THE 10TH Infantry Division (10ID) reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippine Constitution and its role as a non-partisan institution.
Major Mark Anthony Tito, 10ID Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, said during a press briefing yesterday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Tito emphasized the division’s loyalty to the chain of command.
“Whoever is our new commander,” Major Tito said, “we will follow orders from them. There’s no pressure because our direction is clear. We follow the chain of command and guidance from higher headquarters.”
Focus on mission, not politics
Tito dismissed concerns about political pressure, highlighting the importance of the chain of command. “We are a professional organization with a mandate to fulfill,” he stated. “Our soldiers are focused on their missions and maintaining peace and security in our area of operations,” he added.
He elaborated on the 10ID’s mission: “We are committed to sustaining the gains achieved in the region, declared insurgency-free. Our efforts continue through operations and stakeholder engagement.”
Tito also addressed rumors of left-leaning groups exploiting the recent political tensions in Davao del Norte.
He acknowledged their past partnership in achieving insurgency-free status but assured the public. “We can confirm there were no left-leaning groups involved in the rally,” he further said.
As former president Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters prepared for a rally in Davao last Sunday, rumors of a military pullout from the venue circulated, a power interruption occurred and the airport was temporarily closed.
The Hakbang ng Maisug prayer rally was the third rally organized by Duterte’s supporters against the proposed Charter change. It was held at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City.
Hours before the event, there were rumors on social media that Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno had ordered the pullout of military personnel from the rally’s venue.
10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala denied being ordered by Magno to pull out his troops.
Instead, he ordered repositioning troops since “my men are not supposed to be near the rally.”
