High public trust backs AFP’s stand on defending Phl territory
(FILES) President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Mid-Year Command Conference 2025 on Thursday, 17 July, at Tejeros Hall in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The high-level meeting tackled key strategic issues and reviewed the military’s operational accomplishments. Among those in attendance were AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Capping off the event, AFP personnel performed “Kanluran,” a stirring anthem that has become a rallying cry for Filipino patriotism and vigilance. The song, which pays tribute to the West Philippine Sea, calls on citizens to stand as stewards of the nation's maritime sovereignty. President Marcos has repeatedly underscored the importance of national unity and defense readiness in safeguarding Philippine territory.
YUMMIE DINGDING / PPA POOL
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reiterated its commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following the latest incident involving Chinese vessels and the Philippine Coast Guard near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement issued Sunday, 11 August 2025, the AFP emphasized that while the Philippines does not seek war or provoke confrontation, it will continue to uphold national interests despite persistent external challenges. The military described the call to defend the motherland as “not one of aggression, but of patriotic obligation.”
Standing firmly with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Filipino people, the AFP vowed it would not back down in asserting the nation’s rights. It pledged to act with professionalism, courage, and full respect for the rule of law, both domestically and internationally, in coordination with the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Coast Guard.
The statement follows remarks from Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who over the weekend praised the AFP for earning an 81% public trust rating based a survey of adult Filipinos.
Teodoro said the results reflect the military’s “dedication, professionalism, genuine connection, and empathy with our people, and true love for the Motherland.”
He lauded the AFP leadership under President Marcos, declaring, “Pilipinas, ‘di ka pasisiil!”
(Philippines, you will not be oppressed.)
The AFP ended its statement with a call for unity: “Sama-sama nating panindigan ang ating bayan na may tapang, may prinsipyo, at may pagkakaisa.”
(Let us stand together for our nation with courage, principle, and unity.)