Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
17 January 2013

President and Commander-in-Chief Benigno S. Aquino III led the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony and Testimonial Review in honor of outgoing Chief of Staff General Dellosa at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

General Dellosa, who is retiring on January 20, relinquished his post to incumbent Commanding General of the Philippine Army Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista.

In his speech, President Aquino gave the challenge to the AFP and the Philippine National Police to assure that the 2013 national and local elections be held peacefully and with integrity.

“Saligang batas ang dapat niyong kilingan; taumbayan ang dapat ninyong panigan. Pangalagaan ninyo ang karapatan ng mamamayan na malayang makapili ng kanilang mga pinuno,” he said.

The President is confident that the newly installed AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen.  Emmanuel Bautista will continue to lead the military in protecting the welfare of the people and in achieving long lasting peace.

On the other hand, President Aquino awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor in the degree of Chief Commander to former AFP Chief of Staff General Jessie Dellosa for the outstanding services he rendered to the institution for 38 years.

“Buong loob niyang ipinagtanggol ang demokrasya at Saligang Batas sa mga tangkang kudeta. Hindi rin siya natinag sa serbisyo, makailang ulit man siyang nasugatan sa pakikipagbakbakan sa mga rebeldeng grupo nang madestino siya sa Mindanao at sa Northern Luzon,” he said.

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