PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday told newly promoted military officials that “bold thinking” and “brave action” would be required of them amid emerging “complex security challenges” against the country is facing.
The President, at the oath taking of the 39 generals and commodores held in Malacañang, told the officers that as they are promoted, they would face more and heavier responsibilities.
Marcos expressed hoped the stars conferred on the soldiers would prompt them to continue to do the “work that honors our oath, respects our uniform, earns the admiration of our peers, and affirms the prestige that you have earned through a lifetime of service.”
“There is much still left to do, missions to accomplish, service to be selflessly rendered to the people that we have all sworn to protect with our lives. If any, the stars on your shoulder do not just indicate rank, but the reminders of the responsibilities — added responsibilities that you now have to carry on those shoulders. The more stars there are, the heavier the responsibility,” the President said.
“The load that you feel is in fact our people’s hopes. Especially now that we are at the juncture of our history where our nation faces complex security challenges. The response to which requires bold thinking, brave action…This is the landscape that confronts you now. It is the security terrain that you have to address in the remaining tours of duty of your career,” Marcos added.
He did not specify the emerging threats but the country is in a territorial conflict with China in the West Philippine Sea in South China Sea. The country also continues to face threats from local insurgents and terrorists.
The President congratulated the newly promoted military officials, 20 of them from the Philippine Army, nine each from the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force, and one from the Chaplain Service.
Promoted to lieutenant general was Steve Crespillo. The new major generals are Arvin Lagamon, Edmundo Peralta, Allan Hambala, Leodevic Guinid, Ramon Zagala, Domingo Gobway, and Jesus Nelson Morales.
Promoted to brigadier general are Benedict Balaba, Ramon Flores, Jose Jesus Luntok, Antonio John Divinagracia, Arsenio Sadural, Ramon Antonio Bello, Emilio Pajarillo Jr., Jose Vladimir Cagara, Febie Lamerez, Jose Ricky Laniog, Romualdo Raymund Landingin, Mario Jacinto, Samuel Manzano, Lloyd Cabacuñgan, Fernando Ventura, Joselito Lopena,
Thad Rufino Candelario, Loreto Pasamonte, Gleen Albert Laguardi, Alvin Hate, Josel Zuñiga, Ivan Papera., Romulo Quemado, Ronaldo Juan, and Daniel Tansip.
Promoted to commodores are Salvador Henry Quinto, Peter Jempsun de Guzman, Salvador Lavapie Jr., Brendo Casaclang, Lemuel Espartinez and Jerry Garrido Jr.
Prior to the event, the President presided over a command conference of the Philippine Air Force during which he was briefed on recent activities, plans and proposed projects.
Marcos is expected to convene a command conference with the Philippine Army today.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF), in a statement, said the command conference was also attended by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr, Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr and other officials.
During the command conference, PAF spokeswoman Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said a briefing was given on the “recent activities and plans of the PAF in the performance of its mandate as the air arm for national defense.”
“Led by the Commanding General, PAF, Lt. Gen Stephen P. Parreño, commanders from different Air Force units and senior Headquarters PAF staff officers were present to provide insights and recommendations to our Commander-in-Chief on ways to further strengthen the country’s air power capability to effectively guard and defend our nation from various emerging security challenges, including enhancing our capabilities for disaster response,” she said. — With Victor Reyes
