AFP chief to protect freedom of speech, info
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero has vowed to protect freedom of speech and information.
In a message to the Defense Press Corps (DPC) during its 50th anniversary celebration at Camp Aguinaldo over the weekend, Guerrero declared that the media organization “(has) been one of our reliable bridges to the Filipino public as your coverage of our services and sacrifices have earned for us the trust and confidence of our constituents.”
Guerrero also took the occasion to commend the DPC for keeping the people informed on issues that affect their ways of life and “help protect the democratic institutions that safeguard freedom of speech, information and expression.”
“What matters is one’s accuracy and credibility. In the military, accuracy and credibility allow us to accomplish our mission effectively, to serve the public, and earn their trust going forward to new challenges,” he said in the message delivered by Brig. Gen. Cornelio Valencia, AFP assistant chief for plans.
For his part, AFP Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said the DPC and the AFP “have been working together for five decades.”
“As enduring partners, they worked hand-in-hand in bringing relevant and timely information from the military to the people they have sworn to protect,” he said.
“This reputable defense media organization offers the needed perspective of the AFP’s internal security operations, the developments post-Marawi siege, the implementation of martial law, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations,” he added.
Arevalo said the DPC provides the needed check and balance and engendered transparency and accountability in the use of the military’s resources.
The DPC golden anniversary event served as a reunion of sorts for past and present members of the press corps, including some who now occupy positions of consequence in giant media companies.
Also in attendance were Jessica Soho of GMA 7, Pia Hontiveros of CNN, Ben Cal of the Philippine News Agency, Cynthia Balana of Defense Journal, and Jaime Laude of The STAR.
AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., Department of National Defense Public Affairs Service chief director Arsenio Andolong, DPC president Victor Reyes of Malaya, officers and members of the DND, and AFP PAO and public information officers from major services also attended the event.