MANILA: As operations continue against remaining Daesh-inspired militants in Mindanao, a new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commander was appointed Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero assumed the top AFP post, replacing Gen. Eduardo Año, who has reached retirement age.
Año served in the AFP for 38 years, starting as a cadet in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), and upon graduation as an army officer.
Prior his new post, Guerrero was commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) based in President Rodrigo Duterte’s home city of Davao.
Duterte led the change-of-command ceremony at Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. In his speech, he ordered Guerrero to supervise the destruction of all seized firearms.
“All of it will be destroyed… to show that we’re also able to meet the challenges of terrorism and violence,” Duterte said.
Guerrero vowed to pursue all groups that undermine peace and security in the country, saying: “The priorities in the area of peace and security are clear: Finish the remaining terrorist groups, neutralize the communist insurgency threat, and support law enforcement agencies in efforts against lawless armed groups.”
He added: “Our commander in chief gave his marching orders to those who came before me, and like those before me, I intend to use the might of the AFP to make this a reality. The perseverance, sacrifices and hard work of our troops have brought solid results in winning the peace and bringing us closer to the people.”
Guerrero rallied the men and women of the AFP, saying: “Our labor continues as we build on these victories. Together, let us do better, work harder, fight smarter, and serve our countrymen even more.”
But he is due for retirement in two months, and there has been no word yet if his service will be extended.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana cited martial law in Mindanao as a good reason for Duterte to extend Guerrero’s service.
Meanwhile, Duterte hailed Año for his accomplishments as AFP chief, saying: “The crowning jewel of his impressive career is… the battle for the liberation of Marawi, which resulted in the neutralization of almost 1,000 Daesh-inspired insurgents, including high-value targets being hunted around the world.”
He added: “As Gen. Año leaves behind his legacy and marches toward his final review of troops, I’m confident that the AFP will sustain its gains because of the organizational and capability upgrades initiated during his tenure.”
Duterte said Año will become a Cabinet member as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
But the law prohibits Año from assuming the task for one year after his retirement. So in the interim, he will take the title of special assistant to the president or undersecretary, whichever is tenable legally. Año will also supervise the Philippine National Police (PNP) with retired Gen. Lito Cuy.
