After becoming the 50th Army commanding general, Ibrado promised to respect and protect human rights, which he said was among the Army’s "dynamic advocacies" during his tour of duty.

"We shall ensure that human rights across all strata of society will be respected and protected at all times. There is really a need to remind everybody from time to time," he said.

"Sometimes, we forget when you do not say it over and over. Sometimes, people have their own ideas how to fight the war and sometimes they make mistakes," he said.

Ibrado said he would sponsor when needed seminars on human rights for Army soldiers before they are deployed to the frontlines.

He promised to cooperate in investigations on the disappearance of Burgos, who was allegedly abducted by Army troops in Quezon City on April, 2007.

Activist groups have blamed the military, particularly the Army, for the murders and disappearances of many of their members.

The new Army chief challenged the groups to file charges before courts to avoid trial by publicity, while accusing some of them of "making up stories" of disappearances of members.

He cited the case of an alleged missing activist from Negros who was later found participating in an anti-government rally.

"If there are complaints against anybody in the Armed Forces, then they should file the appropriate charges and we will cooperate in the investigation. We will not condone or tolerate anybody who would violate human rights," Ibrado said.