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LT. Gen.
Alexander Yano formally took over the helm of the Armed
Forces on Monday, vowing to end military adventurism and
crushing the communist rebellion by 2010.
The
former Army commander, who is the first general from
Mindanao to become the chief of staff of the Armed
Forces, replaced Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
Yano’s
assumption as military chief of staff and the
simultaneous retirement ceremonies for his predecessor
were both graced by President Arroyo as the commander in
chief.
In his
speech, Yano, 38th Armed Forces chief of staff, pledged
to stop adventurism in the military, the first on his
agenda, and reduce the New People’s Army (NPA) to an
insignificant force by the 2010 deadline set by Arroyo.
He also
vowed to “continue to shield” the military from partisan
politics and “observe strict adherence to the rule of
law and human rights” even in the midst of the campaigns
against the insurgents and terrorism.
Likewise, Yano, who is a member of Philippine Military
Academy Class of 1976, promised to pursue the campaign
against bandits and the militants they are coddling in
the South without letup and modernize the Armed Forces
as a fighting institution.
He
enlisted the soldiers’ full support and cooperation to
the President’s antipoverty program by clearing the
roads and barangays of NPA guerrillas.
In her
order, Arroyo directed Yano to bring the “snowballing”
campaign against the NPA to an “avalanche” and take the
modernization of the Armed Forces to “new heights.”
The
President said the job of a chief of staff was
“tailored” for Yano.
On the
other hand, Esperon said he retired knowing he
accomplished much of his mission, foremost of which was
the reduction in the number of NPA and Abu Sayyaf
members.
“Around
the country, enemies are on the run and their
organizations are collapsing,” he told Arroyo.
He said
that in Mindanao, there is already a “relative peace.”
In Metro
Manila, Esperon said other lawless elements, including
rogues in military uniform, have also been contained.
“Overall, we have contained much of the threat, Madam
President,” Esperon told Arroyo.
He added
that the record would not have been achieved had it not
been for the support of all the members of the military.
Meanwhile, Arroyo hinted that she may appoint Esperon to
a government post.
“Hurry
back to serve the nation again,” Arroyo ordered Esperon
after prodding him to take “a much deserved vacation”
following his retirement.
The
President’s statement ended speculations on whether she
would give Esperon a job in the government after his
retirement. In the past, Arroyo has rewarded loyal
police and military generals with positions in her
Cabinet after their retirement. |
