New AFP Viscom chief vows to weaken insurgency in Visayas

Major General Benedict Arevalo, the newly installed commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Visayas Command

CEBU CITY — The new commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Visayas Command (Viscom) on Monday revealed he wants to focus on fighting insurgency in Eastern Visayas and weaken the “enemies” in the region.

“We want to look at the situation in the 8th Infantry Division. We’ll see if we can help out,” said Major General Benedict Arevalo, the newly installed Viscom commander.

Aside from fighting the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), Arevalo said the Viscom will also intensify its readiness to become the first responders in disaster and calamities in Eastern, Western, and Central Visayas.

He said that the location of the Visayas is prone to disasters and Viscom needs to be ready for eventualities.

Arevalo, who was previously in charge in the fight against CPP/NPA in Western and Central Visayas, said the “enemy’s” forces are already weakened and the AFP is on the upper hand.

Arevalo assumed as Viscom Commander after Lt. General Robert Dauz’s retirement last November 14.

The turnover of command was held last Monday at Camp Lapulapu in Cebu City and was graced by AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro.

Bacarro has also asked the continued campaign against insurgency, especially in the areas where the presence of CPP/NPA continues.

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JPV