrero has started during his two years in the service.
"I am also apprehensive and challenge because it is definitely hard to follow his footsteps. I know that his performance and accomplishments as a commander are hard to sustain much more to surpass," he said.
Madrigal vowed to maintain the strong relationship and rapport established by past leaders with the stakeholders in attaining shared goal. With the competent and dedicated personnel of Eastmincom, he said that he is confident that all the plans will be executed and they could deliver what is expected from them successfully.
"With our stakeholders not only sharing our common purpose and desire but leading us in the objective of providing good governance and service to our people to eventually achieve a truly secured and progressive environment," he said.
His priorities include strengthening AFP's campaign dubbed as Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan in Eastmincom and the transformation roadmap which is to develop a world-class armed forces loved by the people and a source of national pride.
He also plans to strengthen information campaign against the communist rebels to prevent people from being recruited and hooked on their false promises and propaganda.