7th ID Chief Change of Command held at Fort Magsaysay

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay)  Division conducted a Change of Command Ceremony and was presided by Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri, Commanding General Philippine Army (CGPA). The succession of Command was between Brig Gen Vic C Castro, Outgoing Commander 7ID, and Brgi Gen Glorioso V Miranda, the Incoming Commander 7ID held at the 7^th Infantry Division Grandstand last April 2, 204 (9:a.m.)

BGen Glorioso V Miranda (AFP) assumed the position as the 24^th Commander of the 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army on 02 April 2014. He is a member of Philippine Military Academy “MATIKAS” Class of 1983.

His professional military training includes: Scout Ranger Course at Scout Ranger Training Center, First Scout Ranger Regiment on 01 October 1983; Basic Airborne Course at Scout Ranger Training Center, First Scout Ranger Regiment on 01 February 1985; Intel Officer Basic Course at SITS, ISAFP on July 1986; Commando Course at CDO Training Center in UK on 01 September 1986; Infantry Officer Advance Course at Singapore on 07 November 1992; Command and General Staff Course at Command General Staff College on 24 June 2003; Joint & Combined Staff Officers Course at Joint Command and Staff College on 24 October 2003 and Master in National Security Admin at DND, AFP, NDCP on 31 August 2007.

He also finished Master in Business Administration at Isabela College on 15 April 1992 and Project Management Executive Course at AIM, Makati City on 26 January 1996.

As a brilliant and tough officer, he moved on with his career carrying excellent standard of performance, fine leadership and keen vision that resulted in remarkable accomplishment in both of his garrison and field tours of duty.

Prior to his assumption of post as 7ID Commander, his significant assignments and positions were: Battalion Commander of the 25IB, 6ID, PA from 15 February 2000 to 15 December 2002; Real Estate Officer, Central Command, AFP from 20 March  2006 to 01 October 2007; Vice Chairman Doctrine Command, Training Doctrine from 01 September 2008 to 08 May 2009; Director, Doctrine Center, TRADOC, PA from 01 September 2008 to 13 May 2009; Commandant, CSS, TRADOC, PA from 08 May 2009 to 13 May 2009; Commander, Joint Tasked Force GenSan, 10ID, PA from  04 January 2010 to 01 April 2011; Commander, 1002^nd Brigade, 10ID, PA from 01 April 2011 to 16 October 2012; Assistant Commandant / Dean of Academics, AFPCGSC from 16 October 2013 to 13 February 2013 and Commander, GHQ & HSC, AFP from 18 February to 02 April 2014.

His remarkable accomplishments and achievements coupled with his strong desire for excellent service has become more evident by the awards, commendations and decorations he received. Among which are the following: four (4) Distinguished Service Stars; one (1) Distinguished Conduct Star; four (4) Gold Cross Medal,   one (1) Long Service Medals; one (1) Bronze Cross Medal; numerous Military Merit and Commendation Medals; Campaign Medals and ribbons, and various other citations, badges and awards from both military organizations and civilian institutions.

Miranda was born on 08 October 1961 in San Fernando, La Union. He is married to Carolina M Miranda and blessed with four (4) children namely; Charmaine Anne, Christine Andrea, Glen Carlo and Guian Christopher.

                

“We may be bounded with different faith, we may be bounded with different professions, we may be bounded with different lifestyles, and so there is lot of differences between other agencies and individual differences. I believe there is what we call common denomination: Stability and Peace.” Brig Gen Miranda said in his assumption speech.

            “I would like to thank Brig Gen Castro, the outgoing Commander 7ID for his dedication and commitment in his service especially in 7ID. Today I hand over the key to this home to a seasoned warrior and strategist in the person of Brig Gen Glorioso V Miranda the incoming Commander 7ID. I know that his vast experiences to command, leadership and management in various key positions in AFP units in the past will serve him well as he start his mind full task as Commander of 7ID.” Lt Gen. Iriberri, CGPA said in his message.

