Duterte's visits lift troops' morale in fighting terror groups

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Duterte's visits lift troops' morale in fighting terror groups

The frequent visits of President Rodrigo Duterte in military camps have boosted the morale of troops fighting the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other terror groups in Mindanao, a military official said Monday.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the “high morale” of the troops is one of the reasons why they are "successful in the campaign against terror groups." 

“How the President comforted the wounded soldiers is a big morale booster to the troops,” Galvez told the Philippines News Agency when asked what helps the troops successful in their combat operations.

“The leadership was able to give that motivation, especially by the President,” he said, adding that “our commanders are so dedicated. The troops are inspired.”

Galvez said President Duterte usually chats with a wounded soldier for at least 10 minutes.

“They want to go out and fight again. They are not afraid to be killed because they have a President who will look at their welfare,” he added.

“We are in high morale because of the inspiration and motivation also given by the (field) commanders,” Galvez said.

On Monday, Galvez announced that they are gaining ground in the campaign against the ASG and other terror groups in Mindanao as the death toll of the enemies have reached 128, most of them Abu Sayyaf bandits.

He made the report two months before the six-month deadline of President Duterte would lapse on June 30.

Galvez also noted the strong participation of the community in helping them eradicate the terror groups.

The military, he said, is employing “Oplan Kapayapaan,” the Duterte administration's counter-insurgency program, in fighting the terrorist groups.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985898