General Gilbert Gapay, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) exhorted the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) to double down on its mission to end communist insurgency and win the peace in Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions.
(PHILIPPINE ARMY / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"I am proud and elated to know that SOLCOM continues to gain ground in sustaining our joint and interagency operations that have resulted in the significant reduction of communist insurgents in your area of responsibility," Gapay said in a speech before the troops during his visit at the SOLCOM headquarters in Camp Nakar, Quezon province on Monday.
He cited the recent surrender of eight NPA members in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro last September 20, which "showed the sincerity and genuine efforts of the government" in employing the so-called whole of nation approach to defeat communist groups.
So far, there were 5,000 NPA members and supporters who were neutralized by the authorities.
Of these, 408 were from Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions.
It includes 35 suspects who were killed in military offensives, 334 surrenderees, and 39 others who were arrested in various internal security and community support operations.
"Let us sustain this momentum so that we can finally bring just and lasting peace in the country," Gapay said.
Gapay's visit to Camp Nakar was a continuation of his tour of major camps nationwide following his designation as AFP Chief early in August of this year.
Prior to this, Gapay has made stops at the Western Command in Palawan on September 25; the Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac on September 7; the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City on August 19; and the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City on August 16.
"The purpose of my visit is not only to lay the grounds of my leadership and my guidance, but also to ensure that our actions are in sync with our operational thrusts and goals," he noted.
"Having said that, and for us to effectively perform our duties, it is imperative that the Unified Commands' plans and programs are aligned with the General Headquarters’ vision and mission," he concluded.
The SOLCOM is the military unit assigned to safeguard the gateway to the country's seat of government in Metro Manila from the south.