PH troops’ morale ‘high’ amid WPS challenges, says Teodoro

Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.
MANILA, Philippines — The morale of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains high amid China’s recent aggressions in the West Philippine Sea, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said on Monday.
“I can unequivocally state and say that the morale of our soldiers is high. In the face of these challenges, they are very inspired and will intensify the implementation of their duties,” Teodoro said in Filipino at a press conference in Malacañang.
“And the visit of our President yesterday cemented their morale,” he added.
Teodoro was referring to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Command in Palawan on Sunday where he met with the naval personnel involved in the June 17 encounter at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
Marcos awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan to Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo, the naval officer who had his finger severed during the incident at Ayungin.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Marcos awards soldier who lost a finger during an encounter with CCG
Article continues after this advertisementSeventy-nine others were awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kamagi.
Marcos told the troops that the country will continue in its efforts to resolve the conflict in the West Philippine Sea through peaceful means.
However, he asserted that the country’s “calm and peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for acquiescence,” adding that “Filipinos will not yield to any foreign power.”
READ: Marcos on West Philippine Sea: ‘We’re not in the business to instigate wars’
Teodoro shared the President’s sentiments, saying that the country “will not give up an inch, not even a millimeter, of our territory to any foreign power.”
The China Coast Guard vessels rammed a Philippine resupply ship on its way to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, resulting in a Philippine Navy sailor’s severed thumb.
READ: PH Navy sailor loses thumb, others injured in CCG ramming incident
Other naval personnel sustained minor injuries.
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