Mindanao combat tactics adopted for fight vs Reds–AFP

FORT DEL PILAR, BAGUIO CITY— Innovations and combat lessons adapted from the military’s anti-insurgency campaign in eastern Mindanao would help end the 50-year war with the New People’s Army, following the termination of peace talks with communists, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, said here on Saturday.

Guerrero said he was bringing every strategy he helped devise when he led the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command in 2015 before his appointment as AFP chief in October.

Scheduled to retire on Dec. 17 despite having been confirmed by the Commission on Appointments, Guerrero’s term was extended by President Duterte until April 24 next year.

Guerrero, a member of Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984, was given an honorary parade by the academy officials and cadets.

According to Guerrero, the AFP would be implementing new combat advances in its operational plan dubbed Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan, which replaced the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan that ended in December 2016. He did not give details.

Alleged military atrocities had been attributed to IPSP Bayanihan by leftist groups, citing the killings of lumads protesting militarization in the provinces. The AFP had denied these.

Guerrero said adding more troops and resources, along with the cooperation of local governments, is the formula for a successful anti-insurgency campaign.

“There are recent additions to naval assets and incoming air, naval and mobility assets, as well as firepower capability,” he said.

In his brief message to the cadets, Guerrero advised them to aim for “a life of service in the name of God, country and people.” He said there are “countless temptations” outside the academy that will test their character and resolve.