MANILA – Negrense Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado takes over the command of the 80,000-strong Philippine Army today, with the challenge to defeat the armed insurgents by 2010 facing him and Armed Forces chief Gen. Alexander Yano.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro will install Ibrado as the 50th commanding general of the Philippine Army, in ceremonies to be held at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, at 3 p.m. today.

“I promise to do my best to lead the Army in its journey towards being a capable, professional and relevant Army at the service of the Filipino people across the land”, Ibrado said.

Ibrado of Sagay City, is the second Negrense to occupy the position since 1987, after Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Canieso, a Bacoleño, military record show.

“I am happy and deeply honored for the designation as commander of the Philippine Army. I share this honor with my fellow Negrenses,” he said.

Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Army spokesman, said the designation of Ibrado as the new Army chief is a manifestation of his excellent performance in the military service. “He possesses leadership qualities that are essential in carrying out his duties and responsibilities in leading the AFP’s premier service organization,” he added.

Before his appointment Army chief, Ibrado served as commander of the 11th Infantry Battalion, 303rd Infantry Brigade, Special Forces Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Special Operations Command, which supervises Army’s elite SF and Scout Rangers Regiments, as well as counter-terrorists Light Reaction Battalion, and the AFP Central Command in Visayas.

Ibrado and Yano are members of the Philippine Military Academy “Magilas” Class ’76.

While serving as AFP Central Command chief, Ibrado led the anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism drive in the Visayas region where several top CPP-NPA leaders, including Randall Echanis tagged by the military as a member of the CPP Central Committee were arrested.

Ibrado has received numerous military awards and citations for both combat and administrative duties, including the Bronze Cross Medals, Silver Wing Medal, Military Civic Action Medal, and Distinguished Service Star, among others, military records show.

Ibrado is slated to retire from the military service on March 10, 2010.*GPB

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