Newly promoted Central Command commander Lt. Gen. Paul Atal gets military honors in a ceremony at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Lahug, Cebu City.
CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA
The commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Central Command has moved a step higher in rank as he was promoted to a three-star general.
Paul Atal, who was assigned to lead the Cebu City-based Centcom, was appointed to the rank of a lieutenant general.
In a speech he delivered before his troops yesterday, Atal vowed to give his best for the good of the people.
“My promotion is not a decoration but rather an added opportunity and responsibility. It poses more challenges. We are here to serve, not to be served,” Atal said.
“Family comes secondary. In fact, when my three children were born, I was not at the side of my wife because I was on duty. Whether we like it or not, we soldiers are primarily committed to the government,” he added.
Atal called on his troops to help him achieve the goal of having a “safer and more progressive” Visayas.
“I need the support of each of you. I can’t do this alone. Let us help each other. In unity, there is strength. As they say, united we stand, divided we fall. Let us strive for excellence in all aspects,” he said.
Atal assumed his post as commander of the Central Command on Dec. 8, 2017.
He held the rank of a major general before the recent promotion.
Atal, a native of Tuguegarao City, said the Central Command now focuses on the upcoming Fiesta Señor and Sinulog activities.
He said they will help the police in maintaining peace and order as well as crowd control during the biggest event in Cebu.