President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to act with resolve against domestic threats aimed at sowing confusion and dividing the nation.
Mr. Marcos made the call during the oath-taking of the 29 newly promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP and the 14 newly commissioned second lieutenants and ensigns from the Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institutions (FPCTI) at Malacañan Palace in Manila.
“Our nation continues to face challenges and pressures aimed at weakening our social foundations. From disinformation campaigns to ideological radicalization, these domestic threats seek to sow confusion and division among us,” he said.
“We must not and we will not stand idle in the face of such threats. This is where your role in the AFP becomes indispensable – to hold the line and do it with resolve, with clarity, and loyalty to your constitutional duty,” the President added.
Mr. Marcos also lauded the military for going beyond combat operations and serving on the frontlines of the rescue and relief efforts.
He also acknowledged the sustained progress in pursuit of peace with the help of the AFP, citing the rising number of cities and provinces being declared as “areas of stable internal peace and security.”
He called on the military to stay vigilant amid efforts to strengthen the country’s external defense.
“As your commander-in-chief, I stand in line with you in every trial, in every mission, and in every step taken for our great republic,” Mr. Marcos said.
The ceremony marked the promotion of 29 AFP generals and flag officers and the graduation of 14 FPCTI graduates.
Under FPCTI, cadets from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and other AFP training institutions undergo officer training at foreign military academies in allied countries such as the United States, Japan, and Australia.
The programs equipped cadets with enhanced skills, valuable international exposure, and opportunities to strengthen diplomatic ties between the Philippines and its allies, preparing them to serve as AFP officers. Vince Lopez
