New AFP chief seeks LGUs' help in licking insurgency

MANILA, Philippines - Newly installed Armed Forces Chief Lt. General Victor Ibrado on Friday said he is confident that that country’s insurgency problem would be reduced before President Gloria Arroyo’s term of office ends in 2010. Speaking before the AFP change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Ibrado acknowledged that the task handed over to him by former AFP chief Gen. Alexander Yano was a “tremendous responsibility." As such, the new AFP chief called on his subordinates “to gather all our efforts and our resources to finish this task. I am confident to say that this can be done." Saying the insurgency problem requires a “holistic government approach," Ibrado also called on the active participation of all concerned agencies including local government units and the public for their participation and involvement for the success of the anti-insurgency campaign. President Arroyo during the turn over ceremonies said she expects Ibrado to continue the works of Yano. She also gave the new chief of staff and heads of civilian agencies specific orders to improve the living and working conditions of soldiers and government employees. Ibrado is the ninth chief of staff to be appointed by President Arroyo, and the 10th under her administration. Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes was Mrs. Arroyo's first chief of staff but the former was designated by deposed President Joseph Estrada during the latter’s short-lived administration. Ibrado was the commanding general of the Philippine Army prior to his appointment as AFP chief. His post as Army chief would be taken over by Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit. Ibrado finished Infantry Officer Advanced Course at the United States Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1989. In 1998, he graduated with honors from the Philippine Army Command and General Staff College. Ibrado served as commander of the 11th Infantry Battalion in 1994 and as Commander of the Army’ Intelligence and Security Group in 1999. In 2000, he took the reigns of the Army Headquarters’ Intelligence Division. He then served as head of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in 2002. Later, he headed the Army’s Special Forces Regiment, where he earned his star rank. - GMANews.TV