David assumes top AFP post; Noynoy arrives late

Former Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo David on Friday took over the top military post during the change of command at Camp Aguinaldo, an event delayed for 30 minutes by the late arrival of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. Aquino, the commander-in-chief of both the military and police, arrived 10:30 a.m. or 30 minutes behind schedule. However, the President apologized for arriving late saying, "Siguro naga-adjust kami sa lumaking covnvoy namin and apologize for being late we will perfect that [arriving early despite having a big convoy." "Alam niyo ang issue sa akin nung inauguration, masyadong maaga. Ngayon naman ang tinatanong niyo, bakit ako late? Ano kaya sa criticisms ang tama?" he added.

Reports said the president's late arrival could have been due to the fact that his convoy stops at every stoplight along the way. The President came from his Times Street home in Quezon City. David took over the military leadership from Lt. Gen. Nestor Ochoa, who was designated acting AFP chief when General Delfin Bangit opted for early retirement last week. Both David and Ochoa belong to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Masikap" Class of 1977. Bangit belongs to the "Makatarungan" Class of 1978. In his speech, David reminded his soldiers to keep the military as a "disciplined institution." "We shall continue to be a responsible instrument of public policy, subservient to civilian authority," he said. David said as an instrument of national policy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would be focusing on attaining national security objectives.
He noted that national airports have the "most imminent threat" of being targeted by terrorist elements, and thus promised to focus security in them. But apart from ensuring national security from insurgent activities, David also stressed that the AFP should be an agent of peace. "This [however] does not mean we will be complacent. We will be vigilant, ready to protect the people.. in case of a breakdown of peace talks," he said. He also vowed full cooperation with other government agencies, saying, "We shall strive to be fully effective in this undertaking." "With our unparalleled determination. We will not fail our country men. The AFP shall remain an institution that the Philippine nation can be proud of," he said. "Tahakin natin ang daang matuwid, ang mabuting hangarin at mithiin ng sambayanang Pilipinas." For his part, Ochoa took pride in the fact that he was able to lead the military in "ensuring a peaceful transition" of power in government. He also thanked the 127,000 officers, soldiers, and civilian employees of the AFP for their "full and unwavering support." "It is the aspiration of every military official to assume the command as military chief. I am one of the very few to have this dream fulfilled," Ochoa said. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV