AFP Chief: Amid COVID-19, 2020 brought obstacles, distinguished service, dedication

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Gilbert Gapay on Thursday evening said the past year, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, opened opportunities to fulfill mandate as well as non-traditional operations.

"We were confronted with many challenges this year due to the global health crisis but the AFP takes pride in all its members for the tremendous fulfillment of our mandates across all mission areas as well as non-traditional operations," Gapay said in a statement.

He said with efforts from the military organization and government agencies, stakeholders "we were able to gain significant milestones in further securing the best interest of the Filipino people."

"While the past year has brought many obstacles, it was however, marked by the distinguished service, dedication, and perseverance of our uniformed personnel as we fulfill our sworn duties to our country," said Gapay.

"In spite of the hardships that tested our strength and resolve, we as Filipinos endured and emerged as one stronger nation."

Gapay also pledged to improve on the capabilities of military personnel.

“As the New Year approaches, we will continue to further enhance our capabilities and capacitate our personnel in order to better perform our enduring mission of protecting the people and securing the state,” he said.

“We will strive to become fully capable, responsive and highly professional armed forces that are a source of national pride of every Filipino,” he added. -- Joahna Lei Casilao/BAP, GMA News