Continue the fight, Stay Alive!' - AFP Chief to troops

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (August 3, 2017) - The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines visited the soldiers fighting at the forefront to liberate the City of Marawi from the rampage caused by the Daesh-inspired Maute group, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that General Eduardo Año, with him when he arrived at the Kilala detachment are his Joint Staff Officers from higher headquarters. General Año was welcomed by Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, and Brigadier General Joselito Bautista, Commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi upon his arrival. Ground commanders also presented a situation brief to the Chief of Staff to give him a clearer picture of what is going on in the main battle area.

In his message to the troops, the AFP Chief of Staff said: “Just like in game of basketball, we are already winning, but we should not rest on our laurels. We must be more motivated and more persistent. Many among our soldiers want to be here to help, but not everyone is given this rare chance to be here, to fight .”

"Just remember that what you are doing is not only for the country, but also for the future,” said General Eduardo Año.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the battalion commanders were present to update the AFP Chief of Staff on the current situation on the ground. General Año lauded the commanders, who will be receiving their personal Glock, for “a job well done.” He further advised  them to document the heroic deeds of the soldiers on the field so that appropriate recognition be given to them.

"I am happy that we have the best officers and enlisted personnel who are fighting the terrorists. Stay safe, be bold, and daring, but be extra cautious. I want everyone to be alive when we finish this.”

General Año further said that the President has full confidence in his armed forces and that he intends to visit and be with the troops again soon.

“The support from the entire nation is overwhelming. Donors are willing to give money and donations. In fact, a businessman gave a million each for the family of the fallen soldiers,” he added.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the AFP Chief of Staff joined the soldiers in a boddle fight and promised them that force protection equipment will soon be delivered to make sure that everyone has their own protective gears.

"We feel elated to have with us our Chief of Staff today,"'said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr. on Wednesday (August 2), Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"It is very rare that the head of our organization would risk his life and come to the battlefield in order to meet and motivate personally his officers and soldiers."

"With his visit, we are all in high spirits," said the WestMinCom Chief.