COMMANDING GENERAL
2nd INFANTRY (JUNGLE FIGHTER) DIVISION

PHILIPPINE ARMY
Camp Capinpln, Tanay, Rizal

 Message

Today, as another chapter starts in my military career, I would like to thank the President, Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro of the Department of National Defense, General Hermogenes Esperon, Jr our Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Alexander Yano, Commanding General, Philippine Army, for their faith in me in leading the 2nd Infantry Division.

 

Now, all I can offer is my conviction in pressing the fight against the insurgents and other lawless elements threatening our national security.

 

To my wife, Daisy, who is always there throughout the entire chapter of my life, words are not enough to convey how grateful I am for your love and moral support. To my children: Dodon, Diane and Dex ; and Apple , my daughter -in- law who grew up to understand how it is to have a father as a military man.

 

To my predecessor, MGen Fernando Mesa, thank you very much, Sir, for entrusting to me the Jungle Fighter Division.  Rest assured that I will continue to implement the plans and program you’ve started in this command. Good luck sir, to your new assignment as the Commander of NCRCOM.

 

May I also greet and acknowledge the Assistant Division Commander BGen Edgardo GidayA; the 201st Bde Cmdr, Col William Campos: the 202nd Bde Cmdr Col Jorge Segovia and the 204th Bde Cmdr, Col Mario Chan, the Battalion Commanders present.My classmate at the Philippine Military Academy, members of the Makatarungan Class 78 and their ladies, members of the SAFP body headed by Col Kison the deputy.

 

The members of the Dona Aurora High School Class of 72. My brothers and sisters. To other guests, I would like to ask your indulgence for not mentioning your names already.

 

Members of 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division, other officers, enlisted personnel , civilian employees distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen , good morning.

 

I come and go in this division, I first join the division in 1985 as company commander after seeing action in Mindanao and Samar islands . I came back in 1996 as a Battalion Commander, and now as Division Commander.

 

My name has been previously dragged with the issue of extra judicial killings. I was unfairly accused and so with the Philippine Army. I remember the old Lati saying "Accipere Quam Facere Praestat Injuriam" meaning, it is better to suffer an injustice than to do an injustice. Until today, my conviction remain that I shall not and will not tolerate such wrongdoing. We will continue to fight the enemies of the state with strong adherence to the rule of law.

 

We will be an advocate of Human Rights. This Division will support the Commission on Human Rights vision of a Philippine society where human development of every person is fully realized under a government that has a political will and a sustained commitment in the observance of human rights standards, norms and practices."

 

With this new job as new Commander, 2ID I will ensure that the command guidance of CSAFP and CG, PA will be implemented in this Division.

 

I shall put premium on leadership and commandership, including on the role of non- commissioned officers.
Our guiding principles among others would include:

1. Focus on our mission and guided by our oath and mandate.
2. Demand obedience and not personal loyalty.
3. Be better than we were.
4. Make things happen.

 

As I assume the command today, it is very clear to me that in pursuit of the Division, I shall be guided by the execution of my broad duties that is, duty to God, duty to country, and duty to the Filipino people. I believe this is the very reason for our existence here. I shall and will never abandon these duties.

 

This Division while considerably a jungle fighter, a fight ingest unit, a warrior yet God fearing and an instrument of peace shall bridge an atmosphere and a social climate conducive to development.

 

To our Commanding General, Philippine Army; to my predecessor, MGen Mesa Sir, to Governor Ynares, distinguished guests, to all of you I offer this saying by Cicero: Dum Spiramus Tuebimur, while we breathe …. We shall defend! Thank you very much and good morning to everyone.
 

 

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Commanding Generals Christmas Message



DELFIN N BANGIT
MGEN              AFP