MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), under the leadership of new military chief General Felimon Santos, to continue its fight against lawlessness and terrorism.
President Duterte made the order in a speech during the change of command and retirement ceremony for outgoing AFP chief of staff General Noel Clement at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Saturday night.
“I trust that you will work in unison [with] the incumbent chief of staff Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr., as you remain steadfast in protecting our country against lawlessness and terrorism,” the President said.
“May this momentous occasion renew your commitment to defend our homeland from lingering and emerging security threats as you uphold the safety of our families and communities,” he added.
President Duterte also said that he is confident that the AFP would further achieve more milestones in protecting the country’s freedom and democratic values under Santos’ watch.
“Under the command of General Santos, I am confident that the AFP will achieve more milestones to protect our freedom and democratic values,” the Chief Executive said.
“It is my hope that you will carry out programs that will elevate the competence… and integrity of our uniformed personnel,” he added. “Be assured that this administration will always assist men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as we overcome the challenges we face as a nation.”
Santos, a member of PMA Class 1986, served as commander of AFP Eastern Mindanao Command prior to his appointment as military chief. He has been involved in various peace and security programs in Mindanao./PN
