New AFP chief: Let us claim the peace

MANILA, Philippines - The new chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged soldiers and the people yesterday to “claim the peace” that the country has hoped for over four decades.

Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapong took over the AFP’s helm yesterday from Gen. Emmanuel Bautista in ceremonies at Camp Aguinaldo.

Catapang vowed to pursue the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan, a military campaign plan to defeat the New People’s Army and other threat groups.

Just like Bautista, he will use the IPSP Bayanihan to win the peace in non-violent ways and through honest government service in far-flung and conflict-stricken communities, he added.

The new AFP chief asked the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to remain committed to peace “while we await the final agreement that will be passed by Congress to ensure that progress and prosperity will likewise be won for our Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao.”

Catapang also asked the remaining NPA rebels to return to the mainstream and begin a new life as the government has a comprehensive integration program in place to receive them.

“We have to claim the peace that rightfully belongs to us for our own sake and for the benefit of our children and the future generations,” he said. “It is now time to claim the peace that our country has been longing for over 40 years.”

Catapang said the military will continue implementing the transformation roadmap to turn it into a strong, credible and world-class institution.

“In order to protect the people and secure the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory, we need the capability to secure our country from aggression and we need to respond to all the threats brought about by a globalized world,” he said.

Catapang will serve as Armed Forces chief until July 11 next year.

AFP gets 50,000 rifles

During the ceremonies, President Aquino announced the procurement of 50,629 units of M4 caliber 5.56mm rifles at P38,402.13 each.

They were initially priced at P63,000 each, he added.

Aquino said the savings of P1.2 billion will be used to buy more rifles for the 125,000-strong military.

“This is a concrete manifestation of our good governance and judicious utilization of our government funds,” he said.