BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR and VICTOR REYES
PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday told the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to continue efforts to achieve peace, security, and stability in the country as he committed to sustain its modernization.
“My marching guidance has always remained constant: we commit to the cause of peace. The security and stability of the country remain the priority,” he said the military’s 87th foundation anniversary at the AFP headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, in the same event, said the military is crafting a new campaign plan that will contribute to peace in the country.
“Soon, Mr. President, we will be unveiling a new campaign plan, a plan that will assist in setting the stage for the attainment for genuine unity, synergy and peace for our country,” Bacarro said.
The last campaign plan implemented by the Armed Forces was the Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) Kapayapaan. It was implemented in January 2017 during the administration of President Duterte.
DSSP Kapayapaan succeeded the International Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan which was implemented during the administration of President Aquino III.
The campaign plans provide a framework for addressing various threat groups in the country, including the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army.
Marcos said his administration is committed to the AFP modernization program so the country will have a strong, credible, and world-class armed forces.
He also vowed to provide for the needs of soldiers whom he thanked for unwavering loyalty and service to the country, to the Constitution, and to Filipinos.
He recognized the gallantry and dedication showed by the soldiers and other uniformed services, from helping keep peace, upholding democratic ideals and defending the country against terrorists and other armed groups, to providing rescue and immediate assistance during calamities and disasters.
Marcos said the Armed Forces remained steadfast, and assisted the government in fighting the “unseen war” which is the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also recognized the AFP’s success in the campaign against communist rebels and lawless elements who hamper the delivery of government services and infrastructure development.
“Through your efforts, along with other law enforcement authorities and government agencies, we now see a significant decline in their numbers. And with that, you have helped pave the way for development to foster and for communities to live in peace,” he said.
Marcos also led the awarding of uniformed and non-uniformed personnel of the AFP, and moments of silence for those who perished during military operations.
Bacarro said the military has succeeded in “decreasing the capability of communist terrorist groups” through internal security operations.
“On this front we can confidently state that we have achieved strategic victory and it is inching closer towards victory against terrorism. Our localized peace building efforts, with a multi-stakeholder and whole-of-nation approach, also yielded positive results. Thus, we encouraged enemies of the state to return to the fold of the law and build goodwill with communities,” said Bacarro.
EXTERNAL DEFENSE
Bacarro also said the military’s external security operations “ensured that our country and people are safe from pressure and aggression from outside.”
“We know that this is the cornerstone of sovereignty,” said Bacarro.
He said the success in the field of external defense operations can be attested to by patrol and air operations that the Armed Forces conducted “to counter intrusion and aggression” and by the establishment of more littoral monitoring stations.
“We also made strides in the modernization of our Armed Forces through the acquisition of capable and state-of-the-start ground, air, sea assets. These are all part of our efforts to contribute to the achievement of a credible defense posture for our country,” said Bacarro.
He said the military has also bolstered partnerships with other countries, noting that security threats transcend borders.
“We continue our efforts to fortify our ties with partner nations in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), in Indo-Pacific region and globally through international fora and dialogues,” said Bacarro.
