New AFP chief tells troops: Ignore politics, no HR violations

From Rappler (Jul 22): New AFP chief tells troops: Ignore politics, no HR violations

Catapang, who assumed command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines last week, starts his tour of military camps

BACK IN TARLAC: New Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Gregorio Catapang Jr visits the Northern Luzon Command

Newly appointed Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Gregorio Catapang Jr started his tour of military camps on Tuesday, July 22, to issue his first orders to the troops.

No collateral damage. No human rights violations. Don't be distracted by the ongoing political dynamics in the country. Continue IPSP (Internal Peace and Security Plan) Bayanihan.

Catapang, who assumed command of the 120,000-strong armed forces last week, started his tour at the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) in Tarlac, where he was commander. He also visited the 1st Air Division Headquarters in nearby Pampanga.

"We have to project ourselves as modern armed forces. We will conduct our operations without collateral damage. There should be no human rights violations," Catapang told the troops.

"Do not be distracted by the ongoing political dynamics in the country," he added.

The IPSP Bayanihan is the counter-insurgency strategy of the armed forces that was developed by military officers such as his predecessor and classmate, retired AFP chief General Emmanuel Bautista. Both belong to the Philippine Military "Dimalupig" Class of 1981.

"The IPSP Bayanihan is bringing us peace and we should all protect this peace from those who seek to test its merits," he said.

OLD COMMAND. Armed Forces chief of staff greets soldiers in his former camp at Nolcom, Tarlac.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/64038-military-politics-human-rights