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MANILA, Philippines -- As he saluted soldiers for the last time as chief of staff, General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. told President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the nation that he had accomplished his mission.

"Madam President, and my countrymen, mission accomplished," Esperon said in his valedictory address, shortly before he relinquished his post to Lieutenant General Alexander Yano.

Esperon said that under his watch, communist rebels were left in "disarray" after the dismantling of their guerilla fronts.

He cited the neutralization of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani and his second-in-command, Jainal Antel Sali alias Abu Solaiman.

In Mindanao, there is "relative peace" as troops and Moro rebels recognize the "primacy of the peace process."

Esperon assured the President that soldiers have realized that they should protect, rather than destroy, democratic institutions.

Troops have also recognized that "military adventurism is an obsession that exacts a heavy toll" on the country, their careers, and their families, he said.

Saluting troops on the Camp Aguinaldo parade grounds, Esperon said, "Tunay na karangalan kayo ng ating bansa [You are truly the pride of our nation]. My fellow soldiers, you have not failed our countrymen."

Esperon also thanked Arroyo for her "resolute leadership," for supporting the military.

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• Student leader seeks writ to stop ‘agents’
• Chief Justice: No magic bullet against assassins
• Changing of the guard

• Top 5 real estate brokers
• Top 10 interior designers
• Top 10 real estate appraisers
• Where’s Teehankee’s good conduct record?