Give fight vs. terrorists ‘final push,’ AFP chief tells soldiers

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Cirilito Sobejana on Wednesday ordered soldiers to continue their efforts to quell terrorism in the country as he prepares to hang up his boots at the end of the month.

"The AFP gained substantial accomplishments for the past months. Despite this, we must endeavor to continue our momentum to achieve more meaningful milestones," he said as he led his last command conference as AFP chief.

"The remaining months this year shall be our final push to decisively defeat the local terrorist and communist terrorist groups," he added.

From January 1 to June 30, the AFP units reported a total of 213 military operations against the “communist terrorist group,” where 80 alleged high value individuals and four finance officers were killed.

A total of 372 communist rebels were also neutralized — 42 killed, 53 captured and 277 surrendered. At least 728 people also withdrew their support to the group.

In these operations, 730 assorted firearms and 140 anti-personnel mines were seized.

For this, the AFP conferred ground units with the Battle Streamer to recognize their role in destroying regional rebel group units in their areas.

Among the awarded ground units are the 801st Infantry Brigade, 63rd Infantry Battalion, 402nd Brigade, 23rd Infantry Battalion, 701st Brigade, and 66th Infantry Battalion.

The AFP also presented their accomplishments against local terrorists.

According to AFP, a total of 114 Abu Sayyaf Group members, 124 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter, and 40 Dawlah Islamiyah  were either killed, captured, or have surrendered.

"The AFP has and will continue to play a vital role in protecting the interest of our country and our people,” Sobejana said.

Sobejana is set to retire on July 31.—LDF, GMA News