Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognized the contributions of the Philippine Army's Special Forces Regiment – Airborne (SFRA) in maintaining the peace and dealing with security threats in the country.
Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) marches along with Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Napuli, commander of Philippine Army Special Forces Regiment-Airborne (SFRA) during the regiment's 61st founding anniversary at Fort Magsaysay in Palayan, Nueva Ecija on June 25, 2023. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
This, as Marcos led the celebration of the 61st founding anniversary of the SFRA on Sunday, June 25, at the unit's headquarters at Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.
The theme for this year's celebration was "SFRA: Competent, Resilient, and Effective SOF [Special Operations Forces] through the Years."
"On this glorious occasion, we recognize the fortitude and prowess of the men and women in the Special Forces who have dedicated their lives to public service," Marcos said.
"You have not only played pivotal roles in times of battle but have also become dependable sentinels for the Filipino people," the Commander-in-Chief added.
Marcos was joined by Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Andres Centino, Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Brig. Gen. Ferdinand B. Napuli, SFRA commander.
Known for its courage and determination, the SFRA is considered as one of AFP's Special Operations Forces (SOF) most elite units. It was established on June 25, 1962 and among its founders was the late general and president Fidel V. Ramos.
The SFRA specializes in air assaults, anti-guerilla operations, close quarter combats, counter-insurgency, counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, jungle warfare and reconnaissance missions.
***Troops fom the Philippine Army Special Forces Regiment - Airborne perform a capability demonstration in elebration of their 61st founding anniversary at Fort Magsaysay in Palayan, Nueva Ecija on June 25, 2023. (Photo by PPA Pool / Noel Pabalate)***
To celebrate their anniversary, the SFRA showcased their skills in unconventional warfare and special operations through a capability demonstration.
"For over six decades, our unit has exemplified the pinnacle of dedication, courage and commitment to serving our beloved nation," Napuli said.
"I enjoin the men and women of the Special Forces Regiment to reaffirm our dedication to serving the Filipino people with confidence, resilience, and efficiency, and push the boundaries of what is possible," he added.