President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, as he arrives at Fort Magsaysay, is welcomed by Lieutenant General Romeo T Tanalgo, Commander of the Northern Luzon Command, Philippine Army, and Major General Angelito M De Leon, Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army.
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE visited the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division on 26 July 2016, just a day after his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Upon the President’s arrival at the Fort Magsaysay Airstrip, Major General Angelito M De Leon, Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division received him, along with other top military officials such as General Ricardo R Visaya, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lieutenant General Eduardo M Año, Commanding General, Philippine Army, and Lieutenant General Romeo T Tanalgo, Commander, Northern Luzon Command. Secretary Delfin N Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense (DND) arrived ahead of the President, while National Security Adviser Retired General Hermogenes C Esperon Jr arrived with the President’s other escorts.
Immediately after his arrival, the Commander-in-Chief had a conference meeting with his military officers at the 7ID Headquarters before proceeding to the 7ID Covered Court where the Kaugnay troops and troops of the tenant units of Fort Magsaysay awaited.
When he finally met with the troops, Pres. Duterte shared that his father was a soldier so he emphasized that he was aware of their needs. He further explained
that the unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF that he declared during his SONA was not his decision alone but a result of a consultation with his cabinet. He assured that the AFP modernization will continue and that he will give everything that the soldiers need to carry out their mandate.
To the joy of everyone at the 7ID Covered Court, Pres. Duterte promised an incremental increase in the soldiers’ salaries starting next month (August). He said “I promise to double your salary, you will get it,” but did not give details on the schedule of installments. And as expected, the soldiers cheered.
President Duterte said that he was a president that seeks peace with everyone. And that though he cannot make the soldiers happy he could at least make their lives comfortable. As parting words, the President impressed to MGen De Leon that he is very happy with his Armed Forces. (Click picture below to enlarge)
Upon arrival, Pres. Duterte, immediately proceeded to 7ID Headquarters for a closed-door conference with his military officers.
Pres. Duterte at the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division Covered Court, speaking before the troops in Fort Magsaysay.
Pres. Duterte as he speaks before the troops in Fort Magsaysay. Behind him, starting from the left, are MGen Angelito M De Leon, Commander, 7ID, PA, LtGen Romeo T Tanalgo, Commander, Northern Luzon Command, AFP, Secretary Delfin N Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense (DND), Ret. Gen. Hermogenes C Esperon Jr, National Security Adviser, and General Ricardo R Visaya, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
President Duterte with General Ricardo R Visaya, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines; Lieutenant General Eduardo M Ano, Commanding General, Philippine Army; Lieutenant General Romeo T Tanalgo, Commander, Northern Luzon Command, AFP; Major General Angelito M De Leon, Commander, 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, PA and the troops of 7ID.
President Duterte with Lieutenant General Eduardo M Ano, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Major General Angelito M De Leon, Commander, 7ID, PA, and the troops of the Special Operations Command, the Army Artillery Regiment and the Training and Doctrine Command.
Major General Angelito M De Leon, Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, sends off President Duterte during the conclusion of his visit to 7ID on 26 July.