Japan reiterates support for lasting peace in Mindanao

PILAR, Bataan-Learning valuable lessons from history, Japan has shifted gear from being a Philippine adversary to an ally in pursuing peace and prosperity, particularly in Mindanao.

 

In his speech during the 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan rites today, Japanese ambassador Toshinao Urabe said that the two nations are now strategic partners sharing common values.

 

"We are proud of and are committed to continue our contribution in peacekeeping efforts in Mindanao. Japan will continue to contribute proactively to the peace, stability and prosperity, not only for this region, but also for the international community," Urabe said.

 

The ambassador also reiterated President Aquino's remark during the signing ceremony of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro which says "Japan plays a consenting role on the progress of the Mindanao peace process,"

 

Among the initiatives of the Japanese government in Mindanao include community development by constructing schools, clinics, wells and training facilities, while at the same time promoting human resources development. 

 

In addition, it is also working for economic development geared towards sustainable development through cooperation focused on agriculture, mining and manufacturing, and large-scale infrastructure development among others.

 

Aside from this, it should be noted that exchange of visits and contacts between the two nations continue on a regular basis.

 

"Our soldiers were working shoulder to shoulder in the UN peacekeeping operations at the Golan Heights prior to the Syrian crisis," concluded Urabe.

 

History recounts that on April 9, 1942, approximately 78, 000 Filipino and American soldiers stationed in Corregidor and Bataan formally surrendered to the Japanese army under Lt. General Masaharu Homma.

 

These prisoners of war were transferred to Camp O' Donnell, Capas, Tarlac in what would infamously be known as the "Bataan Death March".

 

The Dambana ng Kagitingan was built on top of Mt. Samat in 1966 in memory of those soldiers.

 

The shrine's most distinct feature is 92-meter Memorial Cross which is made up of marble, steel, and concrete. (Marie Joy L. Simpao)

NLRC sheriff reinstates ousted Ecija university prexy in tense return

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–The National Labor Relations Commission yesterday officially reinstated a university president who was  unceremoniously ousted from his post two years ago in a tension-filled return marked by a confrontation between the lady sheriff and school officials.

          Prof. Manuel Palomo Sr. was accompanied by NLRC Region 3 Sheriff Aida Gervacio who served at 10 am the writ of execution of the 28-page March 11 decision issued by regional labor arbiter Mariano Bactin which ruled that Palomo Sr.’s dismissal as Wesleyan University president was illegal and unjustified. With him was his son and namesake Manuel who was also ordered reinstated as chief administrative officer by the NLRB.

          Palomo was ousted last March 11,2012 in a resolution of the WUP’s board of trustees (BOT). It was affirmed on the same day by the United Methodist Church’s College of Bishops (COB) which selects the university  president as well as the members of the BOT.

          In ordering Palomo Sr. reinstated, the NLRC  also ordered the BOT and the COB to indemnify him P8.544 million in backwages; actual, moral and exemplary damages and attorney’s fees. Palomo was represented in the labor suit by lawyer Valentino F.P. Alberto. 

          The serving of the writ was marred by tension when Gervacio confronted the security officers and university officials manning the gate when they barred the Palomo father-and-son and Gervacio from entering the university compound allegedly on instructions from the school’s officer-in-charge Pacifico |Aniag.

          Gervacio was likewise denied entry inside the gate by security officer Julio Minor, prompting her to remark : “Why don’t you allow us to go in? The Wesleyan is not treating its visitors well,” she said.       She warned that the security officers run the risk of being cited for contempt.

          The two Palomos stayed inside their vehicle while Gervacio was confronting the university officials. They left without alighting from their car.

          Gervacio was met outside the school’s premises by Ma. Niña Regala, Aniag’s secretary and general services officer Crisaldo Vicencio. Regala received the copy of the writ and signed it under the acacia tree amid the scorching heat in the presence of the media, security guards of the school and two lawmen who stood guard outside with a patrol car on standby. 

