President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command on Friday for holding the line, noting the Filipino public depends on it particularly as Palawan now becomes the frontline in the continuing tension in the West Philippine Sea.
“And that is the very difficult and important job that the Western Command has before you. And I can only say that I think it is significant to note that the efforts that you have been making under your command have been effective,” President Marcos said in his message during Talk to Troops in Western Command Lawak Gymnasium in Palawan.
“Kahit na papaano nandiyan na ‘yan and the Western Command is playing their very, very important part in keeping the peace. That is the most important part of all of these is to keep the peace. And equally important is to defend the sovereign territory of the Republic of the Philippines.”
The President told the Western Command soldiers to keep up the good work as he congratulated them for the achievements that they have made already in terms of holding the line.
Although Philippine presence in Palawan is small compared with other claimants in terms of number of men and equipment, the important things is that the military continue to maintain an orderly presence in the area.
“Kahit papaano, doon sa maliit nating puwersa, in comparison doon sa mga ibang nakakatagpo natin doon sa West Philippine Sea ay kahit na maliit lang ang naihaharap natin na puwersa ay maganda naman ang nagiging resulta dahil kahit papaano ay nagagawa natin na nagiging maliwanag,” Marcos said.
At the same time, the commander in chief also promised for continuing support of the national government with the help of the local government of Palawan.
“Andito po ang inyong Pangulo na sinasabi sa inyo na ang civilian government ay nasa likod ninyo, at lahat ng ating maaaring gawin upang mapaganda ang inyong trabaho ay gagawin natin at ipagpatuloy natin ‘yang modernization ng AFP, ang pagkakaibigan sa iba’t ibang bansa sa Asya, sa Southeast Asia,” he noted.
“At sa paraang ito, we will be able to keep the peace, and number two, we will be able to defend the Republic.” PND
