Negrense Army general peacemaker in Mindanao

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 6): Negrense Army general peacemaker in Mindanao

Lt. Gen., Rey Ardo, who is retiring from the military service on Nov. 9, was instrumental in the signing of the framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government.

Ardo, who is from Fabrica, Sagay City, ends on Saturday more than 35 years of military service, as commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command.

Ardo was reportedly popular in the Central Mindanao provinces for his community projects supporting the GPH-MILF talks, while serving as chairperson of the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) coordinating committee for the cessation of hostilities between the AFP and MILF, and later as commanding general of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

“The Mindanao problem is best addressed through diplomatic, `convergence-type resolution,’ an approach that has to involve all sectors. It cannot be won by guns and bullets alone,” Ardo said.

The 6ID supervises three Army infantry brigades in Central Mindanao, including that of the 602nd Infantry Brigade headed by Brig. Gen. Ademar Tomaro, that is stationed in Carmen, North Cotabato.

Tomaro, who is from Brgy. Tapi, Kabankalan City, also helped Ardo in the realization of the MILF-GRP framework agreement, military records also show.

Ardo said the nagging Moro issue is best resolved through "convergence" of diplomatic efforts by local sectors, leaders of Moro fronts, the political communities and local government units in Moro-dominated areas.

Local leaders and peace activists from Mindanao asked Malacañang to replace Ardo with an officer who has a record of peace-building in communities covered by the 1997 ceasefire accord between the government and the MILF.

Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the AFP Western Command, has been named as his successor. Both are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1981.

Ardo, who commands the entire AFP units in Western Mindanao, called on the 6ID soldiers to continue pursuing peace while resolving security problems in Moro areas through traditional conflict-resolution practices.

On Monday, President Benigno Aquino III conferred on Ardo a Distinguished Service Star, in recognition of his exemplary leadership in handling the Zamboanga crisis last month.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/06/topstory4.htm