AFP chief confident that successor will follow his strategic direction

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): AFP chief confident that successor will follow his strategic direction

Despite his impending retirement this coming July, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista on Monday expressed confidence that his successor will follow the strategic direction laid about by "Bayanihan" and Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR).

"The AFP's strategy direction is already set in 'Bayanihan' and the ATR and whoever is in command (is obliged) to follow (the) template," he said.

"Bayahihan" refers to the civic-military action being undertaken by the AFP in a bid to resolve the insurgency issues in the country.

The former uses the community development approach to deny rebel fighters a base in which to operate.

It was started in 2010 and expected to be completed in 2016.

For the first three years, the military focused on eliminating rebel "cadres" through development initiatives to allow its forces by 2014 to shift gradually to territorial defense.

This focus will be allowed by the ongoing modernization program of the three major services.

ATR, on the other hand, is the plan to modernize and professionalize the officers and ranks of the Philippine Army by 2020.

Bautista earlier expressed confidence that the AFP will prevail on any challenges that may occur during the year.

"The year 2014 will bring new promises, transformation, and more challenges. But no matter what challenge we confront, I remain confident that we can prevail. We just need to stay together, work together, and remain cohesive as 'One AFP'. For in the face of any challenge, the cohesiveness of the entire AFP will always be our best assurance," he emphasized.

Bautista also took this opportunity to extend his greetings and best wishes to the men and women of the AFP.

"The year 2013 has been another time of distinguished service to our nation in fulfillment of our mandate as protector of the people and the State. We achieved great successes in winning just and lasting peace through the Internal Peace and Security Plan 'Bayanihan', and in our transformation efforts through the AFP Transformation Roadmap. Likewise, we were also confronted with great challenges that tested our strength and resolve. But through our collective effort, we were able to meet these challenges; and our nation emerged more peaceful, and more secure," he pointed out.

Bautista also reminded officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP remain faithful to their organization.

"May we continue to take pride in the uniform that we wear, and in the patriotic duty that we perform as protectors of the people and the State. Guided by our core values of honor, service, and patriotism; and through the spirit of 'Bayanihan', may we further inspire our countrymen to help us in the fulfillment of our dream of giving the next generations a more peaceful and prosperous Philippines," the AFP chief stressed.

"And in fulfillment of our constitutional mandate, let us strengthen our resolve to put all armed struggles to a responsible end so that we may finally focus on more pressing national security issues such as territorial defense and climate change. All these in the attainment of just and lasting peace for our nation, and towards becoming a world-class armed forces that is a source of national pride," Bautista concluded.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=602351