PNoy presides over Army's command turnover

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday arrived at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City to preside over the Army's 54th change of command. Outgoing Army chief Lt. Gen Arturo Ortiz will relinquish his post to Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista. Also present during the ceremony are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief of staff General Eduardo Oban Jr. Ortiz's retirement was supposed to be on November 13, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56, but the turnover was held in advance as President Aquino will be attending the Asia Pacific Economic Conference Leaders and Ministers' meeting in Hawaii on the said date. Bautista, 53, served as the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division prior to his appointment. His unit is responsible for the Internal Peace and Security Operations in Region VI and provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor in Region VII. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981. Bautista is a recipient of five Distinguished Service Stars, Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action, Bronze Cross Medal for bravery, three Outstanding Achievement Medals, 29 Merit Medals, five of which were earned in combat, Military Commendation Medals and various Campaign Medals and Ribbons. — LBG, GMA News