Guerrero hopes AFP would sustain internal, maritime security ops

MANILA -- As he formally steps down from the military’s top post, outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero has expressed hope that operations aimed at improving the country’s internal and maritime security would continue.

“Sa ngayon ang kinakailangan i-sustain lang (For now, we only have to sustain) what has been achieved in the past. In terms of stability (of our) operations (in) internal security and of course, (the) guarding of our territorial, maritime areas, we have plans in place,” Guerrero said in an interview Tuesday when asked on what operations his successor needs to continue.

“We have additional capabilities that would allow us to perform these missions,” he added.

Guerrero, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1984, formally leaves his post as AFP chief on Wednesday after 38 years of service in the military. He will turn over the position to Western Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, a member of PMA Class of 1985.

While serving as Eastern Mindanao Command head, Guerrero carried out the Community Support Programs, a key component of the military’s new operation plan, the Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan.

During his term as AFP chief, the concerted efforts of AFP units in focused military and intelligence operations resulted in the neutralization of 6,817 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as of April 15, leading to the surrender of 6,709 rebels -- 723 regular NPAs and Sangay ng Partido sa Lokal members; 513 Militia ng Bayan; 712 underground organization members; and 4,761 mass supporters. A total of 47 NPAs were also killed, while 61 others were apprehended in legitimate focused military operations. Some 288 assorted firearms were also seized from the rebels.

Intensified efforts against local terror groups and foreign fighters have also resulted in the neutralization of 457 various terror personalities, 81 of whom were killed, 280 were apprehended, and 96 surrendered.