The Department of National Defense called on the Philippine Army to sustain its operational gains and decisive efforts to end the communist armed conflict in the country.
In a statement Thursday, DND officer -in-charge, Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. cited the need to capacitate the military in "dealing with the multi -faceted nature of national security issues."
Faustino is eyeing a mission-capable military "across an entire spectrum of operations."
He said the DND marching order is anchored on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s thrust and call for unity.
"Our President has declared on several occasions that our sovereignty is sacred and inviolable, and not a square inch of what is ours will be ceded to anyone," he said.
Faustino earlier issued a 10-point defense agenda during his stint as an OIC for the defense department.
He then led the send-off ceremony for two batteries (eight guns) of the Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System 155mm self-propelled guns on 21 September, which he noted will contribute to addressing conflicts in Mindanao areas.
"These assets are considered game -changers as they will certainly bolster the Armed Forces of the Philippines's internal security operations for a decisive victory against enemies of the state. We are optimistic about your capability," he told the personnel of the Philippine Army.
He added the new military assets will significantly contribute to the peacekeeping efforts of the security forces in all conflict-afflicted areas.
According to Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the ATMOS will be used by the 10th Field Artillery Battalion troopers to further enhance their core competencies so they can "effectively and efficiently operate and maintain the Army's game-changer weapons systems."
The Rolling Thunder Battalion, which was activated on 22 June, serves as the mother unit of the three batteries of ATMOS self-propelled guns acquired from Israeli defense company Elbit Systems late last year.
