Soldiers conduct an airfield seizure exercise as part of the US-Philippines “Balikatan” joint military exercise at San Vicente Airport in Palawan (AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Monday told the newly promoted officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that they face “complex security challenges.”
Marcos administered the oath of 39 AFP generals and flag officers in the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace. The families of the officials were also in attendance.
“The load that you carry, are in fact, our people’s hopes. Especially now that we are at the juncture of our history where our nation face complex security challenges. Your response to which requires bold thinking, brave action which I know you can supply in abundant amounts as befits your rank and you can summon from your previous experience,” said Marcos in his speech.
“This is the landscape that confronts you now, it is a security rain that you have to address in the remaining tours of duty in our career,” added the President.
Marcos said that the stars on the AFP officials’ shoulders represent the responsibilities they have. He lauded the officials, but said that they still have many duties left.
“The only way to step up in your rank is to step up in your work. From the day you get your first commission, many decades ago, you have since given your best,” Marcos told the AFP officials.
While Marcos did not specify what these complex challenges were, the country has been on the frontlines of China’s aggressive maritime expansion in the West Philippine Sea.
Marcos has been adamant in asserting the Philippines’ sovereign rights, with his administration switching gears and focusing on external threats rather than internal ones.