Despite his absence in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) change of command ceremony on Tuesday due to a slight fever, President Rodrigo Duterte urged soldiers to continue the fight against terrorism and insurgency under newly installed AFP chief Lieutenant General Noel Clement.

In his message read by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the President said that he enjoins the troops to “continue the fight against the threats of terrorism and insurgency under the leadership of the new Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Noel Clement.”

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I assure you that the Philippine government will continue to support you as we upgrade your capabilities and pursue initiatives in securing the safety of every Filipino,” said his statement.

The President also told the troops that the nation is behind them as they “bravely march towards the battlefield to advance the common good and secure genuine and lasting change for our motherland.”

He also congratulated Madrigal for his “remarkable” nine-month tour of duty as AFP chief.

“You have made a mark in this noble institution by initiating and pursuing organizational reforms to strengthen its operational effectiveness,” said Duterte, crediting Madrigal for the increase in the AFP’s authorized troop strength, the activation of the 4th Marine Brigade to improve command control over state forces in Jolo, Sulu and improved internal security operations that resulted in the surrender, neutralization and apprehension of thousands of local and communist terrorist group members.