Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr. joined the third-anniversary celebration of Zamboanga del Sur’s declaration as an insurgency-free province at the Provincial Government Center, Barangay Dao, Pagadian City, on Sunday, April 21.
Brawner praised the collective efforts that led to the milestone, emphasizing Zamboanga del Sur’s role as a pioneer and model for other provinces in the country.
“Let us continue to work together, hand in hand as one whole nation in order to guard our country from the resurgence of insurgency,” he said.
The event commemorated the efforts and dedication of local leaders, uniformed services, and the community in ensuring sustained peace and order in the province.
Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu, alongside his wife and 1st District Representative Divinia Grace Yu, was present at the event.
Other notable attendees included Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., and Major General Gabriel Viray III, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
The AFP Chief of Staff also urged the community to join the whole of nation approach in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty as the AFP transitions its focus to territorial defense.
“We also need the whole of nation approach to ensure that we preserve and protect our sovereignty and our sovereign rights,” General Brawner said.