Aquino leads 75th AFP anniversary rites

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino leads today the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the first time he will do so as commander-in-chief of the country’s 120,000-strong military.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said Aquino is expected to issue a directive on the implementation of “Bayanihan,” the new defense plan designed to address the insurgency problem.

“The President is expected to give his command group guidance on how really to implement the IPSP (internal peace security plan) Bayanihan,” Mabanta said.

Bayanihan will replace “Oplan Bantay Laya,” which lapsed last June 30.

Military officials said the new campaign plan would focus on development programs that will address the roots of rebellion. It will be implemented from 2011 to 2016 and will emphasize human rights and international humanitarian law.

Today’s event will also feature a parade showcasing the roots of the AFP, including military uniforms used during the Spanish, American and Japanese colonial eras.

The replicas of the uniforms are accurate down to the minutest details.

These uniforms include those worn by Katipunan infantry sergeants, brigade generals during the Philippine revolution, and cavalry captains during the American occupation. The apparel similar to that worn by Filipino hero Macario Sakay will also be on display.

Ten members of “Buhay na Kasaysayan,” a group of history enthusiasts, modeled the uniforms yesterday during the launch of a coffee table book on the AFP’s history.

Today’s event will also feature a flyby to be conducted by various aircraft from the Air Force. Military vehicles would also be on exhibit around Camp Aguinaldo.

“As we move towards the night, there will be a testimonial dinner for the commander-in-chief which will be attended by the most senior officers of the Armed Forces,” Mabanta said.

Aquino is also expected to award the outstanding employees and military personnel that include Rear Admiral Alexander Pama (Distinguished Service Star Award); Capt. Marlou Parugrug, Sgt. Celso Llena Jr. and Sgt. Louie Lagrama (Gold Cross Medal Award); Maj. Jeffrey Pizarro (Outstanding Achievement Medal), Sgt. Delfin Olotio (Enlisted Personnel of the Year); Cadet Col. Neil Casem (ROTC Cadet of the Year); and Lydia Cabajar (Model Civilian Supervisor of the Year).

“We want to inform everyone that your Armed Forces is ready, that our equipment are ready. We are certain that we will be accomplishing the missions and the tasks at hand,” Mabanta said.

Prior to today’s celebration, the AFP conducted activities to mark its diamond year, namely the AFP Challenge, which featured different athletic activities, the destruction of seized illegal firearms, AFP’s Got Talent show, and the conference on human rights and international humanitarian law.

The AFP was formed in 1935 with the signing of the National Defense Act. The law, enacted during the Commonwealth era, provided for a small regular force complemented by a large reserve force.