New Viscom chief vows to crush NPA; to focus on WPS campaigns

CEBU CITY – The new chief of the Visayas Command (Viscom) assured his commitment to continually address insurgency as they prepare for a bigger task in supporting the campaigns in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, who was installed to lead the Armed Forces of the Philippines in three central Philippine regions on Wednesday, said the priority of his administration is to ensure stability and security by addressing internal threats.

"We are currently dealing with the fourth communist terrorist group's guerilla fronts, six horizontal platoons, and 10 regional and sub-regional party units," Reyeg said in his speech during the change of command ceremony.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner presided over the ceremony at the Viscom headquarters in Camp Lapulapu here.

Reyeg said the military in the Visayas is also committed to managing humanitarian and disaster relief assistance.

He pledged the Army’s continued support for law enforcement agencies.

Reyeg cited the urgency in defeating rebels so that the military could make a gradual shift in meeting external threats and assist the AFP in its thrust in the West Philippine Sea.

"We will secure the region but we will also continue to assist in the national territorial defense," he added.

In his speech, Brawner rallied support from military commanders under the operational control of Viscom for the command’s new chief.

"A lot of challenges will face our new commander but I'm sure he will be able to accomplish and address these challenges with the able leadership of commanders on the ground," Brawner said.

He called on Viscom personnel and stakeholders to support the programs of Reyeg. (PNA)