Speaking before the conglomeration of media practitioners who comprise the Negros Defense Press Corps (NDPC) during the weekend gathering for its 20 years of existence, Maj. General Vicente Porto, commanding general, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army in Western Visayas, lauded the great role of media in strengthening peace and development. He said, "you are witnesses to the clashes of the military and the rebels just to protect the interest of our peace loving people.

You have been part in informing the people of what we have done. You risk your lives just to get factual information how the government sustains peace and development in the countryside. We thank you so much because you always report to the public the truth, as we have accountability to the public, to prove that we have nothing to hide but to tell the truth."

MGen. Porto is also grateful to the media for being fair in dealing with the issues involving the military."You have been fair in getting our side. You have been with us through the times." The army, Porto said, will continue to foster the relationship with media.

He also said, "last year was a fruitful year for the army, and the media was a partner in all our undeavors."

He also assured the media that his men from the battalion commanders to the field-men will be apolitical, or non-partisan this coming elections.

"We will make this election peaceful, honest and most of all, credible.

Highlight of the event was the raffle of gifts donated by no less than Gen. Victor Ibrado, the Negrense Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines. Other donors were Maj. Gen. Porto, Col. Maximo Caro - commanding officer, 303rd Infantry Brigade; Brig. General Cesar Yano - commanding officer, 302nd, Infantry Brigade; NOPPO Director SSupt. Manuel Felix, BCPO Director SSupt Celestino Guara, battalion commanders Lt. Col. Ricardo Bayhon - 61st IB, Lt. Col. Ramil Bitong - 11th IB, Lt. Col. Alberto Desoyo - 62nd IB, Lt. Col. Antonio Nafarete - Scout Ranger Battalion; NBI Bacolod head Atty. Mamerto Cortez, Albee Benitez, Sagay City Mayor Freddie Marañon, Mr. GG Barcelona, and the provincial government of Negros Occidental through Gov. Isidro Zayco.

Incumbent president of NDPC is Erwin Delilano of (Agila), along with Gilbert Bayoran (V Daily Star), Dolly Yasa (formerly with Panay News), Annie Calderon (Sunshine Channel TV), Pons Espino (Bombo Radyo), Ray-mond Kid Embang (RMN-Agong), Barbara Mijares and Mits Lipa (ABS-CBN), Nonoy Calinao (RPN TV-8), and this writer for Negros Daily Bulletin/Manila Bulletin.

Dolly Yasa recalled before the audience some intances of the tremendous experiences and encounters by the members of media and the military commanders assigned in Negros who made history in the province.

NDPC Pillars of NDPC who were present during the affair were military historian Eddie dela Fuente (then with DYEZ) who said that Negros has become the laboratory of military commanders prior to their promotion to higher ranks; Harold Limbo (ABS-CBN), Marlyn Sanogal (then with Daily Star), Atty. Imelda Gerangaya and Avelyn Agudon (Sunstar-Bacolod), and Andy Delgado (then with DYEZ).

Closely working with the media, were civil military operations (CMO) officers of each unit: 1Lt Mark Andrew Posadas - head, Department of Public Affair Office (DPAO), 3rd ID; Maj. Nathaniel Villasor - 303rd Brigade; 1Lt Jimrhic Obias temporarily pinched in by 1Lt Joseph Buencamino - 11th IB in Guihulngan for Central Negros; 1Lt Joselito Dalida - 61st IB in Cauayan, southern Negros Occidental, and 1Lt Ruben Ayroso, 62nd IB in the north, and NOPPO information officer Maj. Rico Santotome.* (EBColmo)