A top official of the Philippine Army’s (PA) 4th Infantry Division (ID) expressed hope that Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, the Army’s new commanding general, will be able to lead the PA to greater heights of public service.

“We know and believe that through his leadership and guidance he will steer the Army to greater heights,” PA’s 4ID commander, Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal said during the 4ID’s 50th founding anniversary celebration here on Friday.

Gacal assured the new Army chief will work hard to “support and follow his every command in upholding our mandate of serving the people and securing the land”.

For his part, Gapay acknowledged the 4ID’s major contribution to the execution of Executive Order (EO) 70 that prompted the communist rebels and their sympathizers to return to the fold of the law.

“I commend 4ID for your significant and laudable accomplishments in 2019. You are a pioneer in implementing EO 70 which is very commendable. We know and see that we have gaps and limitations but despite that, 4ID delivered service beyond expectation,” Gapay said.

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 70 which institutionalizes a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ against insurgency.

After talking to the 4ID troops, Gapay visited the different booths of the “Barrio Peace-TA sa Kampo 2020” which featured the different tourists’ spots and local products of Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region’s as part of the anniversary celebration.

Gacal is hoping that Gabay’s visit would not be his last as commander of the Army.

“His visit is very timely for we were able to show our Barrio Peace-Ta as part of the Golden Founding Anniversary of the Division,” Gacal said. (PNA)