Photo by PIA-NCR
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday assured that a strong AFP secures a peaceful future for Filipinos.
In the 12th episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas hosted by PIA-NCR Regional Director, Emver P. Cortez, held at AFP Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, AFP Spokesperson Col Francel Margareth Padilla PA(GSC) shared the key accomplishments of the AFP in its journey towards peace.
Col. Padilla reported that no guerrilla fronts remain active across the country at present.
“Our journey towards peace has made remarkable strides. For our Internal Security Operations, we are glad to report that no guerrilla fronts remain active across the country as of today,” Padilla said.
She added that the AFP has successfully weakened the remaining groups, with only seven still under focused operations.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to eradicating insurgency and fostering stability.”
Col. Padilla also shared that a total of 1,367 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members and supporters were neutralized from January 1 to August 8, 2024, broken down into:
- 1,169 surrendered
- 101 apprehended
- 97 killed
A total of 751 firearms and 237 anti-personnel mines were either captured or surrendered, and 165 encampments were seized.
Against the Local Terrorist Group, Padilla said that a total of 176 members were neutralized in the same period:
- 124 surrendered
- 6 apprehended
- 46 killed
A total of 166 firearms and 21 anti-personnel mines were also either captured or surrendered, and 10 encampments were seized.
Likewise, the spokesperson said various operations for peace and development are conducted by the AFP, including community support programs that led to the withdrawal of support from the CTG, conduct of dialogues and information campaigns against CTGs, preventing and countering violent extremism through engagement with Muslim leaders and Muslim Communities in NCR, security and stability and law enforcement support operations for nationwide events and activities, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), most recently for the victims of Typhoon Carina that affected residents of Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
Col. Padilla also said they face challenges in protecting our territorial integrity, but they remain committed to asserting our rights through diplomacy and a rules-based international order.
“Our focus is on fair, peaceful resolutions and strengthening regional cooperation while upholding our principles.”
One of AFP’s main efforts in protecting our territorial integrity is the continuous enhancement of its aerial and maritime domain awareness and strengthening of our defense posture, through self-reliance and partnerships with like-minded states.
“We assert our sovereignty with unwavering resolve and remain committed to defending our maritime zones and archipelagic sea lanes,” as she explained that the Philippine Sea is not a mere concept but an integral part of our national territory.
Recently, the AFP introduced the “Mulat” Communication Plan for the West Philippine Sea.
“Mulat” which means “awakened,” aims to bolster transparency, counter disinformation, and enhance public awareness regarding the Philippines’ rights and interests in the region.
By enhancing public awareness and rallying patriotic sentiment, the communication plan aims to unite Filipinos in advocating for the nation’s interests and contributing to a more resilient Philippines.
In the end, Col. Padilla again assured the AFP‘s unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and sovereignty and stressed that the AFP remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the nation for our future.
The Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas is a nationwide, simultaneous weekly forum by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and implemented through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). (JEG/PIA-NCR)
