AFP consolidates special operations units under one roof

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) last Friday consolidated its special operations units into one command headquartered in Nueva Ecija.

In an emailed statement, the AFP said it has activated the AFP Special Operations Command (AFPSOCOM), which will take command of special operations units from all major services.

The AFPSOCOM will take over the Special Operations of the Air Force; the Naval Special Operations Group of the Navy; the Scout Ranger Regiment, the Special Forces Regiment, and Light Reaction Regiment of the Army; and the Joint Special Operations Group of General Headquarters.

Activated on April 6, the AFPSOCOM will be headquartered in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.

"I have personally seen the need for a joint SOCOM, having been a Brigade, Division, and Area Commander," General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, AFP Chief of Staff, said.

"In the Eastern Mindanao Command, I saw the need for a single unit that would oversee the proper employment of the different major service special operations forces deployed in the area," he added.

According to Guerrero, the consolidation would improve the special operations units to be at par with global security units.

"I expect that all of the gaps and challenges we encountered in joint operations involving our SOFs will be addressed with our activation of the AFPSOCOM," he said.

"[These] organizational improvements will ensure that the AFP remains responsive and adaptive to current and emerging challenges in the global security environment," he added. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News