BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR and VICTOR REYES
PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday told the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to always be ready “to effectively prevent and to respond properly to current and emerging threats,” and remain undeterred by increasing geopolitical tension, especially in the West Philippine Sea.
The President, during rites for the military’s 88th anniversary in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, said that in the past years, the Philippines has found itself “in the middle of geopolitical developments and tensions that could potentially cause regional insecurity or endanger people’s lives and livelihoods.”
He said that recently, there was a “worrisome” incident in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) that involved no less than Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. He was referring to the firing of water cannon by a ship of the Chinese Coast Guard on a Philippine vessel carrying Brawner, which was part of a resupply mission for troops at the Ayungin Shoal in the WPS. Brawner was visiting the troops stationed at the Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre grounded at the shoal.
“We shall continue to assert our rights in accordance with the Philippine Constitution and international law. The recent incidents involving no less than our AFP chief of staff is worrisome, yes, but it is a proud demonstration of Filipino courage against coercion and our firm resolve to protect, preserve, and uphold our territorial integrity. I know that our soldiers and our troops espouse the same values and principles and they remain undeterred by actions that stir tension,” he added.
Brawner, at the anniversary celebration, said the military has “strengthened our territorial defense operations by heightening our presence in our key maritime domain and intensifying our maritime security operations as a response to the increasing challenges to our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The Armed Forces is at the forefront of protecting the country’s interest in the WPS where China has stepped up its aggressive moves in the past months. Chinese vessels have harassed Philippine resupply missions to the Philippine-held Ayungin Shoal, including the December 10 incident which Brawner experienced.
“With the statement of our commander in chief, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr saying the Philippines will not give up a single square inch of its territory, we will continue to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our institution and with international law,” said Brawner.
The President reiterated his directives for the AFP to enhance partnerships with foreign counterparts and to forge new partnerships based on common goals and values while advancing the Philippines’ interest.
Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to support initiatives that will bolster the Armed Forces’ external defense capabilities, as well as promote the welfare of soldiers and their families, like increasing of the lifetime monthly gratuity of Medal of Valor awardees as recommended by the Department of National Defense and AFP leadership. The current monthly pension of Medal of Valor awardees is P75,000.
“This will provide our heroes tangible and meaningful reward, highlighting our commitment to support and to honor our war heroes,” the President said.
Marcos, during the ceremonies, conferred the Medal of Valor, the highest military decoration in combat, to a Marine staff sergeant for a feat against the New People’s Army in 2020.
The medal was posthumously awarded to S/Sgt. Cesar Barlas. Barlas’ widow received the award from the President who was assisted by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and Brawner.
The medal was awarded to Barlas “for conspicuous acts of courage, gallantry, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty” during a clash with NPA rebels in Sitio Kabuyoan, Barangay Mainit, Brooke’s Point in Palawan on Sept. 3, 2020.
The clash resulted in the death of five NPA rebels described to be “high-value targets” and in the capture of an NPA camp, war materiel and rebel documents.
