FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The year 2012 will witness the end of insurgency in Region 3 and the Ilocos Region—a pronouncement made by the newly installed Commander of the 7th Infantry Division (7ID) Major General Jose Z Mabanta Jr. in a turnover ceremony held at the post parade ground here Thursday.
“My Vision for the 7th Infantry Division is very straight forward: Clear Central Luzon by 2012…we will win Peace through the 4P Strategy”, said MGen. Jose Z Mabanta Jr., Division Commander of 7ID during the ceremony witnessed by Local Government Officials; top Philippine National Police officials, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) brigade and battalion commanders in the area; and Commanders of various units under the Division.
Mabanta immediately laid out a Four-Point strategy: People, Process and Systems, Partnership, and Policy. Values in line with the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” that will inspire soldiers in the 7ID Area of Responsibility as a guide in Winning the Peace.
Referring to the personnel of 7ID, Mabanta said that the People are the organization’s most valued asset. As commander 7ID, Mabanta said that he will make sure that the personnel will have the right talent, for the right job and that these talents are satisfied, fully engaged and motivated to finish the mission.
Mabanta further added that there shall be no shortcuts to win the peace. A Process will be crafted to guide soldiers to prevent loss of lives and optimize use of resources to make the organization ahead of its adversaries.
On Partnership Mabanta said that with what our “Bayanihan” has espoused 7ID will need to work will all stakeholders and continue to establish stronger network, the alliance that is needed to finish the mission.
Mabanta said that 7ID will reinforce Policies as embodied in “Bayanihan”.
“As a soldier, the challenge of being at the front is very fulfilling. I strongly feel that I am back to where I belong. Now I feel that all my past positions and missions brought and made me prepared for my mission in 7th ID. Looking back, I had a very fulfilling military life…accomplishing a myriad of tasks in the environment full of unknowns and risks,” MGen Mabanta said in the turnover ceremony.
“We are always committed to continuously strengthen professionalism and ensure the dynamism of the Armed Forces as it is important in carrying out our mandates effectively. This change of leadership is a necessary step in the military’s growth and improvement,” said AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo SL Oban Jr.
“Mabanta is one of the best assets of the AFP with commanding experience in the field on both military and civilian operations. We expect great things from him as the new commander of the 7ID. I am sure that he can easily adjust to the position having spent most of his time in the frontlines,” Gen. Oban added.
MGen Mabanta replaced MGen Ireneo C Espino who assumed his post as the AFP Inspector General.