Guerrero thanks US for support during Marawi battle

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero meets United States Air Force Secretary Heather Ann Wilson as part of a three-day country visit of US Air Force delegates from Jan. 25-27, 2018 which is aimed at discussing PH-US military partnership and other mutual defense interests including air force technical cooperation and capability build-up, among others. (Photo courtesy: AFP Public Affairs Office)

MANILA — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero expressed gratitude to the US government for their support in the five-month campaign to retake Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute Group terrorists.

He made this statement during his meeting with US Air Force Secretary Heather Ann Wilson at the Hall of Flags, AFP General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last January 26.
Guerrero was referring to capability and technical cooperation provided by the US during the span of the five-month campaign.

Wilson’s meeting with Guerrero is part of her three-day country visit, which started January 25 and includes calls on ranking Department of National Defense and Philippine Air Force (PAF) officials.

The AFP chief also expressed his appreciation on US military assistance in further developing PAF’s capabilities.

Wilson, meanwhile, expressed interest in the mutual benefits of bilateral training, including live-fire exercises, between PAF and US’ Pacific Air Force.

Both leaders also agreed that peace and security is essential in Southeast Asia.

Wilson is the 24th Secretary of the Air Force, one of the three components of the US Department of Defense. She is responsible in organizing, training, and equipping of 660,000 air force personnel. (PNA)