FVR goes on a 6-day sortie in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY — Former President Fidel V. Ramos arrived here yesterday kicking off a six-day sortie to 10 cities in Mindanao where he shall address several university convocations and gatherings of civic groups as part of the provincial component of the lecture series of his Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEF). But interestingly, Ramos met with military officials of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division led by Deputy Commander Brig. General Felipe Berroya in an early morning briefing at the Armed Forces Southern Command advance command post at the Davao International Airport.

"I have to meet with the military officials in the area to be briefed on the situation since I am here to give lectures on issues affecting peace and development," the former president said.

Ramos brushed aside speculations he was meddling with the way President Arroyo heads the military organization. "I provide President Arroyo with detailed itinerary of all my trips whether here or abroad. Even with this sortie I have here in Mindanao, I have already forwarded to her through proper channel my schedule and everything," Ramos said. — Edith Regalado