Serve with integrity, Marcos tells soldiers

AMID the current political noise, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday reminded the military that they should listen, act and serve with integrity "to rise above adversities and move forward as a people."

In his speech during the 128th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army in Taguig City, Marcos said that when peace and order are in place, the country "can work towards prosperity."

"To achieve this, the government must lead by example; we strive for a government that listens, that acts and serves with integrity. That is the only way to rise above adversities and move forward as a people," Marcos said.

"The road ahead is not easy. There will be delays, frustrations, and challenges as they always are. Our strength and resolve will continue to be tested. But I have no doubt, the Philippine Army will stand the best, will stand firm, as it always has in the past 128 years," he added.

Marcos also told the military that personal interests must be set aside when serving the public to reach the goal of building a "more united, more just, and truly peaceful nation."

"In any institution, rank or power is not enough. The true measure is the willingness to put aside personal interests for a higher purpose," Marcos said.

"Although we play different roles, our goal must prevail to build a more united, more just, and truly peaceful nation," he added.

Marcos' speech came amid political turmoil following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte is in the Netherlands, under the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which will try him for crimes against humanity in connection with his bloody war on drugs — a move questioned by his camp and supporters.

Marcos earlier said Duterte's arrest was proper and correct as it was done "because Interpol asked us to do it and we have commitments."

Pillar of strength

Meanwhile, Marcos lauded the Philippine Army as a "pillar of strength and of stability" for the country.

"In its more than century-long history, this institution has defended our nation, our Constitution, and ensured the safety of our people. Through every trial — whether in combat, in crisis, or in calamity — the Army has remained faithful to its duty," Marcos said.

From strengthening our operations to enhancing our ability to detect, respond to, and recover from threats, Marcos said the military has played a vital role in fortifying the nation's security.

"Beyond the battlefield, our soldiers have once again shown that their service extends far beyond just defense. Whether responding to natural calamities or assisting communities affected by the recent volcanic activities such as what happens in Taal and the Kanlaon volcanoes, they were our first responders. They have proven themselves to be ready, reliable, and resolute in their sworn oath to their duty to our people," Marcos said.

"If excellence is to be measured, let the record speak for itself: a perfect score in policy and facility assessments during the General Security of Military Information Agreement evaluation. Clear proof of their adherence to international standards, readiness to surpass any obstacle, and the determination to guard our nation's future. This is not a small feat," he added.

Marcos also stressed the importance of adaptability and discipline as cyberspace has become the new frontline in modern warfare.

"Ours is a world that continues to evolve. Threats have grown increasingly more complex and the battleground is no longer contained in land. It now extends into cyberspace and beyond," Marcos said.

"The challenges demand greater adaptability, greater discipline, and further commit to the nation's security and progress," he added.

The president vowed that his administration would remain committed to ensuring that the Philippine Army "is always ready to fulfill its mission."

"We are equipping you with the arsenal to champion our rights and protect our national interests," Marcos said.

"As your commander-in-chief, I enjoin you to stay relentless in your pursuit for excellence. Sharpen your skills, master your craft, embrace innovation. After all, the Philippine Army's strength extends beyond firepower. It draws from its personnel's honor, integrity, and fortitude," he added.

In a separate statement, Philippine Army Chief Roy Galido said the service is now evolving to meet and address new security challenges.

In his message during the Army's 128th founding anniversary, Galido said the Army, which previously focused on internal security, has now shifted to territorial defense, noting the external threats the country is now facing.

"We come together to celebrate 128 years of bravery, sacrifice, and undaunted service of the PA. Throughout history, our Army has been the backbone of our nation's security, evolving to meet new challenges," he said during the celebration held at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Galido said the PA is focused on a game-changing mission that ensures a stronger, more capable, and future-ready force.

"For decades, the Army has significantly contributed to the decline of the communist and local terrorist groups, ensuring peace and stability within our borders. As threat evolves, so must we. Our focus now is on territorial defense, protecting our lands, coastline, and sovereignty," he said.

From the Netherlands, Vice President Sara Duterte honored soldiers in the active service, the veterans, and those who died in the line of duty in her message to the 128th anniversary of the Philippine Army on Saturday.

"For generations, the brave men and women of the Philippine Army have shown that the Filipino fighting spirit burns in the hearts of every Filipino — a flame that proves we are a nation of patriots," said Duterte, who is at The Hague to form a legal team to defend her father before the ICC.

She said that the spirits of fallen soldiers "live on in the nation they helped build through their sacrifice, courage, and bravery."

"They died for us to live in peace," she added.

Duterte thanked the soldiers and those who are serving the Philippine Army with "integrity, honor, and undying commitment."