The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) affirmed that it will be “business as usual” in fulfilling its core mandate of safeguarding the national sovereignty, particularly in defending the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Monday.

In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that the country’s independent foreign policy remains unchanged and continues to guide military actions.

“So basically, the independent foreign policy has not changed. It will still be business as usual for us in the Armed Forces in terms of how we will be safeguarding our sovereignty,” said Padilla.

She noted that a command conference was held prior to the SoNA, where President Marcos provided “clear guidance” for the AFP’s operations moving forward.

“Nonetheless, for the whole of the SoNA, we take the cue from the Department of National Defense, from our SND’s (Secretary of National Defense) pronouncements, and we’ll be continuing to perform our mandate accordingly,” Padilla added.

Echoing this, AFP spokesperson for WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, reiterated the military’s commitment to defend the country’s territory amid the growing tensions, particularly in the WPS.

“First and foremost, we do not comment on matters of national policy. But what is very clear to the Armed Forces is that we will keep performing our mandate of securing our national territory and protecting the integrity of our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Trinidad said.

“The Department of National Defense has been very clear. We will be resistant and unwavering against the aggressive actions of the Chinese Communist Party. In performing our mandate, the Armed Forces is prepared to sacrifice limb and life,” he added.

Strengthening alliances, modernization

In his SoNA, Marcos highlighted the intensified preparation and vigilance in the face of emerging threats.

In response, Trinidad cited the AFP’s increased international defense cooperation under the Marcos administration.

“We do not count the cost when we conduct air surveillance flights, maritime patrols, and even foot patrols in our hinterlands,” he said.