Esperon takes new role seriously

DAVAO CITY – Retired Armed Forces chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said he is taking his new job as President Arroyo’s peace adviser very seriously.

“This is a very serious job. I would focus on my job and I would just do my very best,” said Esperon, who arrived here for a series of briefings with the staff of the Mindanao Economic and Development Council.

Esperon formally assumes tomorrow the position of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, replacing Jesus Dureza who takes over as Press Secretary from Ignacio Bunye. Bunye has been named to the Monetary Board.

Esperon said that since the announcement of his appointment on June 6, he has been going around and getting acquainted with officials and personnel of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

“I’ve been going around already and I’ve familiarized myself with the details of the job. And the next few months there would really be a lot of catching up to do,” Esperon added.

He said he is determined to make a difference in the government’s quest for peace with rebel groups.

“Peace is when you are afforded the opportunity to pursue your aspirations without interruptions from hostile groups. By hostile, meaning groups that would deprive you of your basic rights, rights to education, pursuit of life itself,” Esperon said.

The retired AFP chief also brushed aside criticism that he is not fit for the job, being a former military man.

“I am never bothered by those critics. These people who say so are actually anti-peace. That is why I am never bothered by them because we are poles apart from each other,” Esperon said.