The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrates their 84th anniversary tomorrow, December 21. However, they recently noted on social media, “Our Filipino soldiers’ heroism and sacrifice, though, dates back to the time of Andres Bonifacio’s Katipunan in 1890s.”
Ahead of the formal anniversary, President Rodrigo Duterte spoke at an event at the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, where he highlighted military accomplishments of the past year.
“Capitalizing on the trust and confidence of the Filipino people, the AFP stands united and driven by our goal,” said AFP chief of staff, General Noel S. Clement, who led various military officials to the ceremony. “We remain strong and unyielding in our continuous pursuit of lasting peace and sustainable development for our country.”
Recently, the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), alongside Police Regional Office-6, adopted proactive measures against the New People’s Army ahead of the insurgent group’s anniversary on December 26.
3ID spokesperson, Army Captain Cenon Pancito III, said the Philippine Army has intensified pursuit operations against the rebels. At the same time, he said their camps across the region have been ordered to adopt a defensive stance in order to thwart any attacks.
Earlier this month, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo completed his term as Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander.
He is set to be replaced by his deputy, Army Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte./WDJ