Gapay urges soldiers to ensure proper execution of anti-terror law

Armed Forces chief General Gilbert Gapay has called on government troops to ensure the proper and deliberate  implementation of the highly-criticized anti-terrorism law.

During his visit to the Armed Forces Central Command on Tuesday, Gapay emphasized to the troops that the law would greatly help in "building confidence and poise" during their operations.

"I am confident, and I know for a fact that every man and woman of the AFP is responsible, accountable, and objective enough to enforce this law,” Gapay said.

The law's implementing rules and regulations was approved last week. At least 37 petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the anti-terrorism law.

According to the Department of Justice, the IRR contains "very detailed provisions on terrorism and terrorism-related crimes, on surveillance, on designation of terrorist individuals and organizations, on proscription, on the examination of bank accounts, among others."

Fighting terrorism, insurgency still a priority

Gapay said the military's priority remains to be eradicating terrorism and communist insurgency in the country despite the threat of the COVID-19.

He lauded the troops for managing the situation in Cebu despite the fact that the province was hardly hit by the pandemic.

"While we continue to contribute and help in the national efforts to curb COVID-19, our main priority remains to be our triumph in eliminating communist terrorist groups and local terrorist groups, which makes sense, for our enemies are also taking advantage of these trying times to pursue their propaganda. We cannot let that happen. We must not let that happen," Gapay said.

Data from the military indicated that in the Central Command area, a total of 533 members and supporters of the communist groups had surrendered from January 1 to October 15.

It also said 28 were killed while 74 others were nabbed during military operations in the Central Command area during the the same period.

The AFP said 173 high-powered and low-powered firearms, 75 improvised explosive devices, and 42 encampments were seized from the rebels in the area.

“Let us work hard towards intensified operationalization of the Executive Order No. 70 for we already earned significant gains through this whole-of-nation approach," Gapay said.

"With the continuous involvement of the local government units, local communities, and other stakeholders, we can reach greater heights and yield more successes in this fight against insurgency,” he added.

He expressed confidence that the Central Command, under Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan, would continue to contribute and work for the welfare and betterment of the nation and of Filipinos. — RSJ, GMA News