President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the newly promoted military officials to brace themselves as they are now facing “complex security challenges” as part of their heavier responsibilities to the country and the people.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the 39 newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, Marcos said that the stars on the shoulders of the AFP personnel would mean heavier missions they have to accomplish in their tour of duty.
“The load that you carry, are in fact, our people’s hopes. Especially now that we are at the juncture of our history where our nation faces complex security challenges,” Marcos said.
“If any, the stars on your shoulder do not just indicate rank, but the reminders of the responsibilities – added responsibilities that you now have to carry on those shoulders,” Marcos said.
Despite their promotion, the President noted that their new rank does not send them yet out to their last patrol as they still have “much still left to do, missions to accomplish, service to be selflessly rendered to the people” they have sworn to protect at all cost.
Although Marcos did not specify what these problems were, the nation has been at the forefront of China’s rapid maritime encroachment into the West Philippine Sea.
With his administration shifting gears and concentrating on exterior dangers rather than internal ones, Marcos has been uncompromising in defending the sovereignty rights of the Philippines.
The President underscored the need for “bold thinking” and “brave action,” qualities he believes the newly promoted officers possess and can use to steer the nation toward stability.
“As senior officers in our armed services, may the stars conferred upon you serve as an inspiration in performing your duties with utmost dedication, professionalism, integrity, all worthy of emulation,” he added.
The 39 newly promoted military officers are Army Lt. Gen. Steve Crespillo; Maj. Gens. Arvin Lagamon; Edmundo Peralta; Allan Hambala; Leodevic Guinid; Ramon Zagala; and Domingo Gobway; Brig. Gens Generals Benedict Balaba; Ramon Flores; Jose Jesus Luntok; and Antonio John Divinagracia.
Army Brigadier Gen. Arsenio Sadural was also among the newly promoted officials along with Brig. Gens. Ramon Antonio Bello; Emilio Pajarillo Jr.; Jose Vladimir Cagara; Febie Lamerez; Jose Ricky Laniog; Romualdo Raymund Landingin; Mario Jacinto; and Samuel Manzano.
Commodores Salvador Henry Quinto and Peter Jempsun de Guzman of the PN were also promoted along with Brig. Gen. Ivan D.R. Papera, Commodores Salvador Lavapie Jr. and Brendo Casaclang, Brig. Gen. Romulo Quemado; Commodores Lemuel Espartinez and Jerry Garrido Jr., and Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Juan.
On the part of the Philippine Air Force, the newly promoted are Maj. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales; Brig. Gens. Lloyd Cabacuñgan, Fernando Ventura; Joselito Lopena; Thad Rufino Candelario; Loreto Pasamonte; Gleen Albert Laguardia; Alvin Hate; and Josel Zuñiga.
Brig. Gen. Daniel Tansip of the Chaplain Service was also among the promoted. (TCSP)
