BY GILBERT BAYORAN

BACOLOD CITY. – A strict disciplinarian with a soldier’s heart.

He is Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, 55, incoming AFP chief who is the first Negrense to get the top military post. He is from Sagay City.

Maj. Eliglen Villaflor who used to serve Ibrado at the Special Operations Command, said, "He is a leader who looks into the welfare of his men, without sacrificing the standard of discipline."

Ibrado stresses the practice of "back to basics" among soldiers, with emphasis on military discipline.

For Ibrado, discipline is non-negotiable.

Ibrado, currently Army chief, has vowed he would not tolerate participation by his men in disappearances and extra-judicial killings.

Maj. Nathaniel Villasor, who served under Ibrado while he was 303rd Infantry Brigade commander in Negros, recalled that the incoming AFP chief always rewarded those who perform well, and punished those who broke the rules.

Ibrado, who is replacing Gen. Alexander Yano in June, said he shares the "honor" of his appointment with his fellow Negrenses.

Military officers and enlisted personnel who used to work with Ibrado in Negros said he is the most qualified to lead the AFP.

"The AFP deserves nothing but the best leader… and that is Bong (nickname of Gen. Ibrado)," said retired Maj. Gen. Alphonsus Crucero, former 3rd Infantry Division commander.

Crucero and Ibrado used to command the 11th Infantry Battalion and 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros island, and later the 3rd Infantry Division in Jamindan, Capiz.

Col. Norman Flores, Army Civil Military Operations chief, said Ibrado is a leader and a brother.

"He looks after the welfare of his people while enhancing their capacity to do their jobs," he said.

Police Director Leopoldo Bataoil, a mistah of Ibrado at the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1976, described him as a "leader with a soldier’s heart."

S/Sgt. Rolanie Dabi of the Army Civil Military Operations Group said Ibrado is a friend to everybody.

Supt. William Senoron, former Sagay police chief, said Ibrado is an approachable, low-profile and kind-hearted general.

Ibrado’s appointment as next AFP chief was announced Tuesday by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.