CEBU CITY, March 21 -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. cited the gains of the Visayas Command (Viscom) in its internal security operations (ISO) under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, who bowed out of military service in a ceremony here on Thursday.

Viscom's achievements with Arevalo at the helm profoundly impacted the AFP as an organization, Brawner said, referring to government-initiated operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"Under his guidance Viscom which is currently the priority command of the AFP in terms of ISO, has set an exemplary standard, standing tall in the frontlines of tactical, air, and naval operations, safeguarding...