Army chief to soldiers: Keep chain of command unbroken
Incoming chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. reminded the troops of Third Infantry Division (3ID) at Camp Macario Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz to keep the chain of command sacred and unbroken amid talks of withdrawal of support from the Arroyo government by some groups.
Esperon made the call during the turn-over of command between outgoing 3ID Commanding General (CG) Maj. Gen. Alphonsus Crucero, who is retiring, and incoming CG Maj. Gen. Victor Ibrado last Sunday, July 16.
"As long as you are in the service follow the chain of command," Esperon said, adding "each one of you is bound by your oath as military professional."
Esperon stressed that there is no way for the misguided members of the AFP to win against the government. In fact, he said, some of them, referring to the Magdalo soldiers, have returned to the folds of the command.
"Let no threat rob you of your gains. Always serve your commander," Esperon said.
He added that that AFP chain of command will be very firm on those who want to go against the government. "We will make sure that they will be punished to the full extent of the law," Esperon said.
"You (referring to the army) are not a civilian who can easily withdraw support. Upon admission to the AFP you are bound to faithfully abide by your role as member of the team," Esperon added.
As the incoming AFP chief, Esperon vowed to focus more on the development of "our troops in the frontlines."
He said the needs of the frontline troopers will be effectively addressed through the Philippine Defense Reform Program which he will give emphasis.
Esperon said among the many components of the program is the provision of sufficient supplies and equipment for the troopers so that they will feel that they are not being neglected by the government.
Esperon added that there will also be continuing consolidation of the AFP in the light of the government's all out war versus the communist insurgents.
"While we are aware that we have defeated most of our enemies we will continue working towards the achievement of our goal which is to completely neutralize them so that our people especially in the hinterlands will live in peace," Esperon said.
On President Arroyo's order to eliminate the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in two years, Esperon said "we in the AFP could do that."
He cited that the CPP-NPA no longer has the support of the civilians because the latter already knows that the communist insurgents are only good at extortion and terroristic acts.
Esperon, however, pointed out that the military is not merely concerned at fighting against the enemies of the government.
He said the AFP also contributes to the national development efforts by launching projects benefiting most particularly the communities hardly reached by government services.