Gapay tells Filipinos can rely on AFP in fighting COVID-19

July 30, 2020

Lt. General Gilbert Gapay, incoming Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, assures that the Filipino people can rely upon the military as the country continues to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his statement Thursday, the Army chief expressed gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for giving him an opportunity to lead the AFP.

Gapay will assume command after AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Filemon Santos Jr reaches mandatory retirement age of 56 on August 4.

"I thank our Commander-in-Chief for his trust and confidence in giving me the opportunity to lead the Armed Forces of the Philippines in this trying time in our nation’s history," said Gapay.

As your incoming Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we will build on the gains of our predecessors whose labors made the AFP an able agent for the betterment of our people and country," he said.

"Most importantly, our communities can rely upon the AFP during this pandemic. We are one with the people in overcoming this health challenge—and we are committed to see you through towards its resolution," he added.

Gapay also called for support and cooperation of the public to ensure peace and stability despite threats from lawless groups.

"I also assure everyone that the AFP is a force committed to ensure peace, stability, and progress being denied by terrorists and their narratives. Your AFP is a far cry from the grim picture being painted by those against the Anti-Terrorism Law," he said.

"Your AFP is your protector—not your enemy. Alongside closely working with agencies of our government and our  stakeholders, we will continue to strengthen our cooperation with local and international agencies to bolster our efforts in combatting terrorism," said Gapay.

"I also ask the support of our people in our efforts to keep our country protected and secure. Yet, more than these, I enjoin our people to trust your only Armed Forces. The AFP can only do so much but with your support, we can do much more," he added.

Gapay also vows to support the modernization of the military.

"While the lessons of the past always remind us that our purpose is winning over challenges to best serve our people, we will uphold our mandate to protect and secure our country against external and internal threats. In doing so, we will remain accountable to the Filipino people," he said.

"Because of this, we will continue to push for the modernization of our military to uphold our sovereignty and the integrity of our national territory.Our goal of becoming a world-class military will also remain as our guide in building a strong, modern, and credible AFP that you can be proud of," he added.

Major General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said the militaary welcomes the appointment of Gapay  as the  54th Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"General Gapay started strong in his career in the profession of arms.  Graduating on top of his class as the Valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 1986, he rose steadily to the helm owing to his competencies on all domains of operations particularly operations, intelligence,  civil military operations, education and training and just as important,  resource management," he said.

"His attributes of integrity and competence; his vast experience, gained expertise, management acumen, and his genuine interest of people are his assets in leading the AFP at the height of the pandemic and the peak of counter-terrorism operations," he added. Robina Asido/DMS