Marcos to DND: Minimize AFP casualties during operations
President Marcos has directed the Department of National Defense (DND) to ensure that there will be zero to minimal casualties during operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against enemies of the State.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. bared this as he commended the military's efforts against members of the Dawlah Islamiyah - Maute Group (DI-MG) and New People's Army (NPA) in separate encounters in Lanao del Norte, Negros Occidental, and Bohol recently.
"On instructions of the President, we are, together with the AFP, working hard to ensure that casualties are avoided. This is the best way to honor their sacrifice," Teodoro said on Sunday, February 25.
Last week, the AFP launched separate military offensives against the DI-MG fighters who were tagged in the bombing of Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City last year, and the NPA.
The most tragic was when six soldiers died along with two DI-MG fighters while four other troopers were hurt in a series of counter-terrorism operations in Munai, Lanao del Norte on February 18.
Meanwhile, three soldiers and a CAFGU personnel were injured while three NPA rebels perished in eight separate encounters in Escalante City, Negros Occidental from February 21 to 22.
A Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel was also hurt while five NPA rebels, including a lady lawyer, died in another encounter in Bilar, Bohol on February 23.
"The Defense Department and AFP shall remain resolute in ridding the nation of these lawless elements, who are harming our people and disrupting our communities," Teodoro said.
"We mourn and honor our brave soldiers who paid the ultimate price to protect the nation, and we extend our deepest sympathies and assurances of support to the bereaved families of our valiant troops," he added.