Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret)
Strengthening the heart of the AFP
January 06, 2025 1:05 am
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently celebrated its 89th anniversary at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo. Honoring the bravery and sacrifices of our troops, the celebration involved a parade and an awarding program. In his speech, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vividly stated that “modernization is not simply about acquiring advanced equipment; it is about transforming the way we think, the way we act, and the way we operate as a unified force.” Although the President stressed modernization as essential to national security, the heart of the armed forces lies in its people—the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines. For the AFP to remain resilient, their values, attitude, and morale are just as important
Navigating the promise and pitfalls of the new maritime laws
December 01, 2024 4:12 pm
Last Nov. 8, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Maritime Zones Act (RA12064) and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA12065). The two new laws, as per President Marcos, aim to “protect our maritime resources, preserve our rich biodiversity, and ensure that our waters remain a source of life and livelihood for all Filipinos.” While maintaining national sovereignty, these laws have substantial consequences. In this light, this article looks into the security, legal, and diplomatic aspects of these laws.
The Maritime Zones Act (RA12064) aligns the country’s domestic laws with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal decision and the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. It also outlines the internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and continental shelf. The Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA12065), meanwhile, demarcates where foreign vessels and airplanes could traverse in our waters.
The potential of retired PMA graduates in public office
November 04, 2024 12:13 am
Several retired graduates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) are running for public office for the 2025 midterm elections. This pattern of former military leaders entering politics presents the question: Can their military background be useful in government? The answer is often yes, as their training and experiences offer a unique skill set valuable for leadership roles.
‘Choklat’ Boys: Humanitarian Support Mission to East Timor (Part 2)
October 07, 2024 2:28 am
The Philippine Humanitarian Support Mission to East Timor (PhilHSMET) peacekeeping deployment was about helping East Timor. It also created an indelible mark about the virtues of the Filipino soldier that would spur future Philippine peacekeeping deployments. The knowledge gained during that period became the basis for the effective execution of the following deployments.
‘Choklat’ boys: The PH Humanitarian Support Mission to East Timor (PhilHSMET)
September 01, 2024 10:05 pm
On the 25th anniversary of the PhilHSMET, I keep thinking of how this mission changed the lives and careers of those who joined this contingent. We embarked on a journey that went beyond a regular military mission, honoring the promise of then-President Joseph Ejercito Estrada (PJEE) to send Filipino troops to assist East Timor in 1999. In this journey, we were not simply soldiers but agents of change, entering a nation torn apart by tragedy.