As he formally assumes command of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) albeit in an acting capacity, Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda
ordered all officers and enlisted personnel to comply with the directives
issued to ensure the coming May 9 elections.
“As I emphasized earlier, let us secure the conditions that
would lead to the conduct of a free, orderly, peaceful and credible 2016
national and local elections,” he added.
The same directives also calls for the 125,000-strong AFP to
remain apolitical and non-partisan.
As this develops, Miranda said operations against rebel and
terrorist groups in Mindanao would continue
until all these threats were neutralized.
These groups are believed to be responsible for a series of
kidnapping incidents and bloody clashes in the region.
“Around the countryside, particularly in our southern
territories, we will relentlessly pursue undesirable elements that continue to
sow terror among our peace-loving citizens, those who disturb the balance that
provide the platform for economic growth and development,” he said.
The acting AFP chief also thanked President Aquino for
supporting the AFP modernization program, which led to many completed
procurement under newly-retired Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri’s term.
It was during Iriberri’s nine months that the two supersonic
FA-50PH lead-in fighter jets and new combat helicopters were delivered to the
Philippine Air Force, the arrival of 100 armored personnel carriers for the
Philippine Army and three landing craft heavies (LCHs) for the Philippine Navy.
But Miranda said equipment did not automatically translate
to capability as there was still the need to improve capability acquisition and
resourcing.
He added that the AFP should expand its modernization in the
realm of international defense and security engagements.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=878733
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