Retiring AFP Chief Says Goodbye to Army Troops

                     

SWEET GOODBYE. AFP Chief Gen Eduardo SL Oban (right) salutes the colors during the arrival honors tendered for him by the Philippine Army. With him is Army Chief Maj General Emmanuel Bautista (left). (Photo by Pfc Cesar Lopez)

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Retiring Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo SL Oban Jr. visits the Philippine Army as part of his series of farewell visits to the major services and other line units of the AFP at around 8 a.m. today.

The Philippine Army led by Army Chief Major General Emmanuel T Bautista tendered the traditional arrival honors for Oban.

In his speech, Oban cited his original love for the Army.

“I once told myself that I’d choose the Army as my branch of service. Back then, I also had aspirations of belonging to the elite ranks of the Scout Rangers,” said Oban.

He emphasized the significant role of the Philippine Army in winning the peace as he challenged the organization to sustain the momentum in the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.

“The face of our AFP has always been the Philippine Army. The credit goes to you for directly engaging with the community in our quest to ‘win the peace’. And because you are at the forefront of our campaign towards winning the peace, nasa inyo ang spotlight ng pagkilala sa Pilipinong kasundaluhan,” he said.

He also cited the efforts of the Philippine Army in complementing the IPSP through the Army Transformation Roadmap.

“This initiative to map out your destiny is necessary to determine the direction of our Army and its priorities in keeping up with social and political changes…This demonstrated ingenuity will certainly uphold the reputation of the Army as indispensable beacons of our country’s security,” added Oban.

Bautista, for his part, commended Oban for the sterling leadership, professionalism and commitment that he displayed as he performed his significant mandate. He likewise expressed gratitude for the morale and welfare efforts initiated by Oban for the troops.

 “We will remember the legacy that you will be leaving to us. This will serve as our inspiration to continue with the good job that we are doing,” said Bautista.

Oban is set to retire from the military service on December 13 as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. The Change of Command Ceremony will be held on December 12, a day before his 56^th birthday, at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.