Navy, Air Force to play key role in defeating ASG threat—Año

Navy, Air Force to play key role in defeating ASG threat—Año (Photo by Troy Roat, U.S. Navy [Public domain])

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año in a statement Monday.

He made this pronouncements during recent visits to Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila and Philippine Air Force (PAF) headquarters in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

“Sailors and marines, you guard the many isolated and distant posts in the islands and features in the West Philippine Sea. I would like you to know that I am inspired by your dedication – missing important occasions and happy moments you could have spent with your families. Once more, your AFP needs your support in this quest to end the Abu Sayyaf Group and other terrorist groups in Mindanao. Be prepared to render service which requires your energy, time, and personal sacrifices,” Año said.

He also lauded the 21,000-strong PN for their accomplishments and its many contributions to the accomplishment of the AFP mission – both in internal security and in territorial defense operations.

Año said the same thing to the PAF whom he said conducts close-air support, medical evacuations to hard-pressed troops.

“I remember how the pilots conducted close air supports and medical evacuations above and beyond the call of duty, of selfless devotion to duty of the pilots and crew, and how they offered the ultimate sacrifice just to save other people’s lives,” he added.

“I now summon you to join the charge against the Abu Sayyaf Group and other terrorist groups that I, as your Chief of Staff committed to significantly defeat in six months period,” Año said.