Military ready to implement new peace, security plan

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The military is now ready to initiate the implementation of a new Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP), setting a direction to its units for the next six years.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Gen. Jose Mabanta said the IPSP is anchored on President Benigno Aquino III's national security strategy that emerges from the "realization of lasting peace and stability, development and social progress, through a multi-stakeholder approach focused on the protection of the citizens' rights and civil liberties."

It involves a paradigm shift wherein the perspective is on winning the peace rather than defeating the enemy, said Mabanta.

"The plan will have equal emphasis on the combat and non-combat dimension of the campaign such that efforts are not only focused on combat operations but will likewise give importance on the peaceful settlement of conflicts. Hence, parameters of success shall also put importance on the number of friends won as contrasted to enemies killed," Mabanta said.

The IPSP is also characterized by an increasing involvement of stakeholders from the government side and the civil society comprising "Whole of Nation approach."

It also advocates the "People-Centered Approach" under the broader frame of Human Security as the AFP seeks to protect the people while at the same time supporting their capacity development, and recognizing their indispensable role as partners in peace and security.

The new plan also features a strict adherence to the International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law. Through this new plan, the AFP articulates its desire and commitment to the peaceful and just settlement of conflicts and our firm belief that lasting peace and security is a shared vision and undertaking among the security sector, stakeholders, and the entire citizenry.

The AFP has also been instrumental in the affirmation of the Philippine government's commitment to international peace and solidarity, according to Mabanta.

The active involvement of the AFP in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions led to the deployment of a total of nine Peacekeeping Contingents and 50 Military Observers and Staff in Liberia, Haiti, Syria, Ivory Coast, East Timor, Sudan, India-Pakistan, and New York.

"Through these international deployments, the AFP has immensely contributed in maintaining international peace and security under a common belief that peacekeeping is a collective responsibility shared among the UN member States," Mabanta said. (Ian Ocampo Flora)