(File photo)
MANILA – Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman on Tuesday lauded Malacañang for naming Peace Process Adviser Sec. Carlito “Charlie” Galvez as the new Department of National Defense (DND) chief who will be responsible to protect the peace and sovereignty of the country.
“Naniniwala tayo na ang solido at matagal nang karanasan ni Sec. Galvez sa usaping pangkapayapaan ay makakatulong ng malaki sa paggampan ng kanyang bagong tungkulin, mandato at responsibilidad (We believe that the solid and long experience of Sec. Galvez on peace matters will greatly help in the performance of his new task, mandate and responsibility),” Hataman said in a statement.
In vouching for the new DND chief, the Mindanao solon recalled working hand and hand with Galvez as partners in trying moments to fight for, and maintain, peace in the Bangsamoro region, particularly during the stint of Hataman as the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor.
“Sa katunayan, instrumental si Sec. Charlie sa tinatamasa nating kapayapaan ngayon hindi lamang sa BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) kundi pati na rin sa buong Mindanao (Sec. Charlie was instrumental in the peace we are enjoying now, not only in BARMM, but in whole of Mindanao),” he said.
Hataman said Galvez is a fine soldier who knows that the key to achieve peace is neither by the use of strong force nor through violence, but by genuine cooperation between communities and local government units (LGUs).
“The same is true in addressing war on terrorisms and Galvez likewise knows it,” he said.
Hataman also recalled Galvez being his partner in security concerns as brigade commander, when they started the implementation of the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE).
He said Galvez continued to support PAVE even when he was promoted as chief of he Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and was even at the forefront of the 2017 Marawi Siege incident, being responsible for the recovery of the city from the clutches of the terrorists.
“Kaya tayo ay lubos naniniwala sa kakayahan ni Sec. Charlie na mapanatili ang ating mga ganansiyang pangkapayapaan sa Mindanao at sa BARMM. At makakaasa si Sec. Charlie sa ating tulong kung sakaling kailanganin man niya ito (That is why we fully believe in the capability of Sec Galvez to maintain the peace gains in Mindanao and in BARMM. Rest assured, he can expect our help in case he needs it),” Hataman said as he congratulated the new DND chief. (PNA)
