Marcos to generals: Be loyal to country, Constitution

MANILA, Philippines — Amid claims of a destabilization plot against his administration among other security challenges, President Marcos yesterday reminded newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces to remain faithful to the Constitution and loyal to the country.

“I know that until the last hour of your last day in office, you will do your work that honors our oath, respects our uniform, earns the admiration of our peers and affirms the prestige that you have earned through a lifetime of service,” Marcos said in his speech after administering the oath of 39 newly promoted officers at Malacañang.

“That you will uphold the principles that made you patriots, professionals, always compliant with command, faithful to our Constitution, loyal to our country and mindful of our conscience,” the commander-in-chief said.

Marcos also directed the AFP officials to be cognizant of existing and emerging threats to the country that could jeopardize the peace efforts of the administration.

“There is much still left to do, missions to accomplish, service to be selflessly rendered to the people that we have all sworn to protect with our lives,” the President said, noting that the stars added on their shoulders are a reminder of heavier responsibilities.

“Be mindful always of the weight that that (rank) carries. After all, the load that you feel 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,” he said.

Marcos said response to existing and emerging challenges requires the bold thinking and brave action of the military.

“This is the landscape that confronts you now. It is the security terrain that you have to address in the remaining tours of duty of your career,” he said.

“The response to which requires bold thinking, brave action which, I know, you can supply in abundant amounts, as befit your rank and you can summon from your previous experience,” he said.

Marcos expressed confidence the AFP members would remain committed to their sworn duties to protect and serve the country and the Filipino people.

“And above all, the people we serve and the Republic we defend and love, have great expectations of you. Let’s not let them down,” the President said.

“That’s what your new rank entails. That is the reward for their faith in you,” he said.

The newly promoted officials from the Army are Lt. Gen. Steve Crespillo, Maj. Gens. Arvin Lagamon, Edmundo Peralta, Allan Hambala, Leodevic Guinid, Ramon Zagala and Domingo Gobway; Brig. Gens. Benedict Balaba, Ramon Flores, Jose Jesus Luntok, Antonio John Divinagracia; Brig. Gens. Arsenio Sadural, Ramon Antonio Bello, Emilio Pajarillo Jr., Jose Vladimir Cagara, Febie Lamerez, Jose Ricky Laniog, Romualdo Raymund Landingin, Mario Jacinto and Samuel Manzano.

Promoted officials from the Navy include Commodores Salvador Henry Quinto, Peter Jempsun de Guzman, Salvador Lavapie Jr., Lemuel Espartinez and Jerry Garrido Jr.; Marine Brig. Gens. Ivan D.R. Papera, Brendo Casaclang, Romulo Quemado and Ronaldo Juan.

Promoted Air Force officials were 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. Morales currently heads the Presidential Security Command.

Daniel Tansip of the Chaplain Service was also promoted to brigadier general.

In an interview last week, Marcos said he does not see the need to conduct loyalty checks among the active members of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces.

“We don’t have any reports in the ranks. Those who are retired may have, they are those who move, join the destab that are being orchestrated (against the administration),” Marcos said when asked whether he intends to do a loyalty check on PNP officials.

“But among our (active) policemen, especially the officer corps, we don’t see them engaging in politics,” Marcos said.