Marcos: PH depends on 'fresh perspectives' in strengthening defense systems

The Philippines depends on ''fresh perspectives'' when it comes to strengthening its defense posture, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said Thursday.

Marcos made the remark during the oath taking ceremony of the newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institutions (FPCTI) graduates.

''The training, the discipline, the strategies that you acquired abroad will certainly boost our forces’ capabilities especially amidst the increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape,'' Marcos said in his speech.

''Our nation relies on you to bring fresh perspectives that will strengthen our defense systems and enhance military cooperation across borders,'' he added.

Marcos stressed that the current situation in the world ''demands more from us now than was demanded from us before,'' saying that the Philippines need to be more agile.

''We are now expected to be innovative, we are expected to be agile, and to have foresight. But one demand that has never changed, and that is for courage—to have the courage to respond, to have the courage to adapt,'' Marcos said.

He mentioned that the Philippines has conducted the 7th iteration of Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the Defense Forces of Canada and of the United States.

''That demonstrates that we remain resolute in preserving our sovereignty by ensuring regional peace and international cooperation,'' Marcos said.

According to AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., the Philippines, United States, and Canada joined the 7th MMCA to show "collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The naval and air force units of the participating nations are set to operate together to enhance their cooperation and interoperability, Brawner said.

During the activity, the AFP deployed BRP Andres Bonifacio, Beechcraft King Air C90 aircraft, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue assets, while Canada sent HMCS Ottawa (FFH341). — RSJ, GMA Integrated News