MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be more agile in diplomacy and geopolitical negotiations aside from its military functions.
Marcos made the statement during the mass oath-taking of AFP generals and flag officers in Malacañang on Monday, February 6.
He urged them to “keep up with the times” and be more agile in fostering partnerships as the global situation becomes “more and more complicated.”
“We, therefore, have to be more agile in our responses not only in the military area but also in diplomacy, also in geopolitical negotiations, and in our partnerships that we foster with our friends and allies around the world,” Marcos said.
The President sought to strengthen the country’s collaboration with various government agencies, allies, and other stakeholders to safeguard and advance the country’s national interest amid tensions and challenges.
The role of the AFP and its commanders, he said, has “certainly changed,” hence the need to continue to keep up with the times.
“Not only has the situation – the geopolitical situation become more complex, even the method of war fighting has become more complex with the new technologies, with the new capabilities that have become available to us,” the President pointed out.
Marcos said this is why the military has to make sure it knows “very well how to use the tools that are given us to the best effect for the national interest.”
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