NEW ARMY CHIEF: PEACE, JUSTICE CAN BE PURSUED AT THE SAME TIME
MANILA, NOVEMBER 10, 2011 (STAR) By Alexis Romero (Photo - Soldiers take part in a parade during the Philippine Army's turnover of command at Fort Bonifacio yesterday. Inset shows President Aquino and newly installed Army chief Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista. Willy Perez)
New Army commander Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista backed yesterday the government's peace efforts and vowed justice for soldiers killed in Basilan last month.
Speaking at turnover rites at Fort Bonifacio, Bautista said the military should continue to tread the peaceful path despite the problems that come along with it.
"The road to peace is long and difficult. However, in the face of adversities and challenges, we should remain focused on the objective," he said. "We have to push on. The Philippine Army remains fully supportive of the peace process. We will continue to reach out to our brothers, to choose the peaceful path and those who do so merit our unwavering support."
However, Bautista said the Army would apply "legitimate force" against those who insist on using arms to threaten public safety.
"Yes, we will seek justice against those who commit atrocities through appropriate calibrated and focused response, without necessarily jeopardizing the peace process and within the bounds of human rights, international humanitarian law and rule of law," he said.
"After all, the use of legitimate force within the government's overall framework of achieving peace and security is within the ambit of the IPSP (internal peace and security plan) Bayanihan."
Bayanihan seeks to implement programs that address the roots of armed rebellion like poverty. It also encourages the private sector and civil society to join efforts aimed at improving the rural communities' access to basic services.
Bautista said Bayanihan must be translated to the operational and tactical level and how it is implemented on the ground. "Bayanihan presents to our people a choice between continuous armed struggle and peace," he said.
"It's been more than four decades that we have been embroiled in conflict; armed struggle is not the solution to our problems."
Bautista, whose father Teodulfo was killed by Muslim rebels in Sulu in 1977, said the misery and loss of lives caused by conflict should be the troops' motivation to work for peace.
"Allow me to pay tribute to my late father, Brig. Gen. Teodulfo Bautista, a soldier of peace, whose legacy is my source of inspiration," he said.
"He did not live long enough to be CGPA (Commanding-General of the Philippine Army) but his son now stands before you in his stead. He did not see the dawn of peace but his son will carry on the torch."
Bautista also vowed to prioritize the conduct of Army Transformation Roadmap, a governance framework that aims for a "world-class Army that is a source of national pride."
The framework involves security sector reform, development of capabilities, professionalizing the Army, interagency coordination and peace building among others.
Meanwhile, retired Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz said he tried his best to reach out to the troops and to uplift their morale.
"It has become my vow to visit all frontline units and to bring the funds and support from the Army headquarters to the units fulfilling our mission - the infantry divisions and other tactical units leading the campaign against armed groups," he said.
"I implemented policies in accordance with the principle that the main headquarters should respond to the needs of those in the frontlines."
Ortiz, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class '79, said he made sure that the Army's resources are used properly.
"I know that during my term, not all were pleased with my decisions and priorities," he said.
"To those who were not pleased, my apologies. But I did what I thought was right and beneficial to all."
Ortiz said he found fulfillment in his more than 36 years in the service.
"Though soldiery is indeed a very tough and stressful job, I would not trade it for anything else because I would not be what I am today if I have not faithfully served as a soldier," he said.
Ortiz commended the soldiers, whom he said never hesitated to fulfill their mission even if they are ill equipped.
"I will ask nothing but the unselfish commitment of everyone to continue supporting the programs and changes we have started for the betterment of the Army," he said. "That is the only pabaon (send-off gift) I would ask of you."
During the retirement rites in his honor, Ortiz opted not to ride a military vehicle when he inspected the troops for the last time.
He instead walked with the officers who led the ceremony to ensure that he could look at each soldier who joined the rites.
The troop inspection usually lasts for seven to eight minutes when the retiring officer uses the military vehicle.
But in the case of Ortiz, the inspection lasted for 15 minutes.
The troop inspection is a ceremony wherein the retiring officer looks at the condition of the soldiers.
Bautista, a graduate of PMA class '81, served as commander of the Capiz-based 3rd division before he was named Army chief.
He also served as the Armed Forces deputy chief for operations. He led the crafting of security plan Bayanihan, which will be in force until 2016.
Other posts he held include Commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade in Central Luzon and chief of the 24th Infantry Battalion.
As a young lieutenant, Bautista served in Mindanao as a platoon leader of the 26th Infantry Battalion from 1981-1983.
He also saw action in the Visayas region as the leader of the 7th Scout Ranger Company from 1987-1989.
Bautista also held key posts in the Armed Forces Retirement and Separation Benefits System, the Civil Relations Service, the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force, Office of the Internal Auditor and the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs
He was also assigned as senior military assistant of former defense secretary Avelino Cruz Jr.
On the other hand, Ortiz is a recipient of the Medal for Valor, the highest honor given to soldiers.
He served as commander of the Special Operations Command before he was named Army chief last July 23.
Other key posts he held include Special Forces Regiment commander, Armed Forces Command Center chief, and PMA Cadet Commandant. During the turnover rites yesterday, President Aquino gave assurance that the government will continue to effect reforms and pursue programs beneficial for the people.
He asked for their continued support and cooperation to win peace in the country.
Speaking during the 54th Philippine Army Change of Command, Aquino said that through cooperation towards the common goal of winning the peace, the country is gearing towards real and sustainable progress and development.
He reiterated that declaring war is not the best option in attaining peace and protection for the Filipino people.
Aquino said the real essence of every Filipino soldier cannot be gauged in the lives that they have taken through furious armed battle but with that of the lives that they have saved during clashes.
"Tanging ang kaligatasan ng mga kapatid natin sa Mindanao sa kasalukuyan at maging ang kapakanan ng susunod na henerasyon ng mga Pilipino ang atin pong iniisip (We are only thinking of getting our brothers in Mindanao out of harm's way for the benefit of the next generations)," he said.
Aquino presided over the turnover ceremonies where he formally installed Maj. Gen. Bautista as the 54th commanding general of the Philippine Army, replacing Lt Gen. Ortiz who will retire on Nov. 13.
Ortiz will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Also present during the ceremony to witness the event were other high-ranking military and government officials led by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr.
The turnover was held in advance as Aquino will be attending the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) Leaders and Ministers' meeting in Hawaii.
Prior to his appointment, the 53-year-old Bautista was the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, the unit responsible for Internal Peace and Security Operations in Region VI and provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor in Region VII.
The newly installed chief of the 80,000-strong Philippine Army is a member of the PMA class '81.
A well decorated officer, Bautista is a recipient of five Distinguished Service Stars, Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action, Bronze Cross Medal for bravery, three Outstanding Achievement Medals, 29 Merit Medals, five of which were earned in combat, military commendation medals and various campaign medals and ribbons. – With Danny Dangcalan, Delon Porcalla
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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