Sharp eyes on Reds

I will have to engage more sectors so that more Filipinos will join in the fight to immediately solve the problem

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Noel Clement.

Incoming Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Noel Clement expects to immediately make an impact in the military’s anti-insurgency campaign using the whole of nation peace approach once he assumes command of the 135,000 strong AFP on 24 September.

Clement, AFP Central Command head, will replace outgoing AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., who will retire after serving for 10 months.

In a phone interview, he said resolving the five-decades old communist rebellion would need the help of other sectors of society.

“Yes, that’s why I think I will have to engage more sectors, so that more Filipinos will join in the fight to immediately solve the problem,” Clement said.

The incoming AFP chief said the most critical factor was to bring in everybody on board in the fight against insurgency.

“The Armed Forces or the local governments should not be left by themselves in addressing this problem, but it has to be the whole nation. This is a national problem, so we have to address this as a people, collectively, so there will be lasting peace in the country,” he added.

However, Clement assured that it doesn’t mean that he will neglect other campaigns, such as on terrorism and territorial defense.

“Well they are continuing programs and some of them are going to take long term, like territorial defense. We still have to develop the capability, so we will continue with our modernization program so we can address that,” he said.

Clement gave thanks to the President for naming him as the 51st chief of staff of the AFP, saying the designation is both an honor and blessing for him.

“Of course, I am honored with the designation and I thanked the President for giving me his trust and confidence,” he expressed.

He added he will do his best to accomplish the mission and programs of his predecessor.

Meanwhile, with regards to his alleged role in the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos more than a decade ago and the possibility that more enforced disappearances will take place once he become the next chief of staff, Clement said that is an old issue.

He said he is ready to engage militants and critics alike by answering past issues.

“That’s a very old issue and I will not honor them by answering that. So, if they want to make that an issue, that’s their problem,” Clement said. “They should prove their allegations, but I will not explain to them. I have been faithful in my service to our country and I have not been involved in any of those activities,” he added.

Clement reiterated those linking him to the Burgos’ disappearance “did not even have any iota of evidence against me.”

Clement was born on 5 January 1964 in Lipa, Batangas and studied at DOLE Philippines School, Stella Maris Academy of Davao and had his first year in Bachelor of Science in Commerce at Ateneo de Davao University, before entering the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1981.

After his graduation from PMA, he served as platoon leader, company commander and varied staff positions at the 44th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division from 1985 to 1993.

Prior to his assumption as Commander of Central Command, he was the Commander of the 10th Infantry (AGILA) Division, where he responsibly assisted the stakeholders create a just and peaceful environment conducive to sustainable development in the area of responsibility.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana disclosed that Clement was chosen over a number of candidates and will take over command on 24 September at the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo.

Malacañang has high expectations for Clement to sustain the momentum of the government’s fight against insurgency.

Mr. Duterte’s spokesman Salvador Panelo expressed confidence in Clement heading the AFP since it should not be a too tall an order since he is a seasoned official of the Philippine Army (PA

“One of the marching orders of the President is to continue the government’s pursuit to end the local communist armed conflict, a task that is not new to him as he previously headed the AFP Central Command (CentCom), led the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10th ID) and served as the deputy chief of staff for Operations of the AFP,” said the Palace official.

The Army’s 10th ID has jurisdiction over the Davao Region, Mr. Duterte’s home province.

Efforts against the threat of terrorism and the ongoing modernization of the AFP, especially in its territorial defense capabilities, would continue, vows Clement.

In a statement, AFP spokesman Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo welcomed Clement’s appointment.

“(Lieutenant General) Clement, the incumbent Commander of Central Command, has vast experience in command and leadership, which prepared him to competently address contemporary challenges of ending local communist armed conflict, the local terrorist groups in Sulu, Basilan and Central Mindanao, and the implementation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao,” Arevalo said.

“He is known to his superiors, peers, and subordinates as a team player, silent but hardworking, a visionary leader, and an advocate of professionalism among officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource under his command,” he added.