Marcos to newly promoted generals: Mission unchanged amid geopolitical tensions

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday told newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of their greater responsibilities as the country faces geopolitical tensions in the region.

The President issued the statement in his speech in Malacañang Palace after he administered the oath of office to over 30 generals and flag officers who now have higher ranks, and a Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institution (FPCTI) graduate.

"Your promotion reflects the Republic's confidence in your judgment, in your command, and your ability to lead amidst pressure and uncertainty," Marcos said.

"We begin this new year, now with new stars and greater responsibilities resting upon your shoulders. Yet your mission remains unchanged. It endures. Your higher rank demands sharper judgment and steadier leadership, especially in an era of complex threats, rising geopolitical tensions, and heightened security concerns," he added.

Marcos told the newly promoted officers that leadership is also about standards they are setting, not only the number of operations that they have completed.

"This principle, when translated into action, will guide you to approach every challenge with integrity, with discipline, and with honor," the President said.

Meanwhile, Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold the welfare of army personnel with the signing of the P6.793-trillion budget for this year.

He also called on them to guard public resources.

"Be among those who ensure that every peso translates into capability, preparedness, and integrity," the President said.

Also present during the oathtaking were Defense Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino and Armed Forces chief General Romeo Brawner Jr.

The newly promoted generals and flag officers are:

• Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran | Commander, Western Mindanao Command, AFP
• Lt. Gen. Arvin R. Lagamon | Commander, Civil-Military Operations Command, AFP
• Lt. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio | Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
• MGen. Vicente Mark Anthony P. Blanco III | Commandant, Philippine Marine Corps, AFP
• RAdm. Vincent J. Sibala | Commander, Western Naval Command, Philippine Navy (PN)
• MGen. Leo Edward Y. Caranto | Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4, AFP
• MGen. Gregorio B. Hernandez Jr. | Commander, National Capital Region Command, AFP
• RAdm. Richard N. Gonzaga | Commander, Northern Luzon Naval Command, PN
• MGen. Alvin V. Luzon | Commander, 10th Infantry Division, PN
• MGen. Michael G. Logico | Commander, Training Command, PN
• MGen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara | Commander, 6th Infantry Division, PN
• BGen. Antero S. Narcise | Deputy The Inspector General, AFP
• BGen. Arlino L. Sendaydiego | Commander, 801st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army (PA)
• BGen. Eddie M. Pilapil | Deputy Commander, Installation Management Command, Philippine Army
• Commo. Glenn Z. Dizon | Deputy Commander, Visayas Command, AFP
• Commo. Marco N. Buena | Deputy Commander, Southern Luzon Command, AFP
• BGen. Marces T. Gayat | Commander, Civil-Military Operations Regiment, PA
• BGen. Ewald M. Manay | Wing Commander, 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing, Philippine Air Force
• BGen. Ernest John C. Jadloc | Commander, 202nd Infantry Brigade, PA
• BGen. Edmund Paul R. Delos Santos | Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group, PA
• BGen. Yasser R. Bara | Commander, 1101st Infantry Brigade, PA
• BGen. Jose Johnson T. Grayda | Wing Commander, Tactical Operations Wing West, Philippine Air Force
• BGen. Wilfredo B. Manalang Jr. | Commander, 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps, PA
• BGen. Pompeyo Jason M. Almagro | Commander, 802nd Infantry Brigade, PA
• BGen. Ariel M. Reyes | Assistant DIvision Commander, 9th Infantry Division, PA
• BGen. Gieram R. Aragones | Deputy Commandant, Philippine Marine Corps, PN
• BGen. Edmon B. Gupit | Deputy Commander, Air Logistics Command, Philippine Air Force
• BGen. Gregorio S. Nieveras | Assistant Division Commander, 11th Infantry Division, PA
• BGen. Adriano SJ. Duadico | Wing Commander, Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao, Philippine Air Force
• BGen. Sheillah Grace E. Vicente | Wing Commander, Tactical Operations Wing Central, Philippine Air Force
• BGen. Emil J. Cruz | Commander, 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army
• BGen. Ronnie C. Cabingas | WC Commander, 420th Supply Wing, Philippine AIr Force
• BGen. Vince James D.G. Bantilan | Commander, 1001st Infantry Brigade, PA
• BGen. Christopher M. Diaz | Commander, 1003rd Infantry Brigade, PA
• BGen. Samuel G. Yunque | Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade, PA
• BGen. Ronald M. Bautista | Commander, 702nd Infantry Brigade, PA
• BGen. Erickson L. Gob | Chief, AFP Medical Center
• BGen. Elmer A. Nicolas | Commander, 1st Air Force Wing Reserve, Philippine Air Force

Meanwhile, the lone graduate of FPCTI is:

• 2Lt. Rafael Ceclio B. Muñoz | United States Military Academy

— VDV, GMA Integrated News