By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), describing the institution as the country’s sentinel that protects its democracy against various threats, as the military marks its 86th founding anniversary on Tuesday (Dec. 21).
“As a bastion of strength and valor, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is the country’s sentinel against threats to our democratic way of life. Over the years, the AFP has defended our communities from communist rebels, terrorists, other lawless elements, and calamities. During disasters and emergencies, our troops braved dire situations to bring assistance to victims,” he said in a message to reporters.
Lorenzana said the hard-earned trust bestowed upon the AFP by the Filipino people, year after year, is due to the dedicated service and patriotism of our men and women in uniform.
“We have seen genuine reforms in the military take shape over the years. It has become a more efficient, effective, and professional organization that the Filipino can rely on. Its anniversary theme, ‘AFP@86: Kaagapay ng Mamamayan, Lalaban para sa Kapayapaan, Sagisag ng Kadakilaan’ encapsulates its tasks and its mission,” the DND chief added.
Lorenzana also thanked the military for constantly watching over the archipelagic nation.
“Tunay ngang ang AFP ang kalasag ng sambayanang Pilipino. Nawa’y pag-ibayuhin at ipagpatuloy n’yo nang buong husay at dedikasyon ang pagtupad sa inyong tungkulin na mapangalagaan ang ating bansa. Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas! (It is true that the AFP is the shield of the Filipino nation. May it continue serving and protecting the country with excellence and dedication),” he added.
Quiet celebration
Meanwhile, AFP chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino said activities for the occasion have been scrapped to express solidarity with the victims of Typhoon Odette.
“We will forgo the AFP anniversary program, parade, and fly-by in solidarity and sympathy with our kababayans and not disrupt our ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations. We shall celebrate while doing our jobs in the field. This is how we will honor our long history of service and tradition of sacrifice to the Filipino people,” he said.
While the military may not be able to fully alleviate the suffering of affected families and individuals, Centino hoped that they can “at least give them a sense of comfort and security” in these uncertain times and during the holiday season.
“Despite this, we will not be remiss in recognizing every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine who have put their lives on the line in the fulfillment of our mandate to protect the people and secure the state. Our snappiest salute goes to those who are in the countryside, those manning COVID-19 isolation and treatment facilities, and those who are involved in disaster response operations,” he added. (PNA) – bny
