MARCOS TO AFP: BE READY TO DEFEND PH

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be ready to secure and defend the Philippines against emerging threats.

Speaking to the newly-promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP in Malacañang, Marcos lamented the need for more efforts to strengthen the nation’s internal security stance.

“We must be ready. Our armed forces must be capable of securing and defending the archipelago from emerging threats. I urge you to ensure interoperatibility across the AFP,” the President said.

“You must not only anticipate, but you must also be ready to adapt and respond to emerging national security and defense realities that exist in our country and in our region,” he added.

The Commander-in-Chief said that as the new leaders of the AFP, the newly-promoted generals and flag officers are expected to help ensure that the Armed Forces will be more agile, flexible, and responsive to better address emerging issues confronting the nation.

While he acknowledged the “positive and encouraging” developments in the country’s internal security situation, Marcos noted that much remains to be done.

The President also emphasized the importance of greater collaboration with other government agencies and civil society groups to come up with “innovative, effective, and efficient” solutions to the challenges that stand in the way of achieving peace and unity.

“We must maintain our vigilance and guard against those actors – whatever nature or form they may take – who would threaten and jeopardize the peace we have striven and fought for all these many years,” Marcos said.

“I enjoin you to help ensure that the communities once beset by conflict are benefiting – and continue to benefit – from the gains of peace and our numerous development interventions,” he said.

Marcos expressed optimism that the newly-promoted AFP officials would perform their duty with “strength of character and utmost integrity, loyalty, and professionalism,” saying these qualities are fundamental and core to the service as officers in the armed service.

The President said he expects them to be at the forefront, being familiar with present and new defense and security challenges the country is currently facing.

“Be assured of this administration’s unshakable commitment to their protection and their welfare, just as we in turn commit to ensure that all of you are provided with the necessary tools to perform your tasks and duties in the fulfillment of your service to our nation and our people,” Marcos said.

Around 31 newly-promoted AFP generals and flag officers, including AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., took their oath before the Commander-in-Chief.