CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City - The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) visited Kampo Ranao in Marawi City on Thursday, March 10 to personally congratulate troops for the successful military operations against the local terrorist group in Lanao del Sur.
“I commend all operating troops for the successful operation against the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute terrorist group. This is part of our ongoing intensified campaign to defeat armed threats before the President steps down. Let us sustain and maximize our accomplishments towards the drive to end local terrorism,” General Andres Centino PA said.
He was received by Brigadier General Jose Maria Cuerpo II PA, Commander of the 103rd Brigade, Philippine Army. Also present were Marawi Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr and Major General Generoso Ponio PA, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
Combined troops under Joint Task Group Haribon under BGen Cuerpo conducted joint operations against more or less 20 local terrorists in Brgy. Ilalag, Maguing, Lanao Del Sur on March 2, 2022.
The operations resulted in nine (9) enemy killed, all members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) under Abu Zacaria. A total of 45 firearms and more than 10 enemy structures were destroyed during the focused military operation.
On the same day, General Centino conferred the Gold Cross Medal to 2LT Kevin G Camua PA, for gallantry in action while serving as platoon leader during the intense firefight against the DI-MG in Lanao del Sur. The same medal was given to Sgt Jonathan D Lictawa PA, team leader of Scout Platoon, and Cpl Charlie A Angcat PA, squad leader of 1st platoon.
“This is the biggest accomplishment of the AFP against local terrorists for this year alone. We should not lose focus and remain relentless in hunting down these terrorists and ensure lasting peace and security for our people,” General Centino said.
The AFP Chief also took the opportunity to remind the troops to refrain from engaging in partisan politics. He said the soldier’s role during the election period is limited only to maintaining a secure and peaceful election in coordination with the Commission on Election and Philippine National Police.///(Photos by TSg Randulf D Obinque PAF/PAOAFP)
