OVER a century has passed since the establishment of the Philippine Army, originally known as the Philippine Revolutionary Army in 1897.
During that time, the nation fought for its freedom from over three hundred years of Spanish colonization.
The resilience of the Philippine Army was tested during the American occupation until Filipinos eventually achieved independence.
And this year the army is celebrating its 127th anniversary, continuing its mandate to protect and defend the Philippines.
LtGen. Roy Galido, the commanding general of the Philippine Army, said that despite their focus on combating internal threats to Philippine security, they will prioritize training this year to address external threats to the peace of the country.
“Indeed, the army has been busy with the internal threats, and more of our capabilities were focused on defeating internal threats and preparing for external threats. We are investing heavily in training, training scenarios of an external threat,” according to LtGen. Roy Galido Commanding Gen., Philippine Army.
LtGen. Galido recalled their significant achievement of receiving a high trust rating from the Filipino people.
According to Galido, in 2022, the Philippine Army received an 84% trust rating, which increased to 91% in 2023.
“Well, the most significant is the trust rating we have right now. We are the second most trusted agency by the Filipino people,” Lt.Gen. Galido added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) considers the neutralization of almost two hundred members of the communist terrorist group a success.
In a press briefing, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said that out of the more than two hundred who surrendered, thirteen were apprehended, and thirteen were killed.
AFP Accomplishment against CTG Date:
As of January 2024 – February 8, 2024
198 Neutralized
172 Surrendered
13 Apprehended
13 Killed
Source: AFP
‘‘In general, the total from our operations, we have neutralized 198 members of the CTG. This includes both regular members and supporters. This encompasses the period from the start of the year until February 8. So, these are the numbers,’’ according to Col. Francel Margareth Padilla Spokesperson, AFP.
The military recovered almost eighty firearms, eighteen improvised explosive devices (IED), and secured fourteen camps of the said terrorist group.
AFP Accomplishment against CTG
Date: As of January 2024 – February 8, 2024
79 High-powered and low-powered firearms 18 IED 14 Camps
Source: AFP
Concerning local terrorist groups, the AFP neutralized nearly thirty members, with nine surrendering and nine killed.
AFP Accomplishment against LTG
Date: As of January 2024 – February 8, 2024 18 Neutralized
9 Surrendered
9 Killed
Source: AFP
The Philippine government also recovered around thirty low- and high-powered firearms and located four camps of the local terrorist group.
AFP Accomplishment against LTG
Date: As of January 2024 – February 8, 2024 22 Low- and high-powered firearms
4 Camps
Source: AFP
LtGen. Galido vowed that despite challenges, Filipino soldiers remain ready to sacrifice for the country.
“The army soldier is ready to protect the citizen and serve as partners in nation-building,” Galido added.
