Pinaghahanda ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang Armed Forces of the Philippines na depensahan ang kapuluan mula sa anumang uri ng banta.
Sa talumpati ni Pangulong Marcos sa oath taking ng mga bagong promoted na generals ng Armed Forces of the Philippines sa Malakanyang, sinabi nito na dapat na may sapat na kakayahan ang AFP na ipagtanggol ang sarili.
“As the new leaders of our AFP, you are expected to help ensure that the Armed Forces will be more agile, flexible, and responsive to better address emerging issues confronting our nation. We must be ready. Our Armed Forces must be capable, of securing and defending the archipelago from emerging threats,” pahayag ni Pangulong Marcos.
Umaasa si Pangulong Marcos na gagampanan ng mga bagong promoted na opisyal ang kanilang tungkulin.
“I, along with the nation, expect all of you to perform your duty with strength of character and utmost integrity, loyalty, and professionalism—qualities fundamental and core to the service as officers in our nation’s armed service,” pahayag ni Pangulong Marcos.
“You must not only anticipate but you must also be ready to adapt and respond to emerging national security and defense realities that exist in our country and in our region,” dagdag ng Pangulo.
Matatandaang kamakailan lamang, binangga ng barko ng China ang barko ng Philippine Coast Guard habang nagsasagawa ng resupply mission sa Ayungin Shoal.