CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. expressed his honor and respect to the seven soldiers who were killed in an encounter in Munal, Lanao del Norte with the group suspected to be responsible for the bombing at Mindanao State University (MSU) Marawi last December in Munai.

Brawner offered a message of resilience to his fellow soldiers, encouraging them to draw strength from the courage and sacrifice of their fallen comrades.

"But we should not be disheartened; dapat di tayo ma-low morale [it should not lower our morale]. Instead, let this be an inspiration to fight harder and to serve harder,” he said, reflecting on the recent incident as a reminder of the persistent threats faced by the AFP in its mission to uphold peace and security.

Brawner also acknowledged the sacrifices made by brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty, emphasizing that their unwavering commitment to defending the nation's sovereignty and protecting its citizens is a testament to the valor and dedication embedded within the ranks of the AFP.

He said his visit not only honors the memory of the fallen but also reaffirms the AFP's steadfast resolve to face the challenges with courage, unity, and determination. In their sacrifice, the fallen heroes of Munai embody the true essence of service and sacrifice, inspiring a nation to stand firm against all forms of threat.

Moving forward amidst adversities

“We only have one country, one Philippines. Mahalin natin ang ating bansa [Let us love our country],” said Brawner, stressing the AFP’s commitment to solidarity to fight against the challenges faced by the AFP, including internal security issues and external threats towards the country. 

Brawner shared the continuous navigation through various challenges, including internal security issues and external threats, in the territorial waters of the AFP. 

"Habang nakikipaggyera tayo dito sa area ng joint task force diamond ay tuloy-tuloy din ang ating efforts [While we are engaged in the conflict here in the area of joint task force diamond, our efforts persist] for us to preserve our sovereignty and our sovereign rights, not just in the Western Philippine Sea but around the Philippine archipelago," he said. 

Amidst the political noises present in the country, Brawner emphasized the importance of remaining consistent and professional in their duties.

“Marami tayong naririnig na mga ingay sa pulitika [We hear a lot of political noise]—political noise that’s happening now in our country. Let us not be distracted by this noise. Instead, let us focus on our jobs and do them the best way we can. Let us remain professional," said Brawner.

Brawner recognized the role and efforts made by the AFP to uphold the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing the importance of remaining solid and united while emphasizing the battle cry of the forces to wit, #OneAFP, #OnePhilippines, #StrongAFP, and #StrongPhilippines. 

"We should be solid and united. Hindi dapat tayo watak-watak. 'Wag nating hayaan na magamit ang AFP sa kahit ano mang political exercise [We should not be divided. Let us not allow the AFP to be used in any political exercise]. We should remain solid and professional. This country has only one armed force, and that is the AFP,” he said.

With the vision to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, Brawner also urged the forces to pursue the modernization program and the importance of continuous training both internally and with the allies to strengthen the capabilities of the AFP.

“In this way, lalong lalakas ang ating armed forces [our armed forces will grow stronger], and if we have a very strong AFP, we will have a strong Philippines, a country that will be able to protect itself from all forms of threat," said Brawner. (KAPG/PIA-10)