AFP upgrades in tactics, equipment to continue

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

MANILA — Efforts to transform the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) into a world-class military force will continue, newly-appointed Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.

“Operationally, we will continue to improve our capability to address current and future challenges. We will revisit our war fighting doctrines to consider new battlefield environments and subsequently train and equip our soldiers to operate in the same,” said Guerrero, in his speech during the change of command ceremony held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Thursday.

He was referring to the AFP’s urban warfare capability, a lack of which was demonstrated in the just-concluded campaign against the Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City.

Urban warfare refers to specialized tactics and maneuvers used in fighting in built-up areas and cities.

Guerrero also said that the AFP Modernization Program will continue to give the military the necessary land, air and naval platforms needed to enable it to fulfill its various security missions.

“We will aggressively implement our modernization program and fast-track the procurement of advanced weapon systems that provide cost-effective and precise target engagement, long-range and high-endurance unmanned systems, and modern air and naval platforms for strategic lift, interdictions, surveillance and reconnaissance,” the new AFP chief said.

Guerrero succeeded Eduardo Año, who retired Thursday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 for uniformed personnel.