BACOLOD CITY — The country’s insurgency problem cannot be solved by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) alone without the help and cooperation of the local government units (LGUs).
This was the view expressed by AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Victor S. Ibrado, in his speech as guest speaker during the 23rd founding anniversary of the 61st Infantry Hunters Battalion.

Ibrado stressed that fighting insurgency “is not a military war, but a search for solutions to our social problems and effective delivery of services by government and the local government units (LGUs) to the people, particularly those in the depressed areas.

He said he was once a commander of the 61st Infantry Hunters Battalion, succeeding Lt. Gen. Alphonsus Crucero. Since its creation, the 61st IB had been a recipient of many awards for its outstanding accomplishments.

The AFP Chief congratulated all commanders who have “perfectly” led the Battalion despite limitations.

The anniversary program was attended by Government and public officials in the 61st IB coverage areas, that is, the so-called CHICKs area comprised of Candoni, Hinobaan, Ilog, Cauayan, Kabankalan and Sipalay.