Filipino soldiers meeting challenges head-on – AFP chief

From the Manila Times (Dec 18): Filipino soldiers meeting challenges head-on – AFP chief

Regardless of the time setting, the Filipino soldiers, despite lacking modern equipment and weapons, have again and again proven their capabilities in the combat and disaster relief operations.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. in his speech at the 79th anniversary of the AFP Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City with the theme: “Sandatahang Lakas: Ika-79 taong Naglilingkod ng tapat tungo sa Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran at Kasaganaan.”

“Based on our history as a nation, napakarami na nating pinagdaanang pagsubok, but history also tells us na sa lahat ng pagsubok na ito, nasa likod ang Kawal Pilipino. Patunay dito ang mga hamon ng paghihimagsikan laban sa pananakop ng mga dayuhan; sa paglaban sa diktadorya; sa kampanya laban sa komunismo at sesesyonismo; sa pagpuksa ng terorismo; sa masigasig na pagtugon sa lumalalang epekto ng climate change; at sa masugid na pakikibahagi sa United Nations peacekeeping operations,” he added.

Catapang also stressed that there is no greater way to honor the bravery of the Filipino soldiers than to perpetuate their devotion to duty and carry on the faithful services they rendered.

“We held this true, in this particular year, through the challenges that inspired the sense of heroism in us. The challenges faced by the Filipino soldiers as UN peacekeepers in Golan Heights, Liberia, and Haiti; the numerous calamities like flooding, volcanic eruption and typhoons, where the AFP’s immediate response and proactive role during disasters were manifested. Apart from these, we have also gained headway in internal peace and security operations in partnership with local government units and other stakeholders,” he said.

The AFP chief also said that since the implementation of the Internal Peace Security Program “Bayanihan,” many provinces have already been declared peaceful and ready for further development.

“We have seen considerable progress in uplifting the credibility of the AFP through its adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights. The progress of our campaign is evidenced by the results of the independent third party survey commissioned by the Philippine Army. The positive growth in our economy and the further improvement of our country’s credit ratings can be seen as dividends of peace and stability,” he added.

http://www.manilatimes.net/breaking_news/filipino-soldiers-meeting-challenges-head-afp-chief/