Malacañang said the government will not abandon Filipino soldiers who risk their lives in the service of the nation, as President Marcos prepares to honor the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on its 90th anniversary.

In her press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos will personally attend the AFP anniversary rites at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo to recognize the military’s decades of service and reaffirm the administration’s commitment to soldier welfare.

“Para sa mga magigiting nating sundalo: Hindi kayo sumusuko, kaya’t hindi rin kayo susukuan ng gobyerno (For our brave soldiers: You do not give up, so the government will not give up on you),” she said Friday, Dec. 19.

Castro said the President’s presence at the anniversary rites underscores the administration’s recognition of the AFP’s role in protecting the country in times of disaster, danger, and peace.

“Sa loob ng siyam na dekada, nananatiling matatag ang paglilingkod ng Sandatahang Lakas sa sambayanang Pilipino (For nine decades, the AFP’s service to the Filipino people has remained steadfast),” she said.

“Sa oras man ng sakuna, panganib, o kapayapaan, nariyan ang ating Sandatahang Lakas upang protektahan ang ating kapakanan, Konstitusyon at kalayaan (Whether in times of disaster, danger, or peace, our Armed Forces are there to protect our welfare, Constitution, and freedom),” she added.

Castro confirmed that President Marcos will also lead the conferment of the rank of major on Philippine Army officer Capt. Jerome Jacuba, who lost his eyesight after being hit by a bomb in 2016 while on duty.

She said Jacuba’s promotion reflects the President’s resolve to fully recognize soldiers’ bravery, noting that despite his injury, the officer continued to live up to his oath of service.

“Ngayon lamang sa panahon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. kinilala ng lubos ang kanyang kagitingan (It is only now, under President Marcos Jr., that his heroism has been fully recognized),” the Palace Press Office said.

Jacuba’s case earlier prompted President Marcos to reverse a military policy that would have discharged him from service and to order a review of the Complete Disability Discharge system, emphasizing that injured soldiers should not be automatically cast aside.

The President earlier said it was unjust to let go of a soldier who had already risked his life for the country, directing defense officials to look for “adaptive duties” that would allow injured personnel to continue serving.