The New COM5 on the transformation of internal security to territorial defense operations
SAN MATEO, Isabela- The newly installed commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (5ID, PA), BGen. Gulliver L. Señires said doing both the counter-insurgency and territorial defense is challenging as transforming while working on transitioning has to be done simultaneously. But his leadership eyes focus on the territorial defense since the counter-insurgency is already manageable. “Dahil involved naman na ang mga Local Chief Executives plus the PNP, we are now in the process of handling over, transitioning the lead agency going to the PNP,” he said.
The continuum represents a key aspect of the higher headquarters’ policy. As the insurgency subsides, the AFP’s responsibility diminishes, and the PNP assumes responsibility, reflecting a shift from ‘peace and security’ to ‘peace and order.’
In the transformation, Señires said that the soldiers’ mindset should be developed since they have been in insurgency operations for five decades or more. “Malaki ang transformation na kailangan sa mind set ng bawat sundalo na i-embrace iyong bagong role namin as territorial defender ng bansa,” he said.
Señires revealed that during the joint military exercises conducted with the allied forces, he learned that internal security’s transformation to territorial defense operations is difficult. But accordingly, with enough units, skills, and adaptability to the military capabilities, they will have a total force.
The statement was made in an ambush interview with the local media practitioners of Isabela after the Change of Command ceremony held at the Tala Hall, 5ID, PA at Brgy. Upi, Gamu, Isabela on June 28 with LtGen. Roy M. Galido, commanding general, PA as the presiding officer.# Mae Barangan
