CEBU CITY – The new commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Visayas Command (Viscom) vowed an intensified anti-insurgency campaign especially in Eastern Visayas.
Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo said Viscom is determined to further deal more blows to the priority fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People's Army in Eastern Visayas.
"We want to look at the situation in the 8th Infantry Division. If we can help out because we have priority fronts that we need to address," Arevalo said.
Arevalo assumed his post on Monday, Nov. 14. He replaced Lt. Gen. Robert Dauz who retired from the service.
Dauz was given retirement honors during the turnover of command ceremonies in Camp Lapu-Lapu here. The event was graced by AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro.
Arevalo said state enemies have weakened but Viscom will not let up.
"Malaki na ang hinina ng ating kalaban, kailangan lang tuloy-tuloy at paigtingin ang operasyon at siguradong mas hihina pa ang ating kalaban (The enemies have weakened a lot, we need to continue and intensify our operations so that the enemy will weaken further),” he said.
Aside from fighting insurgency, Arevalo assured the public that Viscom is capable as first responders during disasters and calamities in Eastern, Western, and Central Visayas regions.