Internal security gains allow AFP to shift to external defense

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 4, 2023): Internal security gains allow AFP to shift to external defense (By Priam Nepomuceno)

COMMAND CONFERENCE. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Andres Centino (left) leads a command conference for the first semester of 2023, with senior defense officials and military officers, in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday (July 4, 2023). Centino said successful internal security operations against insurgents and local terrorist groups will allow the military to shift its resources to external defense operations or missions concerning territorial defense. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – Successful internal security operations (ISO) against the New People's Army (NPA) insurgents and local terrorist groups will allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to shift its resources to external defense operations or missions concerning territorial defense.

AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino made this remark during Tuesday's first semester command conference with other ranking military commanders held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“The AFP under the banner of ISO continues with the aim of totally defeating the communist terrorist group (CTG) 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 their propaganda, and suppression of their financial and logistics support,” he added.

Centino said the AFP's success in ISO was highlighted by the fact that of the five NPA guerilla fronts known as active in 2022, only one is active as two were reported dismantled while the other two are weakened.

"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 AFP chief noted.

With significant gains in ISO, Centino said a shift to external security operations (ESO) is on the horizon as the AFP strengthens its security posture with the increased conduct of aerial and surface maritime patrols, employment of air surveillance radar systems, monitoring of sea lines of communications and redeployment of naval special operations units and the Philippine Marines Corps.

Also, he noted an 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," Centino said.

Centino also said he wants further improvements on reserve force development, cyber defense, resource programming and prioritization, and human resource competencies.

He had ordered a review and assessment of the AFP modernization program, emphasized the need to look after the morale and welfare of soldiers, 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,” Centino added.

In order to keep up with its adversaries, the AFP chief said efforts must be made to boost interoperability, strengthen intelligence sharing, and pursue efficiency and innovations in all operations.

The AFP remains committed to the ideals of unity, loyalty, and service to the country, the military chief stressed.

"We will forge ahead with determination, vigilance and be ready to face any challenges that may arise,” Centino stressed.

Command conferences are regular activities done with the presence of commanders on 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 AFP chief's guidance.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204889