CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero vows to protect freedom of speech and of information as he addressed the members of the Defense Press Corps (DPC) on their 50th Anniversary Celebration on 23 November 2017 at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, here.
Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief 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.
“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.
“They provide the needed check and balance and engendered transparency and accountability in the use of its resources.” said the Chief, AFPPAO.
Meanwhile, Gen. Guerrero committed to ensure the freedom of expression and of information to the members of the DPC.
He declares in his speech delivered by Brig. Gen. Cornelio Valencia, Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans, J5, “You have 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,”
The AFP Chief 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 allows us to accomplish our mission effectively, to serve the public, and earn their trust going forward to new challenges.”
The event served as a reunion of sorts for the members of the press corps —past and present. Some of them now occupy positions of consequence in giant media companies. Also in attendance were Ms. Jessica Soho of GMA, Ms. Pia Hontiveros of CNN. Mr. Ben Cal of PNA, Ms. Cynthia Balana of Defense Journal, and Mr. Jaime Laude of The Philippine Star, to mention a few of DPC “old timers”.
AFP Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla, Jr., DND Chief of Public Affairs Service Dir. Arsenio Andolong, DPC President Mr. Victor Reyes, officers and members of the Department of National Defense, and AFP Public Affairs Officers and Public Information Officers from major services also attended the event. (AFP-PR)
