Use all assets in defending PH interests, Sobejana tells troops

From the Philippine News Agency (May 26, 2021): Use all assets in defending PH interests, Sobejana tells troops (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MEETING THE TROOPS. AFP chief, Gen. Cirlito Sobejana, is given the arrival honors during his visit to the Philippine Navy at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City on Tuesday (May 25, 2021). Sobejana urged military personnel to use all available assets and resources in securing the country's interests. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, called on military personnel to use all available assets and resources in defending the country's interests.

"Intensify our efforts in decisively bolstering our defenses and securing our country’s interests. With the available resources on hand, the AFP shall effectively maximize the utilization of these newly acquired assets in defending what is rightfully ours," Sobejana said during his visit to the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City on Tuesday.

It was Sobejana's first visit to a naval installation since assuming the top AFP post in February.

During the visit, he commended sailors and marines for their efforts in defending the nation.

"(They) have exemplified steadfastness as they vigilantly secure our territory through the conduct of relentless maritime security operations. Indeed, it is the men and women of the PN (Philippine Navy), who stand tall at the front lines, as we deploy naval and air assets to assert our sovereign rights," he added.

Sobejana earlier assured that the AFP would continue to support the maritime activities of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) to protect the country’s territorial waters.

Aside from the AFP, other agencies have deployed vessels and other assets for maritime patrols in the WPS, among them the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Philippine National Police - Maritime Group.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141485