by PDI
The soldier-son of a general treacherously killed by Moro separatist rebels in the infamous massacre at Patikul, Sulu province, in October 1977 is taking over as new chief of the Philippine Army.
The youngest among 11 generals considered for the post, Major General Emmanuel Bautista, 53, formally assumes command of the 80,000-strong Army in ceremonies at Fort Bonifacio Wednesday.
He was a freshman cadet at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) when his father, Brigadier General Teodulfo Bautista, and 33 other officers and men were gunned down by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels in Patikul on Oct. 10, 1977.
An MNLF commander, Usman Sali, had lured the elder Bautista into a meeting in Patikul with a promise to talk about a ceasefire. To show his goodwill, the late general arrived for the meeting unarmed. He was shot to death.
Only one soldier survived the massacre.
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