Vice President Sara Duterte insisted that the current state of the nation has failed Filipino soldiers, citing the absence of a clear and independent foreign policy.

"Sadly, the state of our nation today reveals how we failed the Filipino soldier," Duterte said in her speech during the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan in Davao City on Thursday, April 9.

She lamented that the current state of the country falls short of the Constitution's vision of "a nation that is independent, self-reliant, and guided by a clear and principled foreign policy."

"[I]n the absence of a coherent and truly independent foreign policy framework, our soldiers are often left navigating conflicts shaped by external pressures, rather than national interest," Duterte said.

"Hindi mo na alam kung kaninong interes ba talaga ang pinoprotektahan ng ating mga kasundaluan (You no longer know whose interests our soldiers are truly protecting)," Duterte also said in an interview after the ceremony.

The Vice President stressed that the "erosion of strategic direction weakens not only our defense but also the morale of the Filipino people."

Duterte also expressed concern over the return of insurgency in various parts of the country, citing youth recruitment.

"[W]e are witnessing the creeping return of insurgency in various parts of the country. This resurgence reflects deeper systemic failure, poverty, injustice, and unfulfilled promises," she said.

"Soldiers are, once again, placed at the frontline of a conflict that cannot be solved by military force and bearing the burden of a struggle that demands political will and social reform," she added.

In an ambush interview, Duterte said the various skirmishes in different areas, and the recruitment of youth into the NPA show a "gradual return of insurgency."

The Vice President also decried the "faltering of the Bangsamoro Peace Process," claiming that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is "becoming agitated" because agreements are not fully implemented.

"Equally concerning for us Mindanaoans is the faltering of the Bangsamoro Peace Process. Justice, trust, and sustained commitments are absent," she said in her speech.

"[Y]ung faltering ng Bangsamoro Peace Process. Nakikita din natin dito na naa-agitate na yung grupo ng MILF dahil hindi na nasusunod kung ano man yung napag-usapan at nakita nila mabagal yung pagbabago doon sa kanilang lugar (The faltering of the Bangsamoro Peace Process. We can see that the MILF group is becoming agitated because what was agreed upon is no longer being followed, and they perceive that progress in their area has been slow)," she also said in an interview.

Duterte emphasized that "we must demand accountability from our leaders" and insist on policies that uphold sovereignty and protect the Constitution.

"We must ensure that our soldiers are not just celebrated in our ceremonies but supported in reality with clear direction and a government that stands firmly behind them," she added.