More than 300 US-made 9mm Glock pistols were turned over by President Rodrigo Duterte to Agila troopers upon his visit to the 10th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley on Saturday afternoon.
The President also distributed cash bonuses and 2,000 gift packs during the same event.
"It is an honor and a privilege for me to join the brave men and the women of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, which has always been close to my heart because my home city of Davao has always been under your care and protection," Duterte said in his speech.
The President also recognized the division’s gallant efforts in fighting the communist insurgency that has hounded the country for decades.
Duterte said the surrender of almost 8,000 communist rebels and the recovery of some 700 firearms just this year alone speak well of the division’s commitment to end the rebellion for good.
"I am, therefore, taking this opportunity to call on the communist terrorists to abandon their [extremist] activities and return to the fold of the law," the President said.
Also present during the gift-giving activity were Presidential Adviser for Military Affairs Arthur Tabaquero; AFP Chief of Staff Benjamin Madrigal Jr.; Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto; and Brig. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., the newly designated commander of 10th ID.
"I have never doubted your capability to keep our nation safe from all threats, and I assure you of my full support as we continue to ensure the security of Mindanao until the lifting of Martial Law," he said.
In return, the President said his administration is committed to pursue the AFP modernization program so the soldiers will be provided with ample support to perform their duties more effectively.
"As we celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year, I am confident that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue to ensure that peace will reign across our nation for the years to come," he further said.
"Indeed, President Duterte is a gift for the Filipinos," Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., the newly installed commander of 10th ID, said.
"For us, soldiers, the gift-giving activity is given to us by our Commander-in- Chief boosted the morale of soldiers and encouraged us to continue and sustain the gains of the unit in order to protect the people and secure the communities," he further said.
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