EastMin Commanding General visits 8th ID

By PIA Samar
April 13, 2012

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Eastern Mindanao Commanding Lieutenant General Arthur Tabaquero visited the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) Storm Troopers Division, Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Wednesday, six days before he retires from an active military career that spans decades of committed and dedicated service to his calling.

Tabaquero served as commanding general of the 8th ID (the longest serving commanding general of the division) before transferring to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom). He will be retiring on April 17.

Tabaquero, member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1978, will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 this month.

He assumed his post as chief of EastMinCom in November 2010.

“Saving the best for last,” Tabaquero was visibly exalted as he gave his remarks.

“During my two years at the 8th ID, I was able to accomplish much in so far fighting the remaining members of the rebel group, the New People’s Army,” Tabaquero said.

“I have accomplished things that were expected of me as the commanding general then,” he said.

“And whatever things that I had accomplished during my stay here, it was due to the strong support I got from the local government units and the people in this community.”

“I hope that you will support your new Commanding General here as you have supported me,” he added.

When asked if he will accept any government service position, Tabaquero said, "I wish that there is an offer for me to help the administration, but there is no formal offer yet.”