Transfer of the Province of Masbate from Southern Luzon Command to the Central Command of the AFP

November 11, 2004

MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 153

DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE TO TRANSFER THE PROVINCE OF MASBATE FROM THE SOUTHERN LUZON COMMAND TO THE CENTRAL COMMAND OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

WHEREAS, at present, the Province of Masbate is under the Southern Luzon Command ("SOLCOM") of the Armed Forces of the Philippines ("AFP");

WHEREAS, the Province of Masbate is traditionally considered more as part of the Visayas Region, which is under the Central Command ("CENTCOM"),than that of the Bicol Region, which is under the SOLCOM;

WHEREAS, the transfer of the Province of Masbate to CENTCOM would result in more effective command and control of security forces;

WHEREAS, under Section 38, Chapter 6, Title VIII, Book IV of the Revised Administrative Code (the "Administrative Code") of 1987, the major services and other units of the AFP may be organized into such commands, forces and organizations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense. Further, the territory of the Philippines may be divided into such tactical and geographical areas and zones or regions and districts as the Secretary of National Defense may direct;

WHEREAS, under Section 35 of the Administrative Code, the Secretary of National Defense may, in accordance with the policies or directives of the President, reorganize the AFP in response to any situation or in pursuance to operational or contingency plans; TaHDAS

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. The Secretary of National Defense is hereby directed to transfer the Province of Masbate from Southern Luzon Command to Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

SECTION 2. All issuances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with this Memorandum Order are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 3. This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 11th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Four.