New Navy commander assures full support during May 13 polls

DAVAO CITY, May 7 (PIA)  The new commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao assured its full support to the police and military in ensuring peaceful elections on May 13.

Captain Antonio Habulan Jr., newly-installed commander of the NFEM said the Navy is taking its cue from Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz, the commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command for the task that they will perform on the elections.

“We will follow and support all peace and order activities called for by the Eastern Mindanao Command of the AFP.  We will provide men and equipment to ensure that the peace   during the elections.” Habulan said.

He also told the navy and marines to remain apolitical and to support the government, police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in doing election-related duties.

Habulan held the position as deputy commander of the Naval Education and Training Command before assuming leadership of his new post in the NFEM, replacing Commodore Isabelo Gador in a simple turn-over  Tuesday morning at the covered area of the NFEM headquarters here.

Gador will assume as commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao based in Zamboanga City anytime this week.

Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, flag officer-in-command officer of the Philippine Navy urged the two naval officers to maintain the Philippine Navy core values anchored particularly intelligence, industry and integrity in pursuing their respective commands.

He said commanders as leaders must have sound minds and logical reasoning in carrying out their responsibilities.

Alano also said commanders must be industrious and lead with diligence before his men.

“It is not enough that you give orders.  You have to lead in front by example to get the job done,” he said. Alano said that to ensure moral ascendancy, commanders must have integrity.

He stressed that integrity is always an essential component of leadership in the Philippine Navy.

Alano also thanked all stakeholders in government, private sector and the citizenry for partaking in the realization of the Internal Peace and Security Plan: Bayanihan  which contributed greatly to spurring development in the countryside. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)