PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday said “unconventional warfare strategies” of the Philippine Army’s Special Forces Regiment Airborne (SFRA) are now “more relevant and significant in view of the complex threats” that the country faces.
The President, during the 61st anniversary of the SFRA at Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City in Nueva Ecija, told the soldiers to continue empowering themselves and sustaining their status as unconventional warfare strategists.
Marcos also asked the SFRA, one of the elite forces of the Army, to continue assisting the Filipinos in times of crisis.
“To the men and women of the Special Forces Regiment Airborne, we are grateful to have witnessed the efforts that leverage your expertise and demonstrate the core principles in the performance of your duties. Your mastery of unconventional warfare strategies becomes all the more relevant and significant in view of the complex threats that our nation now faces,” he said.
The President committed to continue strengthening the SFRA’s capabilities and ensuring their welfare and their family.
Marcos noted the government has adopted the Riverine Operations Equipment Project (ROEP), a part of the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to further improve the capabilities of the SFRA in riverine operations, or the insertion and extraction of special forces troops for rescue and other special military operations.
“We assure you of the Administration’s unassailable commitment and that of your Commander-in-Chief’s support in all of your undertakings, strengthening your capabilities, and ensuring your welfare and that of your families,” he said.
The President recalled the history of the SFRA which was established in 1962 by then-captain Fidel V. Ramos who later became the country’s president. Ramos died in July last year.
Marcos said the SFRA has extensively trained in unconventional warfare and been equipped with various tools and capabilities that they were able to use “in both wartime and peacetime operations” which include combating terrorist groups in the country to supporting peacekeeping operations overseas.
He said an example of their valiant effort happened last March when the SFRA’s fourth Special Forces Battalion in Isabela City in Basilan conducted search and rescue operations that led to the rescue of 316 individuals from a burning passenger vessel of Aleson Shipping Lines bound for Jolo Port.
“You have exemplified self-sacrifice and resilience, going beyond the call of duty to safeguard communities towards the attainment of internal security and of the peace and the Republic. I think it would be safe to say that you have lived up to your name as the ‘silent professionals.’ Truly, you have not only played pivotal roles in times of battles but have also become dependable sentinels for the Filipino people. Through the responses for humanitarian assistance, you have created a ripple of hope in our communities [and] increased our people’s trust in the military and in the government,” he added.
The President conferred on the SFRA, headed by Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Napuli, the Army Governance Pathway Proficient Status with Gold Trailblazer Award for demonstrating a culture of good governance and performance excellence.
He also congratulated the awardees of the SFRA’s 61st anniversary for their exemplary performance and contributions to the regiment.
Marcos, assisted by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino, distributed the plaques of appreciation to the military and civilian awardees.
After the awarding ceremony, the President witnessed a military free fall (MFF) capability demonstration by the SFRA’s 33rd Special Forces Company and a hostage situation scenario which included explosives and live fire simulations. It was followed by a boodle fight that was joined by Marcos, Teodoro, Centino, Napuli. Others present were Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca.
