The appointment of the former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista is a new addition to the Cabinet Cluster on National Security. The general was able to deliver during his stint as AFP Chief as well as the former units he led. President Aquino is confident of the contributions Gen. Bautista will make as executive officer of the Cluster. He was behind the AFP Bayanihan Program, a security plan to fight insurgency through providing livelihood for the people in communist-laden areas. He also directed AFP efforts during the calamities and disasters that hit the country in 2013.
We can expect much from Gen. Bautista as he shines during crises and challenges, proving to all that soldiers are servants of the people, 24/7. I have closely watched Gen. Bautista’s career and accomplishments from the outside having worked with the government at one time. He will surely be an asset to the Aquino administration for his military prowess, experience and leadership. – Jacob O’Mally, Former Expat, UK, Bocawkan Rd, Baguio City