PPRD says peace with the communist and Moro rebels brings a window of opportunity

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 30): PPRD says peace with the communist and Moro rebels brings a window of opportunity

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte cited the window of opportunity brought about by the current truce between the government and the communist rebels and the peace convergence between the government and the Moro rebels.

Speaking in the 10th Year Anniversary celebration of the Eastern Mindanao Command Friday (August 26) night, he said the current peace situation being experience in the countryside gives reprieve not only to all forces involved in the conflict but also to the Filipino people who have been suffering long.

Duterte said the government must use the peace as window of opportunity for it to strengthen its forces against possible external aggression in the future.

“We respect the truce with the left and the peace convergence with the Moro rebels.  As we make peace with everyone, including foreign countries, we need to prepare,” he pointed out.

He revealed that the Defense department has been asking 20,000 personnel to add to its ranks.

Duterte said it is only feasible to add 10,000 new recruits in the Armed Forces at the moment.

He said the government still needs to deal with extremism and the order to crush the Abu Sayyaf remains.

Duterte led the awarding of medals and plaques to deserving soldiers and non-uniformed personnel under the Eastern Mindanao Command ranging from gold cross medals for gallantry in action and plaques of appreciation with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Visaya and Lt. General Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

In a separate interview, Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said his contingent has contributed two battalions of soldiers to Sulu Province to support the effort of government against all terrorist organizations in the area.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381472260545/pprd-says-peace-with-the-communist-and-moro-rebels-brings-a-window-of-opportunity