          A brief commotion ensued when other vehicles were also barred from entering the school premises. A mother asked the guard on duty if she could be permitted to go in as she was to have her child enrolled.

          Aniag was not around when the writ was served. He has not been returning calls nor answering text messages on his mobile phone.

          His executive assistant Reynaldo Samonte said he was on a four-day meeting in his hometown in Bulacan and will return on Friday.       Samonte said they won’t allow Palomo to go inside the school since they have secured an injunction preventing him from entering the school compound.

          Gervacio said with the serving of the writ, Palomo  Sr. is now considered officially reinstated even if he has not set foot inside the university even with the injunction which, she said, is not permanent. She said his reinstatement is effective March 11 when the decision was made.

          Palomo Sr. said that based on the implementation of the writ of execution by the sheriff, which has become final, he said he expects Aniag to step down as OIC to give way to him.

          “I now expect the OIC to show some chivalry and delicadeza to immediately vacate the position and give way to me as the legal president,” he said. “He should now pack his bags and go back to Bulacan to where he belongs.”

          He said the College of Bishops had assured him that they would respect the NLRC decision ordering his reinstatement.      

          He said the injunction being cited in preventing him from entering the school is not applicable in his case because he has already issued an affidavit of undertaking not to enter the school premises or any of its campuses without any order issued by the court or other agency or entity having jurisdiction on the case.

          Palomo clarified that he never intended to enter the school but the writ stated that his reinstatement required him to be physically present.

          He said he didn’t feel bad about not being able to gain entry inside the school. However, he lamented the shabby treatment Gervacio was subjected to in enforcing the writ. “Imagine an agent of the law being given that kind of treatment?” he asked.                   

          The NLRC said it “found substantial, convincing and competent evidence” that Palomo – who was elected to a five-year term in 2009 which will end this April 30 - was illegally and unjustifiably dismissed as university president after careful evaluation of the facts presented.

          After serving for over two years, Palomo filed a one-year leave of absence without pay on June 11,2011 amid graft allegations against his administration. He said he was doing it for the sake of peace within the university.

In issuing the ruling, the NLRC noted that it gives respect to the UMC which owns and runs the university, thinking that it should be the champion in upholding the basic rights of its members, officers and employees. “However, in the case of the complainant, we failed to see all his basic rights were duly protected and respected. We cannot close our eyes to reality, particularly if the basic rights of our citizens will be trampled, disregarded and denied by those persons and parties who are supposed to uphold them,” the decision said.

It added that the act of the BOT recommending to the COB the summary dismissal of Palomo which the latter approved in just a one-day period “is a clear case of deprivation of the complainant’s right to due process, the right and opportunity to know the charges against him and to have a hearing to explain his side, and confront his accusers.” (Manny Galvez)

Legarda Condoles the Passing of Don Emilio Yap

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda expressed her condolences to the family of Don Emilio Yap, who passed away last April 7.

“Don Emilio was a philanthropist. He cared about his people. I have many fond memories of him. He was a kind, supportive friend who sincerely cared and gave wise counsel. I am forever grateful to him for the break he gave me as a Bulletin columnist for many years. He will be missed,” said Legarda.

“Don Emilio was best known as head of the Manila Bulletin and as a very successful businessman. But many people and organizations also know him as a great philanthropist who shared his wealth with various advocacy groups through his generous donations.”

“His business undertakings alone provided employment to many Filipinos and supported many families. He had a big heart for supporting numerous organizations, humanitarian causes and development programs. He would immediately donate to victims of calamities and was quick to help Filipino citizens in need. He supported social welfare programs of the government and regarded quality education highly.”

“He was a businessman who knew that whatever he gained, he should also generously give back to the people who helped him and patronized his undertakings. He knew it was part of his responsibility to contribute to the social and economic development of the country. Don Emilio Yap was a great man with a generous heart,” said Legarda.