AFP ”to work tirelessly” to preserve freedom

June 11, 2020

As the nation celebrates the 122nd Independence Day, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vows to "work tirelessly" to preserve the freedom in the country.

"Side by side, let us not take for granted the gift of freedom, instead use it to make ourselves better citizens capable of serving our country above self; and when the circumstance calls for it, offer our lives with pride and honor," AFP Chief General Felimon Santos Jr. said in his Independence Day statement.

"What constitutes freedom is our ability to live without fear and with trust on our institutions. As protectors of the People and the State, the AFP is first in the frontline in preserving this freedom. With the support of every Filipino from whom our mandate emanates we will continue to work tirelessly to this end," he added.

Santos also expressed gratitude to the Filipinos for supporting the government's effort to fight the coronavirus disease.

"The AFP joins the Filipino people in celebrating the Philippine Independence Day. We celebrate the freedom we have gained 122 years ago with our nation being tested by the global pandemic," he said.

"We give our snappiest salute to the Filipinos who are with us in the struggle to overcome these trying times. This only shows that each of us is vital to our nation’s overall well-being, and is the primary contributor to national development," he added.

Santos also emphasized that the country is "facing threats to the democratic principles."

"As we wade through present challenges to our nation’s security, we are also facing threats to the democratic principles that our national heroes and martyrs defended with their lives", he said.

"These threats are beyond physical harm and are trying our resolve to stand up united and are testing the strength of our will to take our place in the defense of our nation. Every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine is with you in this noble endeavor," he added. Robina Asido/DMS