Philippine Army commander, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., (File photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
MANILA – The coronavirus pandemic will not weaken the Philippine Army's (PA) resolve in ensuring the safety of the Filipino people against lawless elements, its new chief said on Tuesday.
"It (Covid-19) has not stopped us from protecting them from unscrupulous people’s evil intentions of using the pandemic to sow fear and to threaten the lives of rural and indigenous communities to enlist their support for terroristic means or armed struggle. We will meet these terrorists head-on and quell their armed struggle with their human and material resources," PA commander, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., said in his assumption speech during the change-of-command ceremony at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City broadcast via Facebook Live.
Faustino also assured the public that the Philippines will continue to live in an atmosphere of peace and development under his watch as PA commander.
"Continuity and dedication to our core values is a measure that must be visible in every soldier most especially throughout this pandemic that has brought even the world’s greatest economies down. Indeed we have been called upon to assist in a different kind of war. Something none of us anticipated or even thought possible during our lifetime," he said.
Faustino added that courage, understanding, and a 'never-say-die' attitude are needed at times like this especially when the country is gearing for the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccines.
"As the country gears up for the vaccine arrival logistical requirements, actual rollout, and inoculation proper at proposed sites which would require soldiers mobilized nationwide in a whole-of-nation approach to address this global health and economic crisis. The PA accounts for the biggest pool of available trained, highly-motivated, mobile, disciplined, resourceful, ready-to-deploy officers and enlisted men and women with the complete skill sets to choose from," he said. "In the coming months this entire skillset may be called upon and I have no doubt that the PA will rise to the challenge as it strives to achieve its vision of being a World-Class Army that is a Source of National Pride."
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, said he is confident that Faustino would exhibit exemplary leadership in defeating old and new security threats.
"On this note let me thank Lt., Gen. Faustino, for his outstanding tour of duty and congratulate him for proving himself most deserving to lead the Army. As a word of advice for Gen. Faustino, remember that this role is far different from the ones you have held before, your concern now goes beyond operations since you are to manage the more than 100,000-strong PA. Your leadership is crucial in ensuring that the organization is responsive not only to the multi-faceted challenges it is currently facing but also proactive to address emerging threats as well," Lorenzana said.
Faustino replaced Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana who formally assumed as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief last February 4.
Before being appointed to the PA's helm, Faustino, a member of PMA Class of 1988 commanded several units including the 7th Scout Ranger Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, and the 501st Infantry Brigade.
He also held key positions such as the chief-of-staff of the PA and commandant of the PMA before becoming the commander of the 10th Infantry Division and head of the Eastern Mindanao Command.
"Amidst these challenges, you must be an (epitome) of well-proportioned strength and compassion to serve as an inspiration to our troops. This is a tall order indeed as we wish you all the best and pray for your success," Lorenzana told Faustino.
He also lauded the PA for being a reliable force in maintaining peace and providing an atmosphere for sustainable development in the country.
"While the prevailing Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic added to the already heavy load of the Army, it nonetheless rose to the occasion, it ably performed its conventional roles in fighting insurgency and terrorism while leading humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations as well as support to law enforcement functions. thanks to the strong and dynamic leadership that set a clear direction for the organization and managed capacity and capability, capability upgrades that enhanced the army's ability to perform its multifarious duties," Lorenzana added.
Lorenzana also thanked the two military officials' families for their support.
"Before I end let me convey my gratitude to your families, especially Mrs. Sobejana and Mrs.. Faustino for their understanding, the support, and care for their husbands and children so that they can serve so that their husband can serve the country well. The successes are yours too because the strong support system you provide is indispensable to the success of their military career," he said. (PNA)
