PH troops' morale still high despite Ayungin incident, says DND chief

The morale of Philippine troops is still high despite the recent Chinese aggression in Ayungin Shoal, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Monday.

During a Palace press briefing, Teodoro said President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.'s visit to the Western Command headquarters strengthened the soldiers' morale as he was also able to talk to them and learned what really transpired on June 17. 

''I can unequivocally state, masasabi ko na mataas ang moral ng ating mga sundalo. Sa harap nitong mga hamon na ito, lalo silang nai-inspire at paiigtingin nila ang pagpapatupad ng kanilang mga duties. At ang bisita ng ating Pangulo kahapon ay nagsemento ng kanilang morale,'' Teodoro said.

(I can say that the morale of our soldiers is high. Amid the challenges, they were inspired to fulfill their duties to the best of their abilities. The visit of the President yesterday cemented their morale.)

''Nalaman ni Presidente ang totoong pangyayari. Na-interview niya isa-isa. Nalaman din niya ang kondisyon nila ngayon, some have injuries. Nakahalubilo niya hindi lamang iyong na-injure pati iyong kanilang mga pamilya. At masasabi ko ulit na mataas ang morale ng ating mga kasundaluhan,'' he added. 

(The President learned what really happened. He interviewed them one by one. He learned their condition, some have injuries. He met not only those who were injured but their families as well. And with that, I can say that the morale of our soldiers is really high.)

Marcos commended the 80 soldiers who took part in the June 17 RORE mission.

He conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan onSeaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo, and the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kamagi to 79 other military personnel who took part in the mission.

Marcos said he felt "great relief" to see the soldiers "all back in home ground, safe and sound."

"The past few weeks have been nothing short of challenges — you can even say dangerous. Despite these challenges, you have stood up and upheld the fundamental principles that binds all of us Filipinos. A mutual respect for life, for dignity, and for community," he said.

Marcos also said he is proud of the brave women and men not just of the Western Command but the entire Armed Forces.—AOL, GMA Integrated News