28-10-2023 (MANILA) President Marcos has issued orders for the military to maintain a constant state of readiness to safeguard the nation against “emerging threats.” His directive underscores the importance of remaining vigilant, even in the midst of what he described as “encouraging developments” in local security.
Addressing the audience at the swearing-in ceremony of newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang, President Marcos stressed the necessity for the AFP to become more agile, adaptable, and responsive in addressing evolving challenges.
“We must be prepared not only to anticipate but also to adapt and respond to emerging national security and defense realities within our country and region,” President Marcos declared.
Acknowledging the positive strides in internal security, President Marcos cautioned against complacency, saying, “We must maintain our vigilance and guard against those actors – whatever nature or form they may take – who would threaten and jeopardize the peace we have striven and fought for all these many years.”
The oath-taking ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
President Marcos also urged the AFP to ensure that communities previously affected by conflict continue to benefit from the fruits of peace and the government’s various development initiatives. He emphasized the importance of peace and stability as cornerstones for the nation’s progress and the welfare of its citizens.
Furthermore, President Marcos called upon the military to enhance joint planning and operations, promoting interoperability across all units and platforms. He encouraged greater collaboration with other government agencies and civil society groups to devise innovative and efficient solutions for challenges hindering the achievement of peace and unity.
During a recent media forum, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) director Jose Descallar expressed optimism about the government’s progress in combating insurgency, stating that a strategic victory was on the horizon. Descallar noted that since its establishment in 2018, the NTF-ELCAC had significantly reduced the number of guerrilla fronts from 89 to just 20.
In an earlier move, President Marcos issued Memorandum Circular 37, directing relevant government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations, and local government units to expedite the implementation of strategies to combat money laundering and terrorism financing in the Philippines. The country remains on the gray list of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force’s International Co-operation Review Group due to perceived deficiencies in addressing money laundering and terrorist financing.
