New Army chief to ensure clean polls

MANILA, Philippines - New Army chief Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu said he would punish military elements that would engage in partisan politics.

“We will not participate in any political activity. We are a non-partisan organization and we will ensure that we’re going to have peaceful and credible elections. All who will violate that will face sanctions,” he said.

“I would like to assure everyone that we will be very professional. We will do this so you will be proud of us. We are your servants, we are not your masters,” he added.

Mapagu assumed his new post yesterday. Navy Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue replaced him as new commander of the National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM).

Mapagu’s appointment adds to the list of Philippine Military Academy Class ’78 members now holding important posts in the military.

President Arroyo is an adopted member of the Class ‘78, which members, aside from Mapagu, include Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Delfin Bangit, Air Force Commanding-General Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena, Southern Luzon Command chief Roland Detabali, Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Ralph Villanueva, Marine Commandant Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban and Intelligence Service chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Prestoza.

Before his appointment as NCRCOM chief, Mapagu served as commander of the 10th Infantry Division, chief of staff of the Army, and commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment.

As new Army chief, Mapagu vowed to continue his predecessor’s programs and do his share to safeguard the sanctity of the vote in the May elections.

“We will protect the people and the state, the Constitution and of course, respect and promote human rights,” he said.

On the other hand, Mapagu’s replacement at NCRCOM, Angue, was chief of Naval Staff.

A native of Cavite, Angue has held key military posts including Philippine Fleet Deputy Commander in 2008, Philippine Fleet Ready Force Commander from 2006 to 2008, Naval Task Force 62 Commander in Tawi-Tawi in 2004, Naval Task Force 31 Commander in Southern Luzon from 2004 to 2005, Commanding Officer of Naval Intel Security Group Six covering three Mindanao regions in 1994, Naval Intel Security Group 1 Commanding Officer in Northern Luzon in 1993 and Special Reaction Group Commanding Officer in 1991.

He was also held assignments outside the country such as Commanding Officer of Maritime Operations Ream and Ream Naval Base in Cambodia in 1993 and Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 2000 to 2003.

Angue was recipient of four Distinguished Service Star; two Gold Cross, two Distinguished Navy Cross, five Bronze Cross; 21 Military Merit, and eight Military Commendation medals.

Angue is married to the former Emilia Silverio Bueno with whom he has two children. – Alexis Romero