NextGen Day

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Andres Centino expressed confidence that intensified concentrated military operations will effectively reduce the number of armed militants and diminish their firepower.

Centino emphasized the government forces’ continuous victories over the New People’s Army (NPA), particularly in Samar, Negros, and Mindanao.

He also congratulated the 53rd Engineer Brigade for effectively carrying out their mission, and assisting ground forces in their fight against communist terrorist groups.

During his visit to Cebu on Thursday, the AFP commander praised the officers and enlisted soldiers of the 53rd Engineer Brigade for their efforts to assist their fellow Filipinos who had been affected by recent typhoons.

“I’ve come to express not only my gratitude, but also the gratitude of President (Rodrigo R. Duterte) for your rescue, relief, and rebuilding efforts not only during Typhoon Odette but also during Typhoon Agaton.” “When the President indicated he is grateful for the soldiers’ services to the people, he was extremely explicit,” he said in a statement on Friday.

Centino was in Cebu City’s Camp Lapu-Lapu to assess the morale of troops assigned to the 53rd Engineer Brigade.

Col. Proceso Rebancos, commander of the 53rd Engineer Brigade, welcomed him.

The AFP commander urged soldiers to maintain professionalism and loyalty to the chain of command, particularly as the national and local elections on May 9 approaches.

“As professional troops, we must firmly adhere to the principle of non-partisanship. “We must stay focused on our mission to ensure that the electoral process takes place in a safe, secure, and peaceful manner,” Centino added.

Meanwhile, six members of the Philippine Air Force’s 505th Search-and-Rescue Group were honored last April 27 in a pin-and-award ceremony for rescuing 96 residents from a burning residential structure in Mandaluyong City on September 2, 2021.

The prize was presented at the World Trade Center in Pasay City during the 4th Asian Defense & Security (ADAS) and Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference.

Maj. Cliford Mardicas, 1st Lt. Jezreel Panelo, Technical Sgt. Ruel Bilan, Technical Sgt. Arnold Marges, Staff Sgt. Dunhill Guanzon, and Staff Sgt. Joey Lopez were the recipients of the honor.

“I am certain that there was no expectation on your part when you fulfilled your duty with heroism on September 2, 2021 because that is what you always do in the search-and-rescue group,” said Defense Undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna, who read the statement of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. You are certainly deserved of your honors for saving not just 96 lives, but also 96 families who would have lost loved ones if it hadn’t been for your quick and effective rescue effort.”

Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky, the manufacturer of the S-76A helicopter utilized by rescuers to evacuate citizens from Mandaluyong City’s Metro Tower Building, organized the celebration.

“While the Armed Forces never ask for accolades or recognition, I believe that recognizing remarkable heroism as a morale booster and reminder of the nobility of our Filipino soldiers has merit. Allow me, then, to express my gratitude to Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky for holding this ceremony to honor the bravery of not only the honorees, but all Filipino soldiers in general,” Lorenzana said.

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