Gapay pledges sustained excellence in AFP’s 85th anniversary

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Gilbert Gapay vowed to sustain the military’s achievements the past year as the AFP capped its 85th anniversary on Monday.

In a statement, Gapay lauded the perseverance and commitment of soldiers in defeating internal security threats, including communist terrorist groups, the Abu Sayyaf Group, and other local terrorist groups amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The AFP significantly degraded the armed capability of the CPP-NPA and the local terrorist groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and the Dawlah Islamiah-affiliated terror groups. Their manpower, firepower, and mass base support are on the decline," he said.

He also said he is confident that these internal armed conflicts will be permanently put to rest before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in 2022.

He also lauded the accomplishments of the military from the eruption of Taal Volcano in January to the series of typhoons that hit the country in recent months.

"These accomplishments of your Armed Forces speak of our commitment and dedication to serve and protect. The wars and battles in the AFP’s history have successfully honed each Filipino soldier with unwavering tenacity and resilience," Gapay said. — DVM, GMA News