Ex-AFP chief lauds Filipino soldiers’ exemplary courage

“The past months as the chief-of-staff of the AFP had shown me why the Filipino fighter is in a class of his own. And we have proudly co-documented achievements in a span of less than six months in the second book entitled, ‘Filipino Courage, Filipino Compassion, AFP Strong’. A fitting homage, the fighting spirit and passion to serve of every soldier, airman, sailor, and Marine spread all over the archipelago,” Guerrero said. (PNA photo)

MANILA — The Filipino soldier is truly a class of his own when it comes to bravery and courage, former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said during his retirement speech Wednesday.

“The past months as the chief-of-staff of the AFP had shown me why the Filipino fighter is in a class of his own. And we have proudly co-documented achievements in a span of less than six months in the second book entitled, ‘Filipino Courage, Filipino Compassion, AFP Strong’. A fitting homage, the fighting spirit and passion to serve of every soldier, airman, sailor, and Marine spread all over the archipelago,” Guerrero said.

He said the Filipino soldier’s courage was demonstrated against the strong push against the communist terrorists to the rehabilitation of Marawi City, to the processing of thousand rebel surrenders.

“The AFP has stayed focus on making peace the priority and the norm across (the) islands,” Guerrero said.

He also lauded the vigilance shown by AFP personnel in preserving and defending the country’s territorial integrity, which was done with the help of the various Unified Commands.

“The security of our waters and islands from north to south and east to west post a challenge, one (the) AFP Unified Commands consider as a priority. Be that as it may, we have put out collective minds to work and found support from the highest authorities to ensure that the resources we need are made available,” he added.

Guerrero, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1984, formally retired from his post on April 18. He was replaced by PMA Class of 1985 member, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, formerly of the Western Mindanao Command.

On Oct. 26, 2017, Guerrero was appointed as AFP chief, replacing then AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año, who stepped down after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. Año is currently Officer- In-Charge Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Guerrero was supposed to retire on Dec. 17, 2017 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 but his term as AFP chief was extended by another four months by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Guerrero was honored with a testimonial parade and review and the prestigious award of the Philippine Legion of Honor (Rank of Commander) during his retirement.