AFP cites foreign security threats

THE chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Intelligence Command, Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, on Wednesday raised the need to address the prevailing threats to national security, such as reported foreign interference.

"We see foreign intelligence entities, as well as foreign entities that have been operating within our country, should be prioritized because they endanger not only the vital installations but the overall socioeconomic activities within the Philippines," Barandon said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Ezpeleta said the Philippines should support the actions of the "white" ships or the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

"In order for us to leverage our actions in the WPS, we should continue to put more assets there. We have to support the actions of our white ships, our coast guard," Ezpeleta said.

Ezpeleta and Barandon made the remarks during their confirmation hearings before the Commission on Appointments' Committee on National Defense. The CA confirmed their ad interim appointments and nominations with 13 other AFP senior officers.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros sought Barandon's opinion on the reported presence of foreign nationals near EDCA sites and other military facilities.

She also said that Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) have also been linked to hostile intelligence-gathering and disinformation activities, particularly after military uniforms were found by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission in one POGO site.

At the same hearing, Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa sought assurances from the AFP that there would be no destabilization plan or coup d'etat against the present administration.

Barandon, in response, said the AFP remains united and assured the senator that there is no destabilization plot.

"As for the AFP, there is nothing to worry about. Again, I would like to emphasize, as mentioned by our chief of staff, that we'll be mission-focused, and we will abide by duly constituted authority. As for the retired officers, I think I'm not in the position to talk about what they are thinking or what they would want to do," Barandon said.

Batangas 5th District Rep. Marvey Mariño also asked Barandon whether the current political situation, following the breakup of the UniTeam, would be taken advantage of by foreign countries.

The AFP intelligence chief said monitoring possible foreign malign operations is part of the AFP's intelligence gathering, and he would be willing to discuss more "specifics of the activity" only in an executive session.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reminded the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) that the safety of every Filipino is the government's top priority.

During the 33rd ATC meeting and year-end celebration in Malacañang, the president lauded the council for achieving "significant milestones in dismantling threats and fortifying our nation's security."

"By disrupting terrorist organizations and limiting their resources, we have sent an unequivocal message: The safety of our people is our topmost priority," he said.

He also reminded the ATC that their duties go beyond neutralizing terrorist threats to preventing them altogether.

"By implementing programs that prevent and counter violent extremism, we address the roots of radicalization and foster trust within our own communities," he said.

Also on Wednesday, the president urged the 36 newly promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP to stand with the troops, for the Constitution, and for the Filipino people amid the ongoing political tension.

During an oath-taking ceremony in Malacañang, the president assured the AFP that his administration would remain its steadfast partner in strengthening the institutions and upholding the rule of law to build a nation "that is stronger, that is more secure, more equitable for all."

"After all, the stars on your shoulders signify the responsibilities you now carry — the trust of the Filipino people, the security of our nation, and the future of generations yet to come. Every decision we make now, every action that we take, will help shape the course of our republic," Marcos said.

"As our senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I enjoin you to lead with honor, serve with integrity, and inspire others with your example. Stand with your troops, stand for the Constitution, and above all, stand for the Filipino people," he added.

The president also encouraged AFP officials to continue empowering soldiers to better serve communities and train them to act with both skill and empathy, ensuring their actions embody the highest ideals of public service.

"The true measure of service is not found in accolades or ranks or promotions; it lies in the fulfillment of your duty to uphold the integrity of our nation and to ensure the safety and security of every Filipino citizen," he said.

Marcos made the remarks five days after he visited the Southern Luzon Command in Lucena City, Quezon and told soldiers not to be distracted or deceived by recent political noise hounding the country.

Without directly referring to the very public and bitter feud between him and Vice President Sara Duterte, Marcos told soldiers that they have their own mission to carry out — to defend Filipinos and the country and uphold the Constitution.

Sara's father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, earlier challenged the military to protect the Constitution amid what he called the "fractured governance in the Philippines."

The former president also asked the military if it would continue to support Marcos if it knew he was a "drug addict."

Armed Forces spokesman Francel Margareth Padilla earlier appealed for the AFP to be spared from any political issues, emphasizing that it was a "non-partisan" organization.

Padilla pointed out that political issues were "all noise" and that there were more issues that should be addressed.

"These are all noises that are going on. And we request that we do not lose focus on the bigger challenge that we are facing ahead. So, we have many issues to deal with that we don't want to divert the discussion to different noises," she said.