Inserto to retire today

Cebu - The commanding general of Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command will be retiring from his post today.

At 9 a.m. today, a turnover ceremony will be conducted for the formal retirement of Central Commander Lt. Gen. Pedro Ike Inserto.

Yesterday afternoon, CentCom personnel headed by Inserto gave full military honors to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia along with other mayors in the province.

Garcia visited CentCom together with the mayors and their representatives for the awarding of the livelihood assistance to at least six rebel returnees who surrendered to members of the 78th Infantry Battalion.

The provincial government has been very supportive of CentCom especially in terms of extending livelihood assistance to rebel returnees. Since last year, at least 12 rebel returnees have already received assistance from the governor worth P30,000.

During the ceremony female sky warriors under the 710th Special Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force based in Clark Air Base, Pampanga performed a silent drill exhibition for the governor.

Inserto said that giving full military honors to the governor and the mayors is one way of thanking them for their support in the campaign against insurgency.

Garcia, in her speech after Inserto’s, said that CentCom plays a vital role in the progress and development that Cebu is now experiencing.

“You can always count on our complete and unequivocal support. No ifs, ands or buts,” Garcia said.

Garcia also awarded at least four sets of personal computer to the 78th IB and some hand-held radios to the 7th Regional Community Defense Group.

Since it is not yet known who will be replacing Inserto, Brig. Gen. Jessie Dellosa, CentCom deputy commander, will serve as the officer-in-charge starting today.

CentCom spokesman Maj. Christopher Tampus said that Inserto’s replacement will be revealed today.  – Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/BRP (THE FREEMAN)