The Philippines is now closer to its goal of attaining a “lasting and sustainable” peace with the achievements in the peace and security campaign of the Philippine Army (PA), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has disclosed.
Lorenzana was the guest of honor and speaker during the PA’s 125th founding anniversary celebration at the Army Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on Tuesday, March 22. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Philippine Army @125: Kapayapaan Para Sa Lahat” (Peace for Everyone).
There, he urged the Army troops to “sustain the gains” and “finish strong” under the current administration as President Duterte steps out of Malacanang in June so that the next administration will not inherit much problems.
“Our troops successfully neutralized thousands of enemy personalities including high value individuals and significantly depleted the resources with the capture of thousands of firearms, war materiel and subversive documents,” Lorenzana said.
“As a result, the Philippines is now closer to its goal of a lasting and sustainable peace... My earnest hope is for us to sustain our gains and finish strong under the present administration,” he added.
Aside from its peace and security efforts, the Defense Chief also lauded the PA for its vital role in nation-building through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of calamities.
“Indeed the Army is more than just a military institution. It has become a reliable and responsive partner of the Filipino people during calamities and national emergencies,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., PA commanding general, thanked the Filipino people for trusting and working with the Army to keep the communities safe from the enemies of the State.
“On behalf of the more than 100,000-strong officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource of the Philippine Army, my wholehearted appreciation to all Filipinos for your faith and trust in your Philippine Army," Brawner said.
"Please know that you — our kababayans, are the main priority in our service. We will always strive to live up to your expectations with loyalty and integrity,” he remarked.
The ceremony marked the culmination of the month-long series of events in line with the Army’s quasquicentennial founding anniversary.
The event was also attended by Secretary of Interior and Local Government Eduardo M. Año; National Security Adviser Sec. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr.; AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Erickson R. Gloria; generals from other AFP service branches; commanders of Philippine Army major units; foreign armed forces and defense attaches, Army stakeholders, and former Army chiefs.