Cachuela is new CentCom chief

CEBU, Philippines – The Central Command gets a new commander yesterday following the retirement of Maj. Gen. Armando Cunanan who held the position for just a few months.

Cunanan, in his speech, gave thanks to his men for working together in the campaign against insurgency. However, he added that since the problem is not yet totally solved, he is leaving it to Lt. Gen. Isagani Cachuela, the new chief, to finish.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado, who has also once served as the CentCom commander, was the presiding officer during the formal turnover of command that was held at the CentCom headquarters at the Camp Lapu-Lapu.

Before assuming the post as CentCom chief, Cachuela has served as the 18th commander of North Luzon Commander (NOLCOM). He graduated from the Philippine Army Academy (PMA) and was commissioned as the 2nd Lieutenant of the Philippine Army in 1976.

Cachuela said that as ordered by the president, he would continue the campaign against insurgency in the Visayas. According to him, “we would finish this war first semester of 2010,” adding they would heighten their guards and be on the fast track to finish.

However, Cachuela said they will also need the help of the local government units and the community to succeed. He added their good relationship with the Philippine National Police will continue to maintain the peace and order situation. – Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/WAB (THE FREEMAN)