By Francis Wakefield
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. visited the three major services of the AFP on Wednesday morning, rallying them to end insurgency and bring lasting peace to the country.
File photo of Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen Benjamin Madrigal. (Keith Bacongco/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Madrigal first visited the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, Naval Station Jose Andrada, Manila and gave his message to the sailors and marines. He reminded 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’ navy,” Madrigal said.
Madrigal, joined by key military leaders, then visited the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. It was his first visit to the Philippine Air Force.
“One of our topmost priorities is to ultimately end insurgency and bring lasting peace in the country. 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,” Madrigal reiterated to the airmen.
The party then proceeded to the headquarters of the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The CSAFP also gave his Christmas message and command guidance to the 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," Madrigal said.
He also reiterated his message to all soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and civilian human resource to contribute to the AFP transformation roadmap and encouraged them to work together and practice the culture of leadership, unity and peace.
“Suklian natin ng mabuti at tapat na serbisyo ang magandang suporta na binibigay sa atin ng ating Presidente at ng mga kapwa natin Pilipino. Let us give them our genuine and honest public service,” Madrigal said.