Marcos tells newly commissioned AFP officers: Remain loyal to the Republic

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday reminded newly-commissioned officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain loyal to the country.  

Marcos attended the joint graduation ceremony of the AFP Major Services Officer Candidate Course at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. More than 630 officers graduated from the candidate course.

"The AFP that you are part of now must always rise above politics. Your loyalty must not be for any individual or any faction but only to the Republic," said Marcos in his keynote speech.

"The time and effort that you have spent in this course has taught you that by becoming full-fledged officers, your integrity is carried in your uniform and ranks," he said.

Marcos also said the national government remains committed to the AFP modernization program as he vowed to continue defending the country's sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"We must continue to defend our rights in the WPS where our fishermen and our soldiers stand our ground against growing challenges," said Marcos Jr.

"We will stay vigilant against any attempt to weaken our sovereignty or test our resolve," he added.

According to the President, the government continues to invest in radar systems, ships, aircraft, and facilities to strengthen the country's deterrence and disaster response. It also deepened partnerships with allied countries such as Japan and the United States to "better protect our shared peace and our stability".

"Wherever you may be assigned – on land, at sea, in the air – remember that your mission will go beyond completing missions. Ultimately, it will be about maintaning peace and building a nation," said Marcos Jr.

"There will come a time that you will rescue families during floods or earthquakes, secure elections, support government programs that bring service to the most far flung areas in the country. There will be moments that your integrity will be tested – corruption and dishonesty can manifest in many forms. Kaya piliin n'yo ang tama, piliin n'yo ang bayan, piliin ninyo ang katapatan at kapayapaan (So choose what is right, choose the country, choose loyalty and peace)," he said.

AFP graduates

A total of 638 officers graduated from the AFP during the joint graduation ceremony, the highest number of officers to be appointed at the same time.

Of the figures, 164 are from the Philippine Air Force, 148 from the Philippine Navy, and 326 from the Philippine Army. —KG, GMA Integrated News