Kalinaw News: AFP Chief to Troops: Ensure proper, deliberate execution of Anti-Terrorism Law

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Oct 21, 2020): AFP Chief to Troops: Ensure proper, deliberate execution of Anti-Terrorism Law (By PAO, AFP)

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Gilbert Gapay on Tuesday told troops to ensure proper and deliberate implementation of the recently passed Anti-Terrorism Law at all times.

“We know how this Law would greatly help us in building our confidence and poise in our operations. I am confident, and I know for a fact that every man and woman of the AFP is responsible, accountable, and objective enough to enforce this law,” said General Gapay.

The AFP Chief talked to the officers and enlisted personnel of the Central Command at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City as part of his continuing command visits. He was welcomed with military honors led by CENTCOM Commander Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan before having an executive session with the command’s key officers.

After a briefing on the area’s security situation and ongoing operations, the 54th AFP Chief of Staff addressed the men and women of the military’s stronghold in Visayas. He congratulated the soldiers for managing the situation in the area, especially Cebu which was hardly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we continue to contribute and help in the national efforts to curb COVID-19, our main priority remains to be our triumph in eliminating Communist Terrorist Groups and Local Terrorist Groups, which makes sense, for our enemies are also taking advantage of these trying times to pursue their propaganda. We cannot let that happen. We must not let that happen,” he said.

CENTCOM has recorded a total of 533 surrenders of both regular members and supporters of communist terrorist groups from January 1 to October 15, 2020. It also reported 28 enemy fatalities and 74 apprehensions in legitimate combat operations during the period. Meanwhile, 173 high-powered and low-powered firearms, 75 improvised explosive devices, and 42 encampments were seized from the enemy.

“Let us work hard towards intensified operationalization of the Executive Order No. 70 for we already earned significant gains through this whole-of-nation approach. With the continuous involvement of the local government units, local communities, and other stakeholders, we can reach greater heights and yield more successes in this fight against insurgency,” General Gapay said.

The military is one of the agencies that compose the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) which implements a whole-of-government approach towards achieving lasting peace and development for the country. While the AFP does combat operations to defeat communist terrorists and destroy its support system, relevant agencies are mandated to conduct programs and projects towards the unimpeded delivery of government’s basic services.

“With full trust and confidence, I am certain that Team CENTCOM, through the steadfast leadership of Lieutenant General Ancan, will continue to contribute and work not only for the good of our Armed Forces but most importantly, for the welfare and betterment of our nation and our people,” said General Gapay.

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