MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday told newly promoted generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that they must be ready to defend the archipelago.
Without further details, Marcos’ remark came in light of incidents in which Chinese vessels hit Philippine boats in the Ayungin Shoal.
“We must be ready. Our Armed Forces must be capable of securing and defending the archipelago from emerging threats. I urge you to further enhance joint planning and operations to ensure interoperability across all AFP,” Marcos said during the oath-taking ceremony of newly promoted generals at Malacañan Palace
Marcos said that along with their promotions, the new AFP leaders are expected to perform their duty with upright character and integrity.
“I place emphasis on this at the outset, in light of the continuing changes and emerging developments in our nation’s evolving security landscape. Your new positions and ranks shall place you at the forefront, both familiar and new, and novel security challenges that we now face,”
The President noted that while the country’s internal security situation also improved, there is much more that needs to be done.
“While it is noteworthy that we see positive and encouraging developments in terms of our internal security situation, there remains much to be done. We must maintain our vigilance and guard against those actors, whatever nature or form they may take, who would threaten or jeopardize the peace we have striven and fought for all these many years,” he added.
A total of 31 generals were promoted, including AFP Chief of Staff Gen Romeo Brawner.
