MANILA - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has announced a new campaign plan, which will guide all strategies, operations, and decisions of the Philippine military.
The campaign, tagged as "Development support and security plan (DSSP) Kapayapaan," will replace Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan, which expired last December 31, 2016.
IPSP Bayanihan's seeks to end communist insurgency by using traditional combat and social engagement, aiding the development of communities.
"Under DSSP Kapayapaan, AFP chief-of-staff General Eduardo Año declared as top priority the destruction of terrorist groups like the "Abu Sayyaf, Maute Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other foreign and local terrorist groups," said Colonel Edgard Arevalo, AFP’s Public Affairs Chief.
To achieve this, Año ordered AFP commanders to enhance engagement with local and religious leaders.
Internally, Año also ordered the streamlining of requirements "for promotion, schooling, and awards as well as the disposition of cases," a move that seeks to look after the welfare of all AFP personnel.
The AFP was ordered to support the primacy of the peace process with the Communist Party of the Philippines, as well as the war on drugs, by providing personnel support to the Philippine National Police when requested, and intelligence.