The recent minor squabble involving confidential and intelligence funds and classified miscellaneous and other operating expenses has caused concern among our people.

To the military, any squabble, no matter how minor, but with the potential of becoming a burning national issue to threaten national security, must be handled seriously, and the establishment may go on alert for any eventuality.

I recall with a deep sense of nostalgia that dawn of 1 January 1995, when Generoso del Castillo Jr., AFP-GHQ chief accountant and a reserved full colonel in the Philippine Army, and I, as resident auditor of the same, in observance of tradition, stood side by side with the chief of staff and all the regional and unit commanding generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at AFP General Headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo to pledge our loyalty to the flag and His Excellency, Fidel V. Ramos, President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Immediately after the ceremony, all the generals and flag officers returned to their respective operation areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

On 6 November, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the 67th founding anniversary of the Naval Special Operations Command or NAVSOCOM at the Naval Base Heracleo Alana in Sangley Point, Cavite.

"I congratulate all the officers and members of the NAVSOCOM. As an elite unit of the Philippine Navy, the extensive counter-terrorism training and operations that you have conducted against terrorist groups and other lawless elements, including rescue missions, have greatly supported the AFP's internal security efforts, especially in the southern Philippines.

"NAVSOCOM has also contributed to our efforts to curb smuggling [and] other illegal activities at sea.

"More impressive still, through it all, you have embodied grit, fortitude, and courage in ensuring peace, order, and progress in the country.

"For your commitment to serve and to safeguard the Filipino people, I express my deep and heartfelt gratitude.

"As we move from focusing on ensuring internal security for the country, we have to bolster the country's external defenses. And I exhort the DND and the AFP to maximize and strategically review the deployment of our forces to ensure that their strategies remain responsive to the current and future geopolitical realities.

"Let us also continue to harness the skills of our specialized units in preparing for all contingencies. The NAVSOCOM, with its expertise in Sea, Air, and Land or SEAL operations, must be utilized to support naval defense and enhance maritime security," the President said.

At this juncture of his speech, Mr. Marcos remembered those days when the Navy had Underwater Operations Units and none of the expertise in sea, air, and land.

"I still remember our operators, but they weren't SEAL then, only UOU. They were the members of the Underwater Operations Unit that used to accompany us. And I met many of them; we used to talk a lot. And I very well understand the high standards that were set by the then UOU, now SEAL, and now NAVSOCOM for the elite operators of NAVSOCOM to be able to fulfill their mission."

President Marcos is showing warm rapport with the Navy men, acknowledging he had been with many of them in their operations and training.

"I also enjoin the Navy to strengthen the unit's capabilities by partnering with forces from like-minded states to uphold our shared commitment to freedom of navigation, peace, stability, and the rule of law."

This attitude of mutuality and cooperation with our neighboring countries would benefit the interest of our people in this area of the sea.         

(To be continued)

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