Marcos to AFP: We won't stand idle in face of domestic threats
Published Oct 1, 2025 04:54 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administers the oath of office of the newly-promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Batch 2 and graduates of the Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institutions (FPCTI) at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace on Oct. 1, 2025.
President Marcos called on newly-promoted military officials and newly commissioned junior officers to remain vigilant over domestic threats.
"As we strengthen our external defense, we must always remain vigilant within," Marcos told the AFP officers during their oathtaking at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
He stressed that the country continues to face challenges such as disinformation and ideological radicalization. Thus, the military must not remain idle over these threats.
"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," Marcos said.
"We must not -- we will not stand idle in the face of such threats," Marcos added.
The President also told them "to hold the line and do it with resolve, with clarity, and loyalty to your constitutional duty."
“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,” Marcos said.
Marcos also reminded the newly promoted officials that more than just carrying a new rank, they also bear the weight of the people’s trust.
"Lead with courage, not comfort. Serve with vision, not vanity. Let every decision you make and every command that you give be anchored in integrity, in discipline, and in duty," the Commander-in-Chief added.
In his speech, Marcos also commended the AFP for their contributions in responding to disasters.
"The heroism of the Armed Forces is not only confined to the battlefield but also shown in the courage that you demonstrate when you help whenever the need arises," he said.
He cited recent operations in the typhoon-affected areas of Masbate, as well as in Cebu, particularly Bogo City, which was hit by a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday night.
“Your men and women were among the first to respond to the affected communities,” he further said.
After his post-typhoon activities in Masbate, Marcos administered the oathtaking of 29 newly-promoted generals and flag officers and 14 newly-commissioned second lieutenants and ensigns from Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institutions (FPCTI).