MANILA, 6 February, 2021 (TON): The new Philippines military chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana vowed that the army will honor the human rights and the rule of law as it moves fast to destroy the communist groups and insurgent militants in the country.

On Thursday, in his assumption speech he urged the nation people to be one with the soldiers fighting against the enemies.

“Rest assured that your soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines will do their job while following the rule of law, giving due respect to human rights and strictly adhering to international humanitarian law,” Sobejana said.

“We are living in times of unprecedented challenges, and are facing enemies from left and right, visible and invisible, not to mention the threat posed by calamities both natural and man-made,” he added.

Sobejana said that peace was a “collaborative project” that required commitment, dedication and support from the military, civil government and the people.

“We will adopt a whole-of-nation approach to end local armed conflict. Through this convergence we will nurture the concept of peace and progress,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who led the ceremony, said that Sobejana, with the help of the government and armed forces, could address multiple threats confronting the country.

“I am confident that under Lt. Gen. Sobejana’s leadership, the armed forces will achieve even more milestones in the campaign against insurgency and terror, and put an end to all threats to our national security,” Duterte said.

The country looks at the man with valor as a leader who will keep on advocating peace while fighting insurgency and improve its welfare and upgrade the capabilities ensuring national security.