PNoy names defense chief's ex-spokesman as new Army chief

"Hindi naman po biro ang iiwang puwang ni Lt. Gen. Coballes sa kanyang pagbaba sa puwesto. Kaya naman marapat lamang na mahusay at maaasahang pinuno din ang humalili sa kanya – ito ay walang iba kundi si Major General Hernando Iriberri," Aquino said during his speech.

Army spokesperson Capt. Anthony Bacus welcomed Iriberri's assumption as commanding general of the Army.

"He is a military officer known for his leadership, wealth of experience and exemplary performance in all high-level and sensitive positions he handled, both in the Philippine Army and [the] Armed Forces of the Philippines," Bacus said.  

 

"Ang kanyang unit ay naging instrumental sa pagkamit ng pinakamapayapang eleksyon sa probinsya ng Abra. Dahil epektibo niyang natugunan [ang] anumang banta roon, nakapagtala ang probinsya ng 83 percent voter turnout – ang pinakamataas na tala sa Cordillera Administrative Region noong nakaraang eleksyon," said Aquino. 

 

"Balita ko rin, ang tawag sa kanya sa AFP ay code “Superman.” Lagi daw kasi siyang nangingibabaw sa mga pisikal na pagsasanay. Bilang bagong pinuno, umaasa akong pambihirang lakas, disiplina, at dedikasyon din ang ibubuhos mo upang ipagpatuloy ang transpormasyon ng Hukbong Katihan," he added.

In his speech at the ceremony, Iriberri said he never thought that he would become the head of the Philippine Army but that "there is no greater burden which [he would] gladly accept on [his] shoulders."

 

He also thanked Aquino for entrusting him with the post and Gazmin for "his vote of confidence" and "long before that, for his invaluable mentorship on the ways of becoming a leader."

 

"With me at the helm, we will continue to make the Army trooper the pleasant face of the professional soldier our country deserves and the saving hand for anyone trapped or taken away by disaster. We will continue to fulfill our responsibility and obligation to deliver," he said.

During the same ceremony, Aquino also awarded Coballes the Legion of Honor citation for his service as Army commanding general.

 

He was assisted by Gazmin and Armed Forces chief General Emmanuel Bautista.

 

In his speech, Coballes thanked Aquino, his family, and colleagues, saying he never regretted serving in the military.

 

"If the Filipino is worth dying for, then they are also worth living and fighting for," he said.

 

"As an officer, I hope that I will be remembered not for how many stars I accumulated on my shoulders but for what I accomplished while wearing them," he added. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMA News