Aquino attends Army turnover rites, reiterates stand on peace efforts

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno  Aquino III on Wednesday stressed his administration’s policy of pursuing the peace process with armed insurgents.

In his speech during the Philippine Army turnover rites in Fort Bonficaio, Aquino said victories were measured with lives saved rather those snuffed out in combat.

“Success is measured … in maintaining the peace,” the President said in rites that saw the retirement of General Arturo Ortiz and the assumption of command by Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.

Aquino said victory was measured “not with the number of those killed but with the number of lives spared from conflict.”