New AFP chief turns sights on Reds, terrorists

From the Malaya Business Insifght (Oct 27): New AFP chief turns sights on Reds, terrorists

WITH the defeat of the terrorist Maute Group, new AFP chief Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero yesterday vowed to end the remaining terrorist groups and neutralize communist rebels.

In his assumption speech in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Guerrero said he is going to use the entire military to achieve the objective during his incumbency as AFP chief, which is until December 17 or less than two months, unless extended by President Duterte.

“The priorities in the area of peace and security are clear -- finish the remaining terrorist groups, neutralize the communist threat, and support law enforcement agencies in efforts against lawless armed groups,” said Guerrero.

By terrorist groups, Guerrero was referring to the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Front. Like the Maute Group, the two groups have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

Defense and military officials earlier this week declared that the Maute Group has been defeated with the end of the Marawi conflict after five months of fighting which left about 960 Maute members dead.

The New People’s Army is the only communist threat.

President Duterte terminated peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA in July as the NPA continued its attacks on government forces even while the formal peace negotiations were ongoing. The CPP even told the NPA to step up attacks against government troops after Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law in May because of the Maute attack on Marawi City.

President Duterte has said he no longer wanted to talk with the communist group. Last month, however, he told the NDFP-CPP-NPA to declare a ceasefire if they want the peace talks to resume.

Guerrero, outgoing commander of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, succeeded Gen. Eduardo Año who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 yesterday.

He also said his gratitude to Duterte for designating him AFP chief “knows no bounds.”

“The best way for me to show to you and to our countrymen my gratitude is to serve my country with selfless dedication and to lead the AFP with purpose. This is my pledge, this is my covenant,” he said in his address.

In an ambush interview, Guerrero said he will try his best to accomplish the goal he has set -- to finish the terrorist and communist insurgency problem in the next couple of months.

“We will try to finish whatever we can, given the period given to us,” he said.

Asked if there is word from the President on whether his term will be extended, Guerrero said, “We should ask him… The extension depends on appointing authority.”

On whether he is open to an extension, he said, “Let us not talk about the extension for now. What is important for me to do now is to focus on my job.”

“In my case, regardless I am extended or not, I am mandated to finish whatever I can in the period given to me… we have timetables and targets that should meet and I intend to meet that.”

If his term is not extended, Guerrero will be the AFP chief with the shortest tenure.

Before him, the AFP chief who had the shortest stint was Gen. Benjamin Defensor who served for less than three months -- from Sept 10, 2002 to Nov. 28, 2002. Defensor assumed the top AFP post two days before his retirement age. Then President Arroyo extended his term by two months and 16 days.

Duterte, at the change of command ceremonies, highlighted some of the AFP’s accomplishments under Año, like the successful end of the Marawi siege.

“The crowning jewel of his impressive career is the battle for the liberation of Marawi, which resulted in the neutralization of almost a thousand IS-inspired insurgents which include high-value targets being hunted around the world,” he said.

In jest, he told Año to report for work today, his first day as a civilian.

Duterte early this year announced Año will be designated secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government. He was supposed to retire early -- in June after Duterte announced his new job -- but this did not push through because of the Marawi siege.

Instead of DILG chief, Año will temporary serve either as a special assistant to the president or as an undersecretary, whichever is allowed by law. The law also prohibits a former military officer from assuming the post of DILG secretary within one year from the date of his retirement or resignation.

“He will now supervise the Philippine National Police, together with General (and acting DILG Secretary) Lito Cuy. General Año, you’re always welcome to report. Maybe tomorrow, I will wait for you,” Duterte said.

On Guerrero, Duterte said he expects new AFP chief to build on what Año has started.

He directed Guerrero to supervise the destruction of confiscated firearms “to show that we are also able to meet the challenges of terrorism and violence.”

The President again announced that soldiers can expect a pay hike in January.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/new-afp-chief-turns-sights-reds-terrorists