President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday told the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be "ready to defend the archipelago from emerging threats."
Speaking with recently promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP in Malacañang, Marcos Jr. cited the need to strengthen the nation's internal security stance.
"We must be ready. Our Armed Forces must be capable of securing and defending the archipelago from emerging threats. I urge you (to enhance joint planning and operations further) to ensure interoperability across all AFP," Marcos said.
Marcos made these statements days after Chinese ships collided with Philippine boats that were conducting a resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal this week.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the Philippines lodged another diplomatic protest against China on Monday following the "dangerous maneuvers" of the two foreign ships.
"We are always hopeful that China will act as a responsible member of the international community and that it will respect our sovereignty and our sovereign rights," DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a press conference.
The DFA stated that it intends to utilize all the available diplomatic procedures to their maximum extent.
In addition to receiving promotions, Marcos said the new AFP leaders are expected to carry out their duties with integrity and moral rectitude.
"While it is noteworthy that we see positive and encouraging developments in terms of our internal security situation, there remains much to be done. We must maintain our vigilance and guard against those actors, whatever nature or form they may take, who would threaten or jeopardize the peace we have striven and fought for all these many years," Marcos said.
"Sustain and foster greater collaboration with other government agencies and civil society groups, harnessing their respective knowledge, specializations and technical expertise in coming up with innovative, effective, efficient solutions to the challenges that stand in the way of achieving peace and unity," he added.
