Guerrero commands AFP at right time

FILE: Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero (Photo: Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP/Facebook)

MANILA — Commanding the 130,000-strong Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) came at just the right time for Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero as the military is enjoying strong support from the public and the government.

“Men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, there is no better time for us to finish our campaign than now, our high approval and trust rating show that we have the overwhelming support of our countrymen and our Commander-in-Chief is providing us with the tools and resources to (complete) our mission,” Guerrero said.

Guerrero was referring to the neutralization of all remaining security threats in the country.

Early last week, the AFP has declared the neutralization of the Maute Group following the total liberation of Marawi City and killing of 920 terrorists in the five-month battle.

“Our human resources will be developed as we procure additional personnel to fill up units to be organized, leader development will be enhanced to better prepare emerging leaders to assume key positions in our organization and for them to effectively discharge their duties and responsibilities in a complex security environment,” the new AFP chief added.

Guerrero, who is still the incumbent Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) head, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984.

Prior to his appointment to the EMC, he also commanded the Jamindan, Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division, the 701st Infantry Brigade, Task Force Davao, Commander, and also served as Philippine Army chief.

Guerrero is also a decorated military officer having been awarded the Distinguished Service Star four times, the Order of Lakandula (Degree of Commander); the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer); and the Honorary Airborne Wings from the Royal Thai Army.