Duterte leads military change of command rites

Manila: President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday officiated the turnover ceremonies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the General Headquarters grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo, in suburban Quezon City.

The turnover rites was also joined by Vice President Leni Robredo and former president Fidel Ramos.

During the event, AFP chief Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda conceded to Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya, the man picked by Duterte after he won a landslide victory in the May 9 polls.

Miranda said that he will leave the military force with mission accomplished. He was also confident that Visaya is capable to lead the AFP.

It was at the turn-over rites of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo that Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo met for the first time.

Duterte and Robredo were a seat apart from each other during the ceremonies.

In between them was outgoing Acting Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda.

Breaking tradition, Duterte and Robredo held separate inaugurations on Thursday.

They were not able to set a meeting before they assumed office.

"This is the first time that I meet you personally," Duterte said when he acknowledged Robredo at the start of his speech.

"I would have preferred to be seated beside you but nandyan si defense, e (the defense official is seated between us)," he added, drawing laughter and applause.

'People-centred approach'

In his inaugural speech, Visaya expressed his "deepest gratitude" to the president for his trust in his ability. Visaya promised to coordinate with the Philippine National Police and be one with it in its intensified efforts against terrorism, drugs and criminalities.

"We intensify our support to law enforcement agencies in their mission to eliminate widespread criminality and the wanton destruction of lives brought about by the spread and use of illegal drugs," he said.

He also guaranteed to embark on a "people-centered" approach by involving even various rebel factions to reach its goal towards nation building. The AFP, Visaya said, will also support the expanded peace process with rebel groups.

Visaya, however, said military operations against terrorist groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group and all its allied terrorist cells will continue.

"We will continue to apply the full force of the law 24/7 to go after these criminals and profit-seeking elements who operate under the guise of religious fervor and holy war," he said.

On matters of territorial defense, Visaya said the AFP will abide by the political, legal and democratic processes to settle the issue.