AFP grateful for PBBM's special mention in SONA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2024): AFP grateful for PBBM's special mention in SONA (By Priam Nepomuceno)

COMMAND CONFERENCE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center) leads the Mid-Year Command Conference of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on July 4, 2024. The AFP on Tuesday (July 23) thanked the President for recognizing its efforts in protecting the country's territories during his third State Of the Nation Address (SONA). (Photo courtesy of Presidential Photojournalists Association)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for recognizing its efforts in protecting the country's territories, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS), during his third State Of the Nation Address (SONA).

"The AFP expresses our gratitude for the President's recognition of our ongoing efforts in safeguarding our territory. This acknowledgment serves as an inspiration to all our personnel who tirelessly serve to ensure the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

She added that they take immense pride in the sacrifice and heroism of AFP members who continue to guard the nation.

"The President's recognition confirms that our efforts are noticed and boosts morale and dedication in fulfilling our duties. We will not be deterred from performing our mission to protect and uphold the sovereignty of our country. Your AFP will not yield nor waver," Padilla stressed.

Marcos, in Monday's address, thanked the military, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Filipino fishermen who continue to go about their lawful mandate in the WPS.

He also said the military, police and the PCG continuously undergo capacity-building and asset-upgrading for these to be more capable of preserving the country's peace and territorial defense.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229568