CAGAYAN de Oro City— The Philippine Army is shifting greater focus to territorial defense and community security after the reported dismantling of seven communist guerrilla fronts in Northern Mindanao and Caraga, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete said.
Nafarrete made the statement during his visit to the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division at Camp Evangelista here on Sept. 26, where he recognized the division’s accomplishments in its campaign against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
He said the military’s work now goes beyond combat operations, including stronger territorial defense and support for local governments and communities.
“Hindi natin pababayaan, tutulungan natin ang ating mga chief executives in terms of community development, in terms of providing security,” Nafarrete said.
He said the AFP will continue working with the Philippine National Police in maintaining peace and order, while strengthening territorial defense through inter-agency exercises.
Nafarrete said national security is a shared responsibility among government agencies and other sectors.
During his visit, he cited the 4ID’s reported dismantling of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and its continuing operations against the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
He said the division’s accomplishments involved not only military operations but also cooperation with local governments, government agencies, communities and civilian peace partners.
“Combat accomplishment is not the end of our work. Our objective is not simply to defeat an armed group,” Nafarrete said.
He said the broader goal is to create a security environment where communities can live without intimidation, government can function and development can continue.
Nafarrete also recognized 12 4ID personnel who received Gold Cross and Silver Cross medals for their contributions to the division’s missions.
Seventeen civilian peace partners received the CSAFP Commendation Medal and Ribbon for their support to government peace and development efforts.
Nafarrete said the recognitions highlighted the role of a whole-of-nation approach in sustaining the government’s security and development efforts.
The AFP, he said, will continue working with local governments and other agencies to provide security and support communities as they move forward.
