By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain vigilant in the face of “unfounded” claims portraying the country as a training ground for terrorism, stressing that misleading narratives should not dismiss the nation’s security gains.
Speaking during the AFP’s 90th anniversary celebration at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Marcos praised the military’s 160,000-strong force for nine decades of service in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, internal security, and the Filipino people amid both conflict and calm.
Marcos said deceptive narratives should not weaken the AFP’s focus or morale.
“We also reject in the strongest terms the recent misleading claims that portray our country as a training hotspot for terrorism,” he said.
“For years, we have acted decisively to dismantle terrorist networks, to secure communities, and to sustain our hard-earned peace. To dismiss these gains with unfounded speculation is not acceptable.”
Marcos emphasized the AFP’s expanded role in disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and cybersecurity operations, noting that its personnel have consistently safeguarded communities, restored order, and secured critical systems against evolving threats.
He also recognized the military’s cooperative activities in the maritime domain, demonstrating the Philippines’ commitment to international law while firmly asserting its sovereignty.
“In our maritime domain, we continue to conduct cooperative activities—demonstrating that we are a responsible member of the international community committed to upholding international law,” Marcos said.
“And in the same vein, we remain firm and clear with our stance: what is ours is ours. We stand our ground, with purpose and without apology.”
Marcos Jr. stressed that the AFP’s professionalism, preparedness, and discipline remain crucial in deterring threats, preventing escalation, and maintaining peace.
He renewed his administration’s commitment to promoting the welfare of the uniformed personnel, assuring them of continued modernization efforts to ensure that the AFP is “capable, credible, and steady.”
Marcos Jr. said he would ensure that the armed forces are strong to deter threats, disciplined to prevent escalation, and principled to protect peace.
He also honored the sacrifices of fallen soldiers, acknowledging the bravery and dedication of those who risk their lives to defend the nation.
“The nation is safe because of you standing guard. Our children go to school, our livelihoods thrive, and our holidays are peaceful because you are on duty,” Marcos Jr. said.
“Today, we also recognize heroism in action. To the men and women receiving awards for bravery, innovation, and distinguished service: you have set once again the gold standard. You remind us that excellence is habitual and defines the character of our nation.”
During the program, Marcos led the awarding ceremony for the distinguished AFP uniformed and non-uniformed personnel, including the donning of rank for the promotion of Capt. Jerome Jacuba, a Philippine Army officer who lost his eyesight in a 2016 bomb blast in Maguindanao and was reinstated following a review of the AFP’s Complete Disability Discharge Policy.
The 90th anniversary celebration, themed “Matatag na Sandatahang Lakas, Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas,” highlighted the AFP’s ongoing transformation into a modern, agile, and credible force capable of defending Philippine sovereignty, upholding internal security, and supporting regional stability amid evolving global challenges.
