The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) turned over to its civil relations arm Tuesday, Oct. 26, various essential electronic equipment which were donated by Australia to further enhance the military's capability to combat violent extremism and terrorism.
Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, led the ceremonial handover of the electronic equipment to the Civil Relations Service (CRS) led by its commander, Major General Manuel Sequitin, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The items were donated by the Australian government to the AFP last Oct. 23 to support one of Faustino's flagship campaigns which is preventing and countering radicalization and violent extremism (PCRVE).
Among the new equipment were high-tech computers, tablets, storage devices, smart TVs, cameras, and audio recording components which can be used to collect and process data "to develop proactive measures in preventing and countering violent extremism."
"The electronic equipment and gadgets, previously housed at the AFP Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, will enhance the capability of the CRSAFP in their function of documenting and encoding diverse and vast information on personalities and events relative to violent extremism and terrorism," said Faustino, a general who spent years in combatting radical and terrorist groups in Mindanao before becoming the top AFP officer.
"The AFP is fortunate to have been afforded essential electronic equipment by one of its staunch allies in combatting terrorism – the Australian government through its Embassy here in the Philippines," he added.
Meanwhile, Sequitin expressed gratitude to the Australian government for their donations which, he said, could boost their current capability to provide commanders and troops more valuable materials and timely information to effectively carry out PCRVE efforts.
"We at the CRS are given a unique task. We are unlike any other soldiers because we are not armed with long rifles and heavy equipment. Instead, on our hands are cameras ready to capture reality, loud speakers for speaking the truth, and our hearts always ready to extend a helping hand," he said.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives from the Australian Embassy led by Lt. Col. Timothy John Lopsik, Australian Assistant Defense Attache; and Sara Fouchy, Australian Defense Intelligence Liaison Officer and Second Secretary of the Australian Embassy.
"As espoused by the United Nations, violent extremism may be prevented through inclusive development, tolerance and respect for diversity – measures that the AFP has successfully championed over the years as we shifted towards convergence of efforts in order to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development in the countryside," Faustino said.