Thank you, National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. [As you were]; the Special Assistant to the President  Secretary Anton Lagdameo; other members of the Cabinet here present; the AFP Chief of Staff General Andy Centino; Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr.; the Northern Luzon Commander Lieutenant General Fernyl Buca; the officers and enlisted personnel of the Special Forces Regiment Airborne by Brigadier General Ferdinand Napuli, aking tukayo [applause]; the 2023 awardees of the Special Forces Regiment Airborne, congratulations [applause]; my fellow workers in government; ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

We are here today to join the officers, men, women, personnel, and stakeholders of the Special Forces Regiment Airborne, in commemorating our 61st Anniversary.

On this glorious occasion, we recognize the fortitude and prowess of the men and women in the Special Forces who have dedicated their lives to public service.

I also take this moment to celebrate the proud history of the SFRA, which was first spearheaded by then Captain, former President, Fidel Valdez Ramos. [applause]

When we were established in 1962, it was the first operational Special Forces unit with airborne capability.

Extensively trained in unconventional warfare [and] equipped with various tools and capabilities, the members of the SFRA have proven themselves valuable in both wartime and peacetime operations.

From combating terrorist groups in the country to supporting peacekeeping operations overseas, we have demonstrated competence and professionalism even in the most challenging times.

In March 2023, the SFRA’s 4th Special Forces Battalion based in Isabela City, Basilan conducted search and rescue operations. It led to 316 individuals being rescued from a burning passenger marine vessel of Aleson Shipping Lines bound for Jolo Port.

Let me also congratulate the awardees for your exemplary performance and contributions to the regiment.

You have exemplified self-sacrifice and resilience, going beyond the call of duty to safeguard communities towards the attainment of internal security and of the peace of the Republic.

I think it would be safe to say that you have lived up to your name as the: “Silent Professionals.” [applause]

Truly, you have not only played pivotal roles in times of battle but have also become dependable sentinels for the Filipino people.

Through the responses for humanitarian assistance, you have created a ripple of hope in our communities [and] increased our people’s trust in the military and in the government.

So to the men and women of the Special Forces Regiment Airborne, we are grateful to have witnessed the efforts that leverage your expertise and demonstrate the core principles in the performance of your duties.

Your mastery of unconventional warfare strategies becomes all the more relevant and significant in view of the complex threats that our nation now faces.

We assure you of the Administration’s unassailable commitment and that of your Commander-in-Chief’s support in all of your undertakings, strengthening your capabilities, and ensuring your welfare and that of your families.

We have adopted the Riverine Operations Equipment Project to further improve your capabilities in riverine operations.

On this note, we enjoin you to keep aiding fellow Filipinos by supporting them in times of crisis.

Ensure their safety and well-being during operations and uphold the morale of the people that you serve. May you all continue to train and empower yourselves in maintaining your standing as experts of unconventional warfare strategies.

Maraming salamat!

Mabuhay ang Special Forces Regiment - Airborne! [applause]

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Watch here: 61st Anniversary of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) of the Philippine Army

Location: Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija