New AFP chief tasked to end remaining threats

MANILA, Philippines — Newly installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero has received his marching orders from President Duterte to put an end to remaining threats on peace and security in the country.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said Guerrero has the experience to carry out that task given to him by the commander-in-chief.

“Lt. Gen. Guerrero welcomes his new responsibilities with strong momentum from his leadership of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), a similarly tall order given the area’s susceptibility from terror threats and insurgency,” Arevalo said yesterday.

Guerrero served as commander of the Eastmincom, which is at the forefront in the fight against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Mindanao.

Duterte also tasked Guerrero to “sweep” any traces of the Maute rebellion in Marawi City and contain the spread of extremism.

“The priorities in the area of peace and security are clear: finish the remaining terrorist groups, neutralize the communist insurgency threat, and support law enforcement against lawless armed groups,” Guerrero said in his assumption speech during the change of command ceremony held in Camp Aguinaldo last week.

Arevalo said the turnover was held less than a week from the termination of combat operations in Marawi City and takes off strong with gains against the Abu Sayyaf, characterized by numerous surrenders.

Guerrero added the AFP must continue with its reform programs, improve capability, and revisit war-fighting doctrines in light of new “battlefield environments.”

“We will aggressively implement our modernization program and fast-track the procurement of advance weapons systems that provide cost-effective and precise target engagement, long-range and high-endurance unmanned systems, and modern air and naval platforms,” he said.

The new military chief said he also seeks to refine internal processes including improvements on services and transparency and accountability of transactions.

“My gratitude knows no bounds, and I think that the best way to show our President and our countrymen is to serve our country with selfless dedication and to lead the AFP with purpose,” Guerrero said.