As aid to ‘Sendong’ victims, AFP cancels P3M meant for 76th year celebration

MANILA, Philippines—A “less extravagant” celebration to mark the 76^th year of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be implemented Wednesday to provide assistance to victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong,” a military official said.

Major Enrico Ileto, deputy public affairs chief, said the simpler celebration was ordered by the newly installed military chief Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa, but at the same time will still showcase to stakeholders the military’s capabilities to accomplish its mandate.

To save expenses for the usually lavish anniversary rites, the traditional AFP ball after the parade and the pyrotechnics display scheduled on the 24th and 31st were also cancelled.

An estimated P3 million will be saved from the cancellation of said activities, Ileto said.

Meanwhile, 14 AFP personnel will also be awarded at the anniversary rites, who have “greatly contributed to the advancement and promotion of the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan.” The IPSP is the military’s campaign against armed threats.

Major General Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 7^th Infantry Division, will be the Troop Commander who will lead the parade of the division-size parading elements.

The parade participants, who will come from three major services (Army, Air Force, Navy); Philippine Military Academy, GHQ and Headquarters Service Command, AFP United Nations Contingent, AFP Special Units, Special Operations Command and Philippine Marine Corps, were estimated at about 1,000.

Twenty equipped-vehicles composed of armored assets, artillery assets will showcase the AFP’s combat capability while nine engineering vehicles will exhibit the military’s engineering capability. The showcase of capability will be followed by a fly-by of 31 aircraft from the three major services. The parade will end in a sky-diving demonstration by the AFP Skydiving Team.

President Benigno Aquino III will be the guest of honor at the said activity.