Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. campaigns in Mandaluyong (Photo from his Facebook account)official facebook account
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday thanked retired military and police generals who declared their support for his presidential bid, and hailed the significance of their decision to back him in the May elections.
Among the retired generals named in the manifesto of support for Marcos were former Armed Forces of the Philippines chiefs of staff Roy Cimatu, Benjamin Defensor Jr., Dionsio Santiago and Felimon Santos Jr., and former Philippine National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr.
Also named were Medal of Valor awardees Ariel Querubin, Noel Buan, Roberto Salvador, Hilario Estrella, Bienvenido Fajemolin, Leopoldo Diokno, Lucio Curig, Roy Cuenca and Francisco Granpil.
“We invite everyone to rally around Sen. Marcos Jr. as the best candidate to initiate true and genuine reforms in the institutions of our country, foster national healing and unity, and most of all, provide the support for the vast majority of our people who are most dependent on the service of the national government,” the retired officers stated.
They also called on all sectors of society to respect the sovereign will of the people in the forthcoming elections.
Marcos and running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte met with some of the retired officers on Saturday and received a copy of the manifesto.
Marcos said the support of the retired officers was something he values.
“The expression of support from such a group is significant because it comes from a group of people whose courage, whose commitment, whose leadership is beyond question in their service to our country,” he said.
The military played a significant role in the ouster of Marcos’ father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, in 1986.
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