TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) emphasized that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has the capability and strategy to defend the country’s sovereignty against external threats.
During the 12th episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency, NOLCOM Commander LtGen. Fernyl Buca assured that they will remain steadfast in executing their mandate of protecting the people and the territory, including the West Philippine Sea.
“This is our sea, our rights, and our future. NOLCOM will remain steadfast in executing its mandate to protect our people and the territory, including the maritime areas in Northern Luzon and the West Philippine Sea. With its core purpose, NOLCOM will continue to advance peace and development, fight for our people’s rights and threats to peace, development, and security, and protect our sovereign territory,” Buca pressed.
Meanwhile, 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Andrew Costelo disclosed that five out of the seven provinces in Central Luzon have been declared in a state of stable internal peace and security, namely Tarlac, Aurora, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales.
“We will continue to pursue the remnants of the remnants of the Communist Terrorist Groups to prevent them from recovering and further executing their hostile plans against peace and security until Bulacan and Nueva Ecija also declare the status of stable internal peace and security,” he emphasized.
With this development, Costelo disclosed that they are now in the process of transforming from an internal security operation to a territorial defense operation.
This transition will reflect 7ID’s commitment to adapt to new challenges and protect the country’s borders effectively to better ensure the safety of the people and secure national interests. (CLJD/TJBM, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
