Retired Gen. Victor Ibrado, who relinquished his post Wednesday as Armed Forces Chief of Staff to Gen. Delfin Bangit, for the last time called on soldiers to consistently respect, promote, and protect human rights, and remain staunchly non-partisan especially in the coming May elections.

Ibrado leaves behind a legacy of success as he finally closed the book on his 38 years of military career.

In his message to the troops at the Change-of-Command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo presided by President Arroyo, Ibrado said it was a great day to retire from the noble profession of soldiery, citing the numerous significant accomplishments achieved by the AFP during his term.

“Our collective efforts are bringing forth a new age of hope for our countrymen. We have pushed the Communist insurgents on the verge of irrelevance. We have made violence an untenable option for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). We are patiently but relentlessly hunting down the Abu Sayyaf terrorists and getting very encouraging and positive results,” said Ibrado.

“Most importantly, we are helping other agencies bring the most needed services of the government to the people in the farthest places in the country. We are reaching out in alliances with all sectors of society and the global community, guided by the steady hand of our Commander-in-Chief,” he said.

Ibrado said the increased public approval and growing credibility of the AFP reflect these positive developments.

“We have been able to prove that your Armed Forces does not have to flex its muscles, encourage violent action or military armed offensives to sow the seeds of stability and growth. Quite often the non-traditional, peaceful, and collaborative approaches we have taken have been the most effective,” he added.

Ibrado went on to say, “As we have painstakingly sown the seeds of peace and development, so we shall reap its fruits in time. For now, it is time to take my leave and continue our common quest of nation building in another capacity.”

Before making his final call to the troops, Ibrado first expressed his gratitude starting from President Arroyo for her trust and confidence in giving him the opportunity to serve the country; to his superiors for the leadership lessons that stir in his mind and heart when faced with challenges; and his mistahs of PMA Magilas Class 1976, as well as his peers, for the company and camaraderie.

He also thanked his lower classmen and subordinates and every officer and enlisted personnel he has served and worked with.

Acknowledging his successor, Ibrado said, “In General Bangit, we have an exemplary representative of the large pool of professional and competent commanders who can serve as Chief of Staff.”

He said Bangit is “fit to serve as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines” because of his outstanding military career.

For the last time as AFP Chief of Staff, Ibrado also called on the military to “consistently respect, promote and protect human rights, at the same time to remain non-partisan and actively work for honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

“These are the most basic indicators of our professionalism. In doing this, we will not only have atained our goals, but will have also earned the universal and lasting pride and gratitude of our nation for generations to come,” he further told the soldiers.

“The mission and tasks may be arduous but with a mindset of true, dedicated and unselfish service, nothing is impossible. We will prevail,” he ended.