ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 13, 2013) – Philippine Army chief General Emmanuel Bautista remains the strongest choice as the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces when General Jessie Dellosa retires this month.
Bautista, who belongs to Philippine Military Academy Class 81, is favored because of his impressive track records and outstanding accomplishments.
Senior commanders in Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City and Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City prefer Bautista to replace Dellosa.
“Gen. Bautista is a very good commander and hardworking and always maintains a low profile at work and despite the many accomplishments of the Philippine Army under his able leadership you will not hear or see him releasing information or holding news conferences to trumpet all these in the media.”
“He just let the higher headquarters do the talking while he works silently and effectively on the ground,” said one army colonel, who asked not to be named for fear that his statement would be taken against him personally by others who are aspiring to be the next Armed Forces chief.
He said other senior military officers share his views. But he was quick to say that the decision on who would replace Dellosa is with President Benigno Aquino. He said Defense chief Voltaire Gazmin can influence Aquino’s choice; however, the recommendation of other generals is also a deciding factor. (Mindanao Examiner)
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