MANILA — The morale of troops in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is high amid challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.
“I can unequivocally state, masasabi ko na mataas ang morale ng ating mga sundalo. Sa harap nitong mga hamon na ito, lalo na silang nai-inspire at paiigtingin nila ang pagpapatupad ng kanilang mga duties,” Teodoro said on Monday.
The Defense Chief made the remarks when asked about the sentiments of troops in AFP’s Western Command (WESCOM) in Palawan where President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made a visit on Sunday.
“At ang bisita ng ating Pangulo kahapon ay nag-semento ng kanilang morale,” he added.
Teodoro said President Marcos discovered from WESCOM what truly transpired during the incident in Ayungin.
President Marcos personally met the WESCOM troops who conducted the RORE mission to Ayungin Shoal. The visit was part of the Commander-in-Chief’s efforts to boost the troops’ morale amid China’s aggressive actions in Philippine waters.
The President also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan to Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo who lost a finger during the Ayungin fracas while 79 others were awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kamagi by the chief executive. (PND)
