By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday hailed the Filipino troops manning West Philippine Sea (WPS) features who are spending the holidays far from home.
In a video posted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command, Marcos Jr. underscored the soldiers’ steadfast commitment to performing their sworn duty to protect the nation’s territorial integrity.
“You have fulfilled your mission with commitment, with honor, and with professionalism. Kaya’t nagpapasalamat ang buong Pilipinas sa serbisyo ninyo,” the Commander-in-Chief said.
Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also thanked the troops for their sacrifices for the nation amid aggressive actions and harassment from Chinese vessels.
“Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat para sa patuloy na sakripisyo para sa ating bansa,” Teodoro said.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año likewise extended his salute to the WPS troops—noting that they have sacrificed their personal comfort in the service of the nation.
“Sana ay hindi kayo magsasawa o mapapagod na magsilbi sa ating bayan at sa kabila ng mga sakripisyong ito,” Año said.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. urged the soldiers to remain resolute in defending and advancing Philippine sovereignty, saying, “Malaki ang tulong na naibibigay ninyo sa kapayapaan ng ating bansa kaya’t ipagpatuloy ninyo ang magandang ginagawa ninyo dahil ang ating mga kababayan ay umaasa sa inyo.”
The Christmas messages came as the AFP delivered Noche Buena packages and essential supplies to Filipino troops stationed in the West Philippine Sea in a “critical sustainment mission” on Dec. 23.
The AFP said the initiative was to ensure that “warmth, hope, and the spirit of the [holiday] season” reach those who gallantly stand watch at the nation’s outermost frontiers.
Among those supported were troops deployed to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, Pag-asa Island, Panata Island, Rizal Reef Station, Kota Island, Parola, Lawak, Likas, and Patag Island.
According to the AFP, the mission was led by Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alfonso Torres Jr., bringing supplies, Christmas packages, and medical services to Filipino troops.
“Sa pagdiriwang ng Pasko, kami ay labis na nagpapasalamat sa inyong sakripisyo at katatagan sa pagganap ng ating sinumpaang tungkulin na bantayan ang ating karagatan, ang ating karapatan, ang ating kinabukasan habang ang buong bansa ay nagdiriwang ng Kapaskuhan,” Torres said.
-jpv
