Ending insurgency top priority, says AFP chief

MANILA, Philippines — Ending the country’s insurgency problem remains one of the top priorities of the military.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. made the statement during his visit to the headquarters of the major service commands on Wednesday.

“One of our topmost priorities is to ultimately end insurgency and bring lasting peace in the country,” Madrigal told the troops and officials.

He said achieving the insurgency-free goal would need a holistic approach.

“To achieve total victory against local communist insurgents, we must continue focusing on capacitating ourselves in peace consistency building, stakeholder leadership, community dialogues and nation-building efforts,” he stressed.

Madrigal first visited the headquarters of the  Philippine Navy, the Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila and gave his message to the sailors and marines, reminding them on critical supply control and monitoring of issuances.

“The Navy I saw when I was a cadet is far different compared to the Navy of today. The Navy has improved a lot and is already comparable to our neighbors’ navies,” he said.

Madrigal was joined by key military leaders when he visited the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. 

He then proceeded to the headquarters of the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City where he also gave his Christmas message and command guidance to soldiers.

“On a side note, Christmas is fast approaching. Let me extend my warmest greetings to every officer, enlisted personnel and civilian human resource. Allow me to also remind you of your physical security and personal security during vacation,” he said.

Madrigal also reiterated his message to all uniformed personnel as well as the civilians working in the AFP.

He encouraged them to work together and practice the culture of leadership, culture of unity and culture of peace to reach the AFP’s ultimate goal to achieve just and lasting peace in our country.

“Let us give them our genuine and honest public service,” he said.

No more negotiations

As this developed, a senior military commander in Mindanao is closing the door on any possible negotiation with the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels for the release of hostages.

Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, division commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, said he wanted to discharge from the service the troops kidnapped by the NPA.

Villaneva took note of reports that the troops were sleeping when they were attacked.

Villanueva earlier told a local radio station that they will no longer conduct rescue operations for the kidnapped soldiers and leave their fate to the NPA.

“Had they put up a fight, even if outnumbered, I will personally award them. And if they die, their families will receive benefits due them from the government…but they’re cowards,” Villanueva remarked. – With Jaime Laude, John Unson, Ben Serrano