Unaware of the political situation in Samar, Chan vows to elude from politically-related issues

By GINA DEAN-RAGUDO, Samar News.com
August 28, 2010

CALBAYOG CITY – If it’s a political intervention, it should be a political solution. Since I am not a politician, I will not be dealing with any political matter, said newly-installed 8th ID Commander MGen. Mario F. Chan in an ambush interview of SN.com after the Change of Command Ceremony held recently at Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar.

8ID chief MGen. Mario Chan The issue came out in the midst of political bickering in the area where leaders had exercised their power and influence over the “apolitically cloistered organization” in the previous May 2010 elections through an alleged payoff or favors sought by either of the party. Anyhow, the negative notion and impression did not affect the continued implementation of the 8th ID’s anti-insurgency programs by strengthening its civil-military and internal security operations as well as inculcating with greater measure of conviction among the personnel their duty towards the attainment of peace and development in their respective area of responsibility.

Chan also admitted that insurgency problems could not be solved solely by the military but with the strong support of all the stakeholders like the local government units and other concerned agencies as well as the Eastern Visayas’ Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) and the Regional Development Council (RDC).

LTC Federico Tutaan added that the G-Staff will brief the new commander on the current situation in the area to be used as his benchmark in making assessments in conceptualizing and effecting future policies.

On the other hand, aware of August 21 PNP Catarman ambush, PA’s Commanding General Arturo Ortiz said that the offensive attack brought about by the CPP-NPA was a violation of the Geneva Convention. The element of deception was committed in the murder of a retired military; and the reaction of the PNP was long anticipated which yielded to their death (sudden attack and landmine use) when they proceeded to the area.

MGen. Ortiz added that the Philippine Army will intensify its inter-agency coordination/cooperation especially with the PNP and the latest ambush in Northern Samar will be their basis in studying the strength of CPP-NPA in the area.

Taking cognizance of MGen. Arthur Tabaquero’s success during his incumbency, Ortiz is assured of Chan’s competence, who vowed to combat insurgency problem in his AOR by less than two years.