PBBM orders Army to ‘recalibrate’ campaign vs Reds

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

WITH the reported dwindling number of communist rebels and sympathizers in the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Philippine Army (PA) to “recalibrate” its anti-insurgency efforts.

I nstead of just focusing on “clearing our communities of internal security threats,” the President said Army troops should now also focus on community development to end insurgencies.

We are now undertaking an even more challenging mission—one that is not yours to carry alone. Addressing the root causes of insurgency will entail a whole-of-nation approach,” Marcos said in his speech at the 126th founding anniversary of PA in Taguig City last Wednesday.

“ Take on the task of peacemakers—work with the national government agencies, the civil society groups, the private sector, and the communities themselves in keeping the peace,” he added.

To address external security threats, the Commander-inChief said the PA should continue to maintain close coordination with their counterparts from “like-minded nations.” Share information, learn from the best practices in the region to make our military better,” Marcos said.

T he President also reiterated his commitment to modernize the Army so it can better respond to new threats from the complex and unpredictable “external security