Kalinaw News: AFP Chief applauds improved internal security in Northern Luzon

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 17, 2021): AFP Chief applauds improved internal security in Northern Luzon

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana congratulated the troops of Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) for competently addressing terrorism and insurgency problems in the country’s Northern regions.

“The NOLCOM’s accomplishments clearly manifest our troops’ dedication and commitment to continuously pursue their core functions notwithstanding the prevailing health crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their perseverance and hard work are what made all these successful operations possible,” said General Sobejana.

The Chief of Staff visited the Command’s headquarters on Monday, May 17 in Camp Servillano S. Aquino in Tarlac City where he made the traditional ‘talk to troops’. His party was welcomed by NOLCOM officials led by its Commander, Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. General Sobejana said the attainment of NOLCOM’s mission and strategic objectives remains essential as it continues to face the challenge of eliminating the danger brought about by threat groups in the Ilocos and Cagayan Region.

It also pushes forth the nation’s rightful assertion of Philippine sovereignty over its maritime territories in the West Philippine Sea. One of NOLCOM’s significant achievements was the sustainment of its campaign plan dubbed as “NOLCOM 3K: Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran, Kasaganaan” to better improve Internal Security Campaigns against Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG) in the region.

The Command also dismantled over half of Guerrilla Front Committees in North and Central Luzon while continuously carrying out its Territorial Defense Campaign Plan “North Shield.” The Command’s work however does not end there said General Sobejana, stressing that there is still much to be done in addressing the terrorism and insurgency problems in the North.

“We must continually patrol our maritime territories, closely coordinate with other government agencies, and offer support to the people who are affected. I urge you to continue excellently performing your mandate,” he said.

Regarded as the AFP’s stronghold in the North, the NOLCOM plays a critical role in upholding the AFP’s mandate of protecting the people and securing the land, especially given the pressing issues in its area of operations.

“Our troops have my full confidence that one day, the fruits of their labor in combating threat groups, securing territorial defense, and safeguarding the welfare of the people will reap lasting peace in the areas of Northern and Central Luzon. This peace will consequently result in fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development in the region, which I am certain is our shared aspiration with the local communities,” General Sobejana added.

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