Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 27) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be ready to battle emerging threats.
While the country’s internal security situation has shown “positive and encouraging development,” he said much still needs to be done.
“You must not only anticipate but you must also be ready to adapt and respond to emerging national security and defense realities that exist in our country and in our region,” he added in a speech Friday at the oath-taking of promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP in Malacañang.
“We must be ready. Our Armed Forces of the Philippines must be capable of securing and defending the archipelago from emerging threats,” Marcos added, without providing specifics.
The president also directed them to improve joint planning and operations across the agency.
Marcos assured the AFP that his administration would continue to invest in their capacity-building.
Late last year, Marcos said he was committed to modernizing the military forces to beef up capability to guard the Philippines from any threats, particularly from the seas.
