Iriberri talks peace after testimonial parade from PMA cadets

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City—Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri on Saturday urged cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to “fully appreciate the dividends of peace and of building consensus” as he had.

The cadets performed a testimonial parade for Iriberri ahead of his April 22 retirement.

A member of PMA Matikas Class of 1983, Iriberri said cadets should prepare for both war and peace, with the aspiration for the “unparalleled benefits of peace making.”

He said the Philippine military of the 21^st century was now composed of “men and women in uniform [who] are not only warriors, but [are] also builders, peace makers, teachers, advocates and partners for progress [because] … we interact, we build relationships, and we strengthen alliances.”

Iriberri is returning here on March 13, this year’s PMA graduation, which would be presided for the last time by President Benigno Aquino III.