New Army chief appeals for vigilance vs terrorism

From Malaya Business Insight (Oct 16): New Army chief appeals for vigilance vs terrorism

PRESIDENT Duterte yesterday told the military to be always ready for any threat as the country pursues lasting peace and sustainable development.

Speaking at the Army’s change of command ceremonies at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Duterte told the new Army chief, Maj. Gen. Macairog Alberto, “General Alberto, know that we will constantly face threats and challenges as we trudge the noble path of realizing lasting peace and sustainable development. I trust you will take up this… as the Army’s new commanding general.”

Alberto, who replaced now retired Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista who is incoming social welfare secretary, appealed for vigilance against the threat of terrorism, noting last year’s bloody attack on Marawi City by the Maute terror group.

“Extremist groups still seek to destroy our society and our way of life. We must guard the fragile peace we have so far achieved,” Alberto said at the turnover ceremonies.

Alberto also said there are “countless accounts of heroism” by soldiers during the five-month Marawi siege which left nearly a thousand terrorists,  168 soldiers and policemen, and 47 civilians dead.

“Today, we still continue to display the same gallantry and heroism in our vigilance against the real threat of terrorism,” said Alberto, the outgoing chief of the Intelligence Service of the AFP.

“Likewise, criminal groups, lawless elements, external security concerns and even the threat of natural calamities require our Army to be prepared to meet these challenges,” Alberto also said.

Alberto vowed to transform the Army into a “more agile force” to “meet current and emerging threats.” He said the Army capability will be developed “to project land power to where it is needed.”

The President lauded Bautista for leaving behind a professional, stronger, more empowered, and a more dependable Army.

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