Kudos to Joe Biden, president of the United States of America, for securing a humanitarian "pause" in the fighting between Israel and Hamas to give time for the release of the hostages in Hamas custody, give the Palestinians a brief reprieve from the relentless military operations, and improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

While emotions were running high at the White House, and  the whole world was expressing shock and horror at the mounting loss of human lives, the United Nations through all its agencies and non-profit organizations worldwide called for an immediate ceasefire.

Joe Biden, aware that Israeli  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have steadfastly rejected the idea of a stop in the military action, in his usual soft but deliberate tone said: "I think we need a pause, to give time for the hostages to get out."

Biden's personal plea softened the hearts of the Israeli hardliners and provided the pathway for Israel to  temporarily stop the military action and improve  conditions  in the area of conflict.

Israel agreed to 4-hour daily pauses in the Gaza fighting. Biden's push for an even longer stop in military action came as part of a renewed diplomatic push to free more hostages taken by Hamas and other militant groups.

But still Joe Biden refused to give up, if only  to save more lives, free more prisoners, and create better conditions for those caught in the ugliest war. Biden is urging Israel to agree to a three-day pause in the fighting.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in full control of the government on the homefront, has been  closely watching the situation of overseas Filipino workers  caught in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

Last week,  he expressed elation when  informed that 40 of them had escaped through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt. The other day, he welcomed them on their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

President Marcos, being commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP,  is not a stranger to the officers and men and women of the various units in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The following speech by Marcos at the 61st anniversary of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) of the Philippine Army reveals his familiarity  and  rapport with them.

"We are here today to join the officers, men, women, personnel and stakeholders of the Special Forces Regiment Airborne in commemorating our 61st anniversary. On this glorious occasion, we recognize the fortitude and prowess of the men and women in the Special Forces who have dedicated their lives to public service.

"I also take this moment to celebrate the proud history of the SFRA, which was first spearheaded by then captain, former President Fidel Valdez Ramos," said Marcos, which was followed by applause after he mentioned captain and former President Ramos. 

"When we were established in 1962, it was the first operational Special Forces unit with airborne capability. Extensively trained in unconventional warfare (and) equipped with various tools and capabilities, the members of the SFRA have proven themselves valuable in both wartime and peacetime operations.

"From combating terrorist groups in the country to supporting peacekeeping operations overseas, we have demonstrated competence and professionalism even in the most challenging times."

In March 2023, the SFRA's 4th Special Forces Battalion based in Isabela City, Basilan conducted search and rescue operations that led to 316 individuals being rescued from a burning passenger vessel of Aleson Shipping Lines bound for Jolo port.

"Let me also congratulate the awardees for your exemplary performance and contributions to the regiment.

"You have exemplified self-sacrifice and resilience, going beyond the call of duty to safeguard communities towards the attainment of internal security and of the peace of the Republic of the Philippines."

(To be continued)