New CentCom chief assumes Nov. 2

CEBU, Philippines - The commanding general of the Central Command, Lt. Gen. Isagani Cachuela yesterday showed to media the accomplishments of his office during his term, as he disclosed that he will only be serving his current post until November 2.

During the fiesta celebration of Barangay Apas, in which the Camp Lapu-Lapu is part of, Cachuela thanked all the people who had helped the military in doing its job, especially in the campaign against insurgency in the region.

Cachuela was installed as CentCom chief on June 16, 2009, replacing now retired Maj. Gen. Armando Cunanan. 

The outgoing CentCom chief bared that during his term, they had neutralized 97 communist terrorists, captured one of the top communist leaders of Southwest Front Committee of the New People’s Army in, killed five armed communist terrorists, and arrested 23 suspected communist terrorists. Likewise, CentCom has filed 105 cases against suspected rebels, have 110 seaborne patrols which also supported by the Naval troops, discovered 16 enemy camps in Panay, Negros and in Northern Samar, recovered 53 high powered firearms from enemies, 11 areas were cleared of rebels, downgraded Eastern Front Committee in Panay, Central and in Southern Leyte.

Cachuela added that they have been working in areas of Cebu, Leyte and especially in Bohol to clear them of rebels. They have been also pursuing Panay and Samar and are now in the final stages of clearing Negros. He said they need to finish the first quarter of the clearing soon as he has already to leave his post on November 2.

Cachuela said he has no idea yet who will take over the position that he will be vacating. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/WAB (FREEMAN NEWS)