(Updated)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed gratitude to President Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, July 23, for recognizing its efforts in ensuring the safety of the country and people during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said the Chief Executive’s acknowledgment serves as an “inspiration” to all of its military and civilian personnel “who tirelessly serve to ensure the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.”
“We take immense pride in the sacrifice and heroism of our AFP members who continue to guard our nation,” Padilla said.
“The President's recognition confirms that our efforts are noticed and boosts morale and dedication in fulfilling our duties,” she added.
In his SONA on Monday, Marcos stressed that the military has successfully obliterated all active communist guerilla fronts across the country. He said only seven “weakened” guerilla fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), remain, which are targeted to be dismantled within the year through focused operations.
Marcos also thanked the AFP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and fishermen in upholding the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as the government finds ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas.
He said the Philippines “cannot yield” “cannot waver” on its assertion of its rights in the WPS while the military heightens its aerial and maritime domain awareness, and continues to strengthen its defense posture through developing self-reliance and partnerships with “like-minded” states.
He said the West Philippine Sea “is not a work of fiction” as it belongs to the Filipinos and “will remain ours as long as the spirit for the love of our beloved Philippines burns.”
“Sa ating buong Sandatahang Lakas, sa Coast Guard, at sa ating mga mangingisda sa West Philippine Sea: Tanggapin ninyo ang taos-pusong pasasalamat ng buong bansa, dahil sa inyong ginagawang pagmamatyag at sakripisyo (To our armed forces, the coast guard, and our fishermen in the West Philippine Sea: Accept the heartfelt gratitude of the entire country because of your dedication to guard it and you rsacrifices),” Marcos said.
For his part, Padilla said the AFP will not be deterred in performing their mission to protect and uphold the sovereignty of the country.
“Your AFP will not yield nor waver!” she concluded.
AFP supports de-escalation in WPS
Relatedly, the AFP said that it "fully supports" Marcos' strategy of a "fair and pacific approach" in addressing the territorial row between the Philippines and China in the WPS.
"We believe in the importance of maintaining peace and stability through diplomatic means and constructive dialogue," AFP chief Gen. Romor Brawner Jr. said.
The military chief said the AFP also stands behind the President's vision of establishing strong bilateral and multilateral partnerships with other nations to promote mutual security and cooperation.
He also stressed the importance of the AFP's ongoing modernization efforts and push towards self-reliance, "which are essential for strengthening our defense capabilities."
"In the performance of our mandate, the AFP remains committed to raising awareness about the intergenerational duty of all Filipinos to protect the West Philippine Sea. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our maritime domains are preserved for future generations," Brawner said.
"The AFP will continue to uphold our mission, ensuring that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are safeguarded and that we remain vigilant in our commitment to national defense. We will not yield and waver and will face open and covert threats to our national security with the courage of a true Filipino patriot," he added.
Philippine Navy for WPS spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said Marcos' support for the navy in the WPS will further strengthen their resolve to perform their mandate above and beyond the call of duty.
""Our men and women especially those in our occupied features are thankful their sacrifices are recognized," he said.
NSC: Marcos clarifies PH's unwavering position in WPS
For the National Security Council (NSC), Marcos clearly stated the country's "unwavering position" in the WPS amid efforts to de-escalate the tension.
"[N]o amount of aggression or coercion will change his [Marcos] administration's position on the matter. The WPS is our seas, we exercise sovereign rights over it, and it is our patrimony from present and future generations," National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said.
With Marcos' support, Año promised that the country's efforts to assert its rights in the disputed waters will continue despite "protests and intimidation."
"[W]e will continue to rally our partners and allies, our ASEAN partners, in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, to make a united stance against those that seek to undermine the arbitral ruling and to express the important role international law plays in maintaining peace and stability in the maritime commons," he said.