MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Army concluded its change-of-command ceremony at Fort Bonifacio on Tuesday.
 
Assuming command is the Army's new commanding general, Lt General Noel Coballes. He replaced Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista was recently installed as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
 
In his message, President Aquino urged Coballes to stay true to his mandate and continue the programs initiated by his predecessor.
 
Aquino lauded Bautista for spearheading the IPSP Bayanihan as a means to promote peace especially at the countryside.
 
In his remarks, Bautista called on the CPP-NPA-NDF to pursue peace with the government.
 
With the change of leadership at the Army, Aquino reminded the soldiers about their duty to ensure peaceful elections.