Yano tells AFP to protect democracy

MANILA, Philippines – Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Alexander Yano reminded troops yesterday to remain united under the chain of command and focus on the protection of freedom and democracy in the country.

“Let your eyes and your hearts be focused on one thing and one thing alone – the protection our democracy and the defense of our freedom,” Yano said in his farewell speech.

Yano, who left the service a month before his official retirement in June, advised soldiers to stay focused on their job and remain loyal to the flag and Constitution.

“I ask you never again to allow the forces of division and deception to penetrate your ranks. I ask you to preserve the integrity of our time-honored chain of command, and to never let destructive external political forces exploit your institution for their own gain,” Yano told the assembled troops amid tight security imposed by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) inside the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

President Arroyo presided over the turnover rites between Yano and incoming AFP chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, the former Army commanding general.

Yano, who was recently appointed ambassador to Brunei, also reported to the President that during his tenure as AFP chief, the logistical pipelines of the communists and terrorist elements had been cut off.

He said recruitment and mobilization of the insurgents in the barangays have been reduced and had weakened the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Ibrado also vowed to pursue the missions and visions that have been drawn up by Yano and by past AFP chiefs that include the defeat of the NPA before term of the President ends in 2010.

“I will pursue the plans and programs initiated by General Yano,” Ibrado told reporters.

Ibrado and Yano are both members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1976 that also includes Navy chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Vice Admiral Leonardo Calderon and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa.

Ibrado said that communist insurgents are now on the decline and their defeat is near.

“It can be done,” said Ibrado, adding that the military can comply with the President’s order to neutralize the NPA by 2010.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro announced Ibrado’s appointment as AFP chief amidst speculations that Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit will be designated as AFP chief.

Bangit was later appointed as new Army chief replacing Ibrado, who would assume the top AFP post.

President Arroyo lauded Ibrado for his commitment to defeat the NPA.

She also ordered Ibrado to provide shuttle service to all civilian employees of the military.

The presidential directive also covers all major government agencies to provide free transport services to their employees.

The President defended her appointment of Yano as ambassador to Brunei, saying his posting would help in fostering peace in Mindanao.

Mrs. Arroyo also expressed optimism that the Commission on Appointments (CA) would confirm his appointment without a hitch.

She said Yano, who is from Zamboanga, implemented numerous programs “to secure the well being of the ordinary soldier and to give former rebels a second chance to live in peace.” – With Paolo Romero