Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit yesterday exhorted field commanders to provide the winning shots for the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the final phase of the campaign to make communist insurgents “irrelevant” in Western Visayas.

Bangit said the Army is doing good in complying with the mandate of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to reduce the New People’s Army to an insignificant level before she steps down in June 2010.

About 60 company commanders and senior non-commissioned officers of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division participated in a three-day seminar held at the Mambucal Mountain Resort in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia that culminated yesterday with Bangit as guest of honor and speaker.

The seminar workshop aims to re-orient, motivate and empower company commanders, being described by Bangit as the “cutting edge” in the Army’s internal security operations.

Bangit also promised to add more vehicles to the 3rd Infantry Division, following reports that the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion used a mini-dump truck of a local government unit to transport its personnel.

The mini-dump truck owned the municipal government of Moises Padilla, with 17 soldiers on board, plunged into a ravine Tuesday, in Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental, and claimed the life of PFC Ireneo Dionson, and injuries to 16 others.

Bangit also stressed the importance of reinforcing the leadership roles of non-commissioned officers, who are considered the backbone and heart of the Philippine Army, in developing them to become highly committed, competent and responsible.

“Be shining examples of discipline, professionalism, positive values and practices not just to our troops, but to members of your respective communities. As you exemplify good values in your deeds, we can win the hearts and minds,” he said.

Bangit also said that a skilled, disciplined, and better-equipped soldier is the best weapon of the Philippine Army against threats to national stability and development.*GPB

back to top