President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday urged the Special Forces Regiment Airborne (SFRA) of the Philippine Army to continue supporting the Filipino people in times of crisis as he assured them of his commitment to strengthening its capabilities and ensuring their welfare and their family.
In his speech during the 61st anniversary of the SFRA at Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, President Marcos said that the government has adopted the Riverine Operations Equipment Project (ROEP) to further improve the capabilities of the SFRA in riverine operations, referring to the insertion and extraction of special forces troops for rescue and other special military operations.
The ROEP, on the other hand, is part of the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“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 moral of the people that you serve,” President Marcos said.
“May you all continue to train and empower yourselves in maintaining your standing as experts of unconventional warfare strategies,” the chief executive added before he concluded his speech during the event.
National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. was present during the 61st anniversary of the SFRA in Nueva Ecija along with Special Assistant to the President Sec. Anton Lagdameo and other members of the cabinet.
AFP chief Gen. Andy Centino, Philippine Army Commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Northern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen, Fernyl Buca, and Special Action Force Regiment Airborne Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Napuli were also present during the event.
Marcos recognized “the fortitude and prowess of the men and women in the special forces who dedicated their lives to public service” as he recalled the proud history of the SFRA, which was established in 1962 by then-Captain former president Fidel V. Ramos.
“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,” the President said.
“From combating terrorist groups in the country to supporting peacekeeping operations overseas, we have demonstrated competence and professionalism even in the most challenging times,” he added.
President Marcos also recalled the March 2023 incident where the SFRA’s fourth Special Forces Battalion in Isabela City, Basilan conducted search and rescue operations that led to the rescue of 316 individuals from a burning passenger marine vessel of Aleson Shipping Lines bound for Jolo Port.
The President also congratulated the awardees of the SFRA’s 61st anniversary for their 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 and the Republic. I think it would be safe to say that you have lived up to your name as the: ‘Silent Professionals’,” he said.
“Truly, you have not only played pivotal roles in times of battles 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,” he added.
Before concluding his speech, the President assured the men and women of the SFRA that the government is grateful for their efforts that leverage their expertise and demonstrate the core principles in the performance of their duties to the Philippines and to the Filipino people.
Marcos also emphasized that their “mastery of unconventional warfare strategies” has become significant and relevant “in view of the complex threat that our nation now faces.” [PND]
