Villanueva is new CentCom chief

CEBU, Philippines - Seeing a high-ranking official of a military cry is not a usual sight for many, especially if it is done in front of his men and other military officials.

But during yesterday’s turnover ceremonies at the Central Command, outgoing commander Lt. Gen. Isagani Cachuela shed tears as he delivered his farewell speech and thanked his men who had worked with him even for just a short period of time.

Cachuela, who served as CentCom commander for barely six months, was replaced by Maj. Gen. Ralph Villanueva.

With the help of his men, he said they were able to accomplish more and is much closer this time to solving the insurgency problem in the region. He said it is now for the new CentCom chief to finish the job.

Cachuela had spent 38 years and 8 months of his life in the military service and retired yesterday at the age of 56. The simple turnover ceremony was held at the CentCom headquarters in Camp Lapu-Lapu in Barangay Apas.

Former CentCom commander and now the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Victor Ibrado led the ceremony as the presiding officer of the change of command.

Before assuming as CentCom commander, Villanueva was the 17th commander of the 7th Infantry Division based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. He had also served as the chief of staff of the Philippine Army where he was assigned to oversee the formulation and implementation of the Army’s plans and programs.

Villanueva was reportedly the topnotcher of the Class 1978 of the Philippine Military Academy and spent his early field assignments in Northern and Central Luzon, working together with Maj. Alexander Yano.

His professionalism and distinctive qualities as a military officer earned 25 Military Merit Medals, six Military Commendation Medals, two CGPA Awards, five Distinguished Service Star Awards, four Bronze Cross Medals, three Combat Commander “K” Badge and three Command Plaques and awarded as the Outstanding Officer of the year on July 5, 1982.

As the new CentCom commander, Villanueva said he would continue the programs that were started by his predecessors especially the campaign against insurgency.

However, he said the success of the military’s programs will also depend on the support of the local government units and the community.

Villanueva added that their good relationship with the Philippine National Police will also continue, especially that Police Regional Office-7 director Lani-o Nerez is his mistah (classmate) at the PMA. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)