Incoming chief vows to make Army 'agile force' vs. terrorism

DAVAO CITY – The incoming commanding general of the Philippine Army vowed to make the army as an "agile force" in the government's fight against terrorism and insurgency.

Maj. General Macairog Alberto on Friday also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for the trust and confidence in him, and vowed to live up to the expectations of the President.

Alberto said his top priority is to strengthen the Army so that it can respond to current and future challenges.

He also wants to accelerate the growth of the Army, increase the funding for soldier and family programs, and improve healthcare for both its active members and veterans.

Alberto also said he wants to improve the ranks through leadership training, enhance the Army's logistics procurement and decision making processes, and continue to enhance its war-fighting capabilities.

"Yung iba naman is existing na kaya ituloy lang or enhance (Others are already in place so it only needs to be sustained and enhanced," he said.

Alberto bared that Brig. Gen. Erwin Bernard Neri is being eyed to replace him as the chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

Neri, who is currently assigned at the AFP general headquarters, is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class 1988. He was also the former commander of the Army's 1001st Infantry Brigade and commander of Task Force Davao.

Alberto will take over the post of Lt. General Rolando Bautista, who retires on October 15.

Alberto is a 1986 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)