Marcos tells Gumiran: Keep the Army ready

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos directed newly installed Army chief Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran to ensure his troops’ readiness to respond to disasters and develop a force capable of defending Philippine sovereignty.

During the Army change of command ceremony yesterday in Taguig, Marcos said Gumiran’s years of frontline command, from platoon leader to chief of the Western Mindanao Command and his education at the US Army War College, have prepared him for his new responsibility.

“Especially now, as many of our communities confront heavy monsoon rains and other calamities, keep the Army ready to support search, rescue and relief operations,” Marcos said.

“Be prepared to reach isolated communities, bring families to safety, deliver food and other essential supplies. When disaster strikes, our people must know that the Army is there to help them,” he added.

Marcos said Gumiran is assuming his post as the Army continues its transition toward external defense.

He called on the new Army chief to build a force capable of securing the land domain, supporting joint operations and contributing fully to defending Philippine sovereignty and asserting its territorial integrity. — Michael Punongbayan, Kate Judson, Marc Jayson Cayabyab