President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) to further intensify operations against the Al Qaeda-linked bandit group and all threat elements in the country.
The president issued his directive while in Kuala Lumpur, making his final appearance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
Aquino expressed his government’s resolve to enforce the full force of the law against terror elements following the beheading of Malaysian businessman Bernard Then Ted Fen.
AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla said the Chief of Staff flew to Mindanao to personally convey the instructions of President Benigno S. Aquino III, and to install the new commanders of the Western and Eastern Mindanao Command (Westmincom and Eastmincom).
Dela Cruz took over the helm of the Zamboanga-based Westmincom from Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero who will retire Tuesday, Nov. 24, as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
In Davao, Maj. Gen. Leonardo Guerrero took over as the new Eastmincom commander, replacing Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad who also reached the mandatory retirement age.
“Following the instructions of the president and in consonance with the change of leadership of both vital commands in Mindanao island, the Chief of Staff personally went to Zamboanga City and Davao City to preside over the change of command, and at the same time pass on and personally convey to the ground commanders the specific instructions of the president,” said Padilla.
Padilla assured that even before the instructions of the president have reached the field, there have been measures that were implemented on the ground especially in the Westmincom, which has jurisdiction over the known bailiwicks of the ASG, particularly Sulu province where several foreign hostages are believed to be held by the bandit group.
He added Dela Cruz needs to review the plans that have been laid out.
“It’s almost the end of the year, the campaign plan is ongoing so what he will do is review the plan and see if there’s a need to adjust this,” said the spokesman.
He expressed optimism that Dela Cruz can accomplish the task, saying that: “With the fine showing that was done by outgoing Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, the AFP is optimistic that Maj. General Mayoralgo Dela Cruz’s leadership will likewise create results, or will provide good results in the campaign against lawless elements, terrorist groups in the area.”
By Elena Aben
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