Brawner: AFP to uphold PH territorial integrity based on int’l law

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is committed to uphold the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty based on international laws, AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said Thursday.

Brawner made the statement during the 88th Anniversary of the AFP as he recalled the pronouncement of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in his previous State of the Nation Address.

“With the statement of our commander-in-chief, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., saying the Philippines will not give up a single square inch of its territory, we will continue to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our institution and with international law,” he said.

“We have strengthened our territorial defense operations by heightening our presence in our key maritime domain and intensifying our maritime security operations as a response to the increasing challenges to our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

The AFP chief noted that the country’s military has “consistently risen to the occasion towards attaining total victory against all threat groups” in the face of countless challenges, both internal and external.

“To our countrymen, we have done so much to win the peace. Let us continue being united in pursuing national security and prosperity for our beloved country. Through our collective efforts and unity, we can build a nation that thrives,” he said.

Brawner also hailed the AFP for its victories “validated by the improved peace and order situation in former influenced areas as manifested in the declaration of the [local government units] as insurgency free.”

“As such, we implore our countrymen to be mindful in our own communities relying on our strong communal ties and shared values to preempt activities that may undermine our national security. Together, with every Filipino, we will continue the collective security of our nation,” he said.

To further improve the military capabilities of the country, Brawner said the AFP will continuously strengthen the reserve force hand in hand with the regular force to sustain territorial defense operations.

The AFP will also adapt innovation by building a strong presence in the cyber realm with the establishment of the AFP Cyber Command, he added.

Apart from this, Brawner said the AFP Joint Special Operations Command will be created while the AFP Presidential Security Command and the AFP Counter-Intelligence Group will be reorganized.

He said the AFP will continue to pursue the modernization program “to leverage cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships while bearing in mind our pledge to keep the peace and remain as your partners for progress on the ground.”

Marcos attended the 88th Anniversary of the AFP along with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.—Hana Bordey/AOL, GMA Integrated News