Philippine Army ordered to guard vs security threats during campaign period

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen Eduardo Año on Friday issued an order directing all field commanders to be alert against security threats amid the campaign period which will start on February 9.

Año advised the field commanders to remain unbiased and ensure a safe and fair election.

The field commanders were also asked to concentrate on ending the insurgency within the year. Año said the Army headquarters will first support units engaged in the operations at the national priority areas.

"Everyone will contribute to the defeat of the NPA (New People's Army) and the Abu Sayaff Group in Mindanao," Año said.

The orders were issued at the annual Senior Leader’s Conference in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The gathering of senior Army major unit commanders was attended by 85,000 Philippine Army members including 10 infantry division commanders and some members of the coordinating staff at the PA Headquarters.

Aside from the first semester command, PA spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said the conference also discussed the fiscal year 2015 Program Performance and Budget Execution Review.