Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
AFP chief says character, integrity, service define military amid evolving threats
Philippines
National
AFP chief says character, integrity, service define military amid evolving threats
AFP chief says character, integrity, service define military amid evolving threats
Published Dec 19, 2025 07:30 pm
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) is joined by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFPP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right) and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (partially hidden behind) during the 90th anniversary of the AFP at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Dec. 19, 2025. (Courtesy of RTVM livestream)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines marked its 90th anniversary on Friday, Dec. 19, with a renewed warning that future conflicts will extend beyond traditional battlefields as emerging threats will increasingly challenge the military in cyber, information, and cognitive domains.
In his anniversary address, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said that while technology continues to advance and security threats evolve, the AFP remains anchored on character, integrity, and service which he described as the enduring values that define the armed forces as it adapts to a more complex and interconnected security environment.
“As we look ahead, the challenges before us will continue to evolve. The future battlefield will test not only, will test us not only on land, sea, and air, but also in cyber, information, and the cognitive domains,” he said.
“Technology may advance, threats may shift, but it's character, integrity, and service that will always define who we are,” he added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the anniversary rites which carried the theme “AFP at 90: Matatag na Sandatahang Lakas, Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas.” He led the awarding ceremony for distinguished uniformed and non-uniformed personnel in the AFP.
Captain Jerome Jacuba, an officer in the Philippine Army (PA) who lost his eyesight in a bomb blast in Maguindanao in 2016 while running after local terror groups, donned a new rank after he was officially promoted to Major and reinstated to the service when Marcos ordered a review of the AFP’s “Complete Disability Discharge” Policy.
AFP’s loyalty to nation
For Brawner, the theme of the anniversary reflects the nine decades of service, sacrifice, and loyalty of the AFP to the nation.
“As one armed forces, our call of duty propels us to operate in a security environment that is more complex, more demanding, and more interconnected than ever before. Through our intensified internal security operations, we have sustained pressure in dismantling threat groups, supporting peace efforts, and safeguarding communities,” he said.
“On our territorial defense posture, we have strengthened our efforts in securing our sovereignty and national interests through the campaign plan Tatag Kapuluan,” he added.
Tatag Kapuluan refers to the AFP’s territorial defense campaign plan that focuses on protecting the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime domain as an archipelagic state.
Meanwhile, the military chief also stressed the importance of the AFP’s role in fighting for the truth on the front lines “against unseen adversaries that seek to divide our people” amid rapid digital innovation.
“Thus, we launched the AFP Communication Plan Mulat to awaken maritime domain awareness, strengthen national consciousness, and empower every Filipino to protect our seas, our rights, our future,” he said.
Amid the country’s continuing territorial row with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Brawner said the AFP continues to uphold a rules-based international order through maritime patrols, joint exercises, and international engagements with like-minded nations which signify a growing circle of allies committed to peace and regional stability.
Further, Brawner said progress toward a modern and self-reliant defense posture is being driven by the AFP modernization program, the activation of specialized commands, and the strengthening of intelligence, cyber, sustainment, and joint capabilities.
“Every new capability, every system acquired, every skill learned serves a single purpose: to ensure that the Filipino soldier is prepared to defend the nation today and tomorrow. This responsibility is not only shared by those in uniform, but by every Filipino,” he stated.
He also emphasized the role of reservists as force multipliers, saying their expertise and commitment underscore a whole-of-nation approach to national defense. Strengthening the reserve force, he said, strengthens the entire armed forces and secures a stronger Philippines.
Beyond combat roles, Brawner cited the AFP’s frontline role in humanitarian assistance and disaster response. He recalled operations during earthquakes in Cebu and Davao and the response to destructive typhoons, where search, rescue, and retrieval teams helped save lives and uplift affected communities.
Brawner also thanked Marcos for his leadership and guidance as Commander-in-Chief, including the increase in base pay for military and uniformed personnel. He also expressed gratitude to the Filipino people for their continued trust in the AFP.
He concluded by saluting AFP personnel for remaining “disciplined, professional, and united” as he pledged that as long as there are waves in the seas and stars on the flag, “the AFP will remain a steadfast partner in building a new and stronger Philippines.”