Newly installed Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Raul del Rosario (left) shares a light moment with his predecessor Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar as they await the arrival of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya for the turn over of command ceremony at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said the AFP has been providing intelligence reports to the police regarding illegal drug operations in the country.
“The AFP also has a standby force which we can send in case the PNP and PDEA will need us,” he said.
Visaya was the guest of honor during the turn over of command at the AFP Central Command (Centcom), from Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar who just retired from service, to Maj. Gen. Raul del Rosario, who is now the new commander.
Del Rosario, the 18th commander of the Central Command, vowed to do his best to ensure peace and stability in the entire Visayas region.
“Our success starts in each unit of the Central Command. Let us work as a team as we strive hard to make a difference,” he said.
Del Rosario said soldiers were also willing to assist the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the campaign against illegal drugs.
“It’s an honor to be given this position but I also know how great the tasks and responsibilities are. Expect me to do my tasks to the best of my abilities,” he said.
His predecessor, Vivar, retired at age 56 — the compulsory retirement age of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Under his watch, he said the Central Command conducted 47,000 operations and neutralized 155 communist rebels.
Of the 155, 121 surrendered while the rest were either arrested or killed.
“I relinquish my position with utmost pride. It’s an honor to serve the Central Command for almost two years,” said Vivar who was appointed to his post in August 2014.
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