The capabilities of military units tasked to conduct
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions will be improved,
Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana said.
"The DND shall improve the capacities of selected AFP
units for their roles as first responders and improve coordination with other
agencies and non-government organizations," Lorenzana said in his first
ever official command guidance to the defense agency.
Aside from protecting the country from external and internal
threats, the Armed Forces also plays a key role in the government's disaster
relief and mitigation efforts.
Earlier, Lorenzana said he is committed to turning the
Defense department into a "credible organization capable of ensuring
Philippine security, sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Also included was ongoing efforts to transform the DND into
reliable partner in national development and a strategic player in the Asia
Pacific region.
"In terms of territorial defense, the SND’s guidance is
for the improvement of DND’s capabilities to perform its mandated tasks and
fully support other government agencies to address the challenges posed by the
complex and dynamic security environment," DND public affairs service head
Arsenio Andolong said.
In addition, defense cooperation with ASEAN and other key
allies was identified as critical to stability and progress of the region and
protection of a rules based international order.
On internal security and peace operations, Lorenzana has
ordered the DND to focus military operations against terrorist groups and
terrorist cells and intensify its support to law enforcement agencies.
"The AFP shall also continue to uphold and adhere to
the principle of human rights, international humanitarian law and rule of law
in the performance of its assigned tasks," Andolong said.
"The AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan 'Bayanihan'
which is coming to a close this 2016 will be assessed in relation to the AFP
transformation Roadmap with the goal of strengthening the professional
character of the military institution," he added.
Lorenzana also said the AFP Modernization Program will
continue, as he vowed to expedite the acquisition activities currently on the
pipeline.
The acquisition projects intended to enhance internal
security operations will also be prioritized, he added.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana said the AFP has been directed to
submit proposals and prepare requirements on the plan to convert BRP Ang
Pangulo into a hospital and the use of air assets of the 250th Presidential
Airlift Wing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907008
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