New Eastmincom chief gets AFP chief’s trust
ARMED Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero expressed his trust and confidence on the next commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) in pursuing peace, development and addressing threats in his area of responsibility.
During the turnover of command at the Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao Command (NFEM) covered court in Camp Panacan yesterday, Guerrero said that he is assured that the Eastmincom is at the right track with the new leadership under Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr.
“Now that he is the commander of Eastmincom, I am confident that the command is in good hands and continues to the command’s peace and development programs in the area,” he said in his remark.
He likewise acknowledged the significant contribution of various stakeholders in the success of their campaign for peace and development by giving them plaques of appreciation yesterday.
“Naniniwala ako na sa pagkatalaga ng bagong com-
mander sa pamumuno ni Lieutenant General madrigal, ay maipagpapatuloy ninyo at higitan pa an gating nasimulan,” he said.
The new commander of Eastmincom is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sandiwa” Class of 1985. Prior to his appointment, he became commander of the Southern Luzon Command based in Camp General Nakar, Lucena City, Laguna.
Madrigal is not new in the area as he commanded of the 701st Infantry Brigade based in Mati, Davao Oriental then became assistant division commander of 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Compostela Valley.
He was also commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City.
“Our new commander Lieutenant General Madrigal is not a stranger to the command as he has also served the Eastmincom in the past,” he said.
Madrigal, in his message, said that he will do his best to live up to their mandate in protecting its AOR as well as in supporting the local government units in their peace initiatives.
He added that he will follow the footsteps and continue what Guerrero has started during his two years in the service.
“I am also apprehensive and challenge because it is definitely hard to follow his footsteps. I know that his performance and accomplishments as a commander are hard to sustain much more to surpass,” he said.