Marcos hails AFP as a force for peace

Amid the "pervasive force of misinformation and disinformation" that threatens democracy, President Marcos commended the military yesterday for being "a force for peace and solidarity" and a partner in nation building.

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Speaking at the 89th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Marcos said the AFP has weathered the darkest storms and risen to the most pressing challenges for almost nine decades.

"The geopolitical developments and tensions continue to test our sovereignty and our resolve. The surge in cybersecurity threats, if unchallenged and unaddressed, will challenge our national security," the President said.

"Meanwhile, the pervasive force of misinformation and disinformation undermines the values that we all hold dear, threatening the democracy we have fought so hard to protect," the President and commander-in-chief said.

"Despite all of these, the AFP has remained steadfast. You have shown that you are a force for peace, a force of progress and solidarity - a partner in building a stronger, more resilient Bagong Pilipinas," he said.

In his speech, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. noted how the country's military "has been undaunted in asserting our sovereignty" over the West Philippine Sea.

"With modernized tools and strategic international partnerships, we carry on in strengthening our maritime presence, securing our exclusive economic zone and upholding the principles of international law,' Brawner said.