Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: AFP: PRESS RELEASE | AFP: Internal security gains prompt focus on territorial defense

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

AFP: PRESS RELEASE | AFP: Internal security gains prompt focus on territorial defense

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jul 4, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | AFP: Internal security gains prompt focus on territorial defense

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City--The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) General Andres Centino, said in the First Semester 2023 Command Conference that recent gains in internal security operations (ISO) will allow the military to shift its focus and resources to external defense operations.

“The AFP under the banner of our Internal Security Operations (ISO) continues with the aim of totally defeating the Communist Terrorist Group and other local terrorists. Our efforts have resulted in success with the significant reduction of their numbers and firearms and the clearing of areas where they used to maintain presence; and those countering of their, propaganda, and suppression of their financial and logistics support,” the Chief of Staff said refering to the First Semester Command Conference on July 4 here.

“It is noteworthy that from five active Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) guerilla fronts from year end 2022, two were dismantled, two were weakened, leaving only one active. With these, we have safeguarded the safety and welfare of our fellow citizens. Thanks to the tireless efforts, support and cooperation of government agencies and different sectors of society”, the CSAFP added.

“With our substantial gains on ISO, a shift to External Security Operations (ESO) is in the horizon as we strengthen our security posture with the increased conduct of aerial and surface maritime patrols, employment of our air surveillance radar systems, monitoring of sea lines of communications and the redeployment of Naval Special Operations units and the Philippine Marines,” the CSAFP said as he noted increased capacity and capability and professionalism brought by the AFP modernization and transformation programs.

“We have improved our capabilities and our presence in strategic locations with the increase in the number of naval vessels and the effective presence of our maritime detachments in the Batanes group of islands and the West Philippine Sea,” he added. “These are complemented by partnering with our ally and strategic partner armed forces from our global and regional allied countries that enables leveraging of capabilities through information sharing, subject matter expert exchange, and joint and combined maritime patrols. All of these are with the help of an interagency-wholistic effort through the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS)”, the CSAFP said.

Other areas he sought further improvements on are the reserve force development, cyber defense, resource programming and prioritization, and human resource competencies. He also ordered a review and assessment of the AFP modernization program.

He then emphasized the need to look after the morale and welfare and reiterated his order to military commanders to personally oversee the situation of deployed personnel in their areas of operations. “Looking forward, we will continue to prioritize the safety and welfare of our personnel, emphasizing their professional development and well-being,” the CSAFP said.

“In order to keep steps ahead of the adversaries, we will also boost up our efforts to improve interoperability, strengthen intelligence sharing, and pursue efficiency and innovations in all our operations. The AFP remains committed to the ideals of unity, loyalty, and service to the country. We will forge ahead with determination, vigilance and be ready to face any challenges that may arise,” General Centino added.

The Command Conference is a regular activity with the presence of commanders from the ground, aimed at evaluating the status of different programs and campaigns of the AFP. It also serves as a table for discussing plans and ways ahead based on assessments and recommendations that are documented in the CSAFP’s Guidance.///(Photo by PO3 Viluan Ret/PAO, AFP)

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