Brawner reminds AFP, PNP, PCG personnel to observe unity in moments of crisis

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday reminded personnel of the military organization, as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), to observe unity in moments of crisis.

Brawner made the statement during his speech at the closing ceremony of the first Inter-Agency Exercise (IAX) “Pagsasanay Sanlakas,” which was participated in by AFP, PNP, and PCG personnel.

“As we close this inaugural exercise, let us remember why we are here. Because in moments of crisis, our people expect us to rise as one. Because in times of danger, they look to us for protection, order, and hope. And because in defending this nation, its land, its seas, and its future, we are strongest when we move with one mission, one direction, and one resolve,” he said.

“This is the spirit of our service. This is the power of our partnerships. And this is what it means to secure the Filipino nation together,” he added.

The IAX Pagsasanay Sanlakas was launched on Monday.

According to the AFP, the exercise addresses the demands for seamless cooperation across agencies considering the current defense environment.

Under the framework of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC), IAX Pagsasanay Sanlakas aims to establish a common operational framework that will guide future inter-agency training efforts across the nation’s security sectors, it added.

“Despite the differences, makikita ninyo iba-iba yung kulay ng ating uniporme (we wear different uniforms), but it is still the uniform that we wear. And together with this uniform come the values that we hold dear to each of our services,” Brawner said.

“Together, we safeguard our sovereignty, maintain peace and order, and protect our waters. Together, we defend our people, not just with force, but with unity of purpose,” he added.

The activity included tabletop exercise to make their ideas, doctrines, and systems harmonious with each other, according to Brawner.

“The [tabletop exercise] allowed us to test ideas, align our doctrines, and understand how our systems...magkakaiba yung mga sistema natin (are different),’ he said.

“Our [command, control, and communications] structures, our [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] mechanisms, our rapid deployment concepts and joint information operations, as well as our doctrines must converge if we are to respond effectively to crisis, calamity, or conflict,” he added.

The three agencies were also exploring ways to integrate their respective reserve units, according to Brawner.

In the next reiterations of IAX Pagsasanay Sanlakas, Brawner said command staff exercise, command post exercise, and field training exercise will be added.

“Despite the differences, makikita ninyo iba-iba yung kulay ng ating uniporme (we wear different uniforms), but it is still the uniform that we wear. And together with this uniform come the values that we hold dear to each of our services,” Brawner said.

“Together, we safeguard our sovereignty, maintain peace and order, and protect our waters. Together, we defend our people, not just with force, but with unity of purpose,” he added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News