AFP chief joins wreath-laying ceremony in People Power Monument

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año participated in the wreath-laying ceremony at the People Power Monument in Quezon City Saturday. (File Photo: Batangas Development Summit/ Facebook)

MANILA –Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año participated in the wreath-laying ceremony at the People Power Monument in Quezon City Saturday.

This was one of the activities held to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the first EDSA People Power revolt.

Año was the host of the ceremony, while former executive secretary Eduardo Ermita was the honoree representing former president Fidel V. Ramos.

“The AFP will continue to play a major part in commemorations like this of the EDSA People Power Revolution, not only during ceremonial activities and in securing the venue but in imbibing the lessons of unity, nationalism, patriotism and fortitude. These are the very same values that make the AFP a dependable institution and a force to reckon with,” AFP public affairs chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

To ensure the safety and security of the EDSA anniversary activities, the AFP through the Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) has activated the Joint Task Group EDSA (JTG EDSA), which is responsible for security operations during the national celebration.

“The Joint Task Group EDSA is composed of about 200 security personnel from the JTF-NCR and Major Services. The task group actively coordinat ed with the NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) and MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) to cover the security aspect of the ceremonies and ensure the safety of our people who join ed ,” Arevalo said.

The JTG EDSA included civil disturbance management, K-9 and explosive ordnance disposal, medical, and mobility teams.

A quick response force was on standby to respond to any disruptive activity.

The AFP also provided the ceremonial elements and medical teams for the pre-anniversary activities that began Wednesday. The military’s participation is in support of the EDSA People Power Commission and the Spirit of EDSA Foundation.

Among the activities provided with manpower and security were the wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Wednesday, and anniversary Mass and awarding ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo on Friday.