'Bayanihan' to replace 'Bantay Laya'

MANILA, Philippines - The new defense plan that will replace the lapsed “Bantay Laya” will be called “Bayanihan” and is expected to be launched tomorrow, military officers said.

Armed Forces deputy chief for operations Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said “Bayanihan” reflects the thrust of the new campaign plan, which aims to involve all sectors in curbing insurgency.

“It reflects the whole-of-nation approach in solving the insurgency problem. The solution of the problem requires the participation of stakeholders,” Bautista said.

“Bayanihan” is a Filipino word that denotes communal unity. While it is popularly used to describe the practice of moving a house to another location, the term also refers to efforts by people or groups to achieve a goal.

Bautista said “Bayanihan” was the result of at least four months of consultations with various sectors nationwide.

“We will continue with the consultations to improve the campaign plan,” he said in Filipino.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said “Bayanihan” will be launched tomorrow to coincide with the celebration of the Armed Forces’ 75th anniversary.

The Armed Forcers said “Bantay Laya,” launched in 2002, weakened the strength of the New People’s Army to about 4,700 from 9,260 in 2002.

Despite the defense plan, the former Arroyo administration failed to achieve its goal to wipe out insurgency by June 30.