Marcos credits AFP for ‘decline’ in terrorists, criminals

TROOP REVIEW President Marcos graces the 87th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

President Marcos on Monday thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its efforts in battling terrorists and criminals in the countryside, which helped pave the way for regional development and peace.

Speaking at a program for the 87th founding anniversary of the AFP at Camp Aguinaldo, the President said that for years, growth in the regions “has been held back by the presence of communist terrorists, lawless elements who hamper the delivery of government services and infrastructure development.”

“Through your efforts, along with other law enforcement authorities and government agencies, we now see a significant decline in their numbers. And that you have helped pave the way for development to foster and for communities to live in peace,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President spoke about the importance of peace but did not specifically mention anything about the resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines or the demise last week of its founding chair, Jose Maria Sison.

“My marching guidance has always remained constant: we commit to the cause of peace. The security and stability of the country remains the priority. I call on you to continue performing your duties as you have had for many, many years and competently so, so that our country can achieve peace and security, and sustain economic prosperity,” he said.

Mr. Marcos also lauded the AFP for sustaining its existing defense and security engagements while exploring new areas for cooperation with its counterparts overseas, adding that the country is confronted with a different and complex security environment, bringing with it new challenges that require adaptation.

The President also reiterated his administration’s support to AFP modernization, adding that the military also needs in its arsenal the capabilities to effectively combat threats and to secure the country’s 7,000 islands and all its features.

AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, for his part, touted the military’s “strategic victory” in its internal security operations during the AFP’s anniversary. “Internal security operations are of prime importance to ensure the safety and security of our citizens against spoilers of peace and lawless elements. On this front, we can confidently state that we have achieved strategic victory and it is inching closer toward victory against terrorism,” he said in his speech. INQ