NATIONAL Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said that despite the aggression of the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea, the morale of the Armed Forces troops remained high.
“I can unequivocally state, masasabi ko, na mataas ang morale ng ating mga sundalo sa harap nitong mga hamon na ito. Lalo silang naiinspire at paiigtingin nila ang pagpapatupad ng kanilang mga duties (I can say that the morale of our soldiers remains high in the face of these challenges. They are even more inspired and committed to fulfill their duties),” he said in a press conference.
He said Marcos was able to talk to the troops, including “some” who suffered injuries, as well as their families.
Teodoro also mentioned the Philippine Business Groups, an association of top businesses in the country, and the Association of Generals and Flag Officers, a group of retired military officers, for their expression of support to the troops.
In a statement on June 21, the Philippine Business Groups thanked the AFP and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for their “dedication and self-sacrifice” in defending the WPS.
Meanwhile, the AGFO, represented by its president and chairman, retired vice admiral Emilio Marayag Jr. said in a statement on June 20, that they commend the “heroic and professional conduct” of Navy officers and men during the June 17 resupply mission.
“I would like to take special mention to acknowledge the various business groups like FINEX [Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines], MAP [Management Association of the Philippines], and the like that issued statements of unequivocal support. Today, I would like to thank the Association of Generals and Flag Officers for issuing a statement fully supporting the thrusts of this administration, and praising ‘yung ginawa rin ng ating Pangulo (praising what the President has done), and the professionalism and restraint in the face of adversity, grave adversity, by our troops,” Teodoro said.
