A future-ready Armed Forces and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino soldier

Today’s security landscape is changing rapidly and becoming more volatile. From the ongoing conflict in Gaza to the war in Ukraine, tensions in the West Philippine Sea, and lately in Iran, we are reminded that large-scale armed conflict — once deemed unlikely in the modern era — remains within the realm of possibility.

These developments highlight the sobering reality that, while war is never sought, it has not vanished from the global stage. Instead, it has transformed, no longer confined to battles on land, sea, and air, but now unfolding in cyberspace, in the information domain, and across the invisible terrain of the electromagnetic spectrum.

In our time of multi-domain challenges, nations must remain vigilant, adaptable, and equipped — not to provoke war but to prevent it. For the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), readiness is not a question of willingness but of duty.

Lately, there have been remarks suggesting that the military, under the administration of our Commander-in-Chief, President Bongbong Marcos, is unprepared for war. With due respect, allow me to offer a different perspective.

From my position as AFP Chief of Staff, I say this with absolute conviction: the Filipino soldier is — and will always be — primed to defend the motherland, with courage, honor, and unwavering resolve. We are a military forged in struggle — seasoned by history, tested through countless battles, and strengthened by an enduring love for our country.

Since our founding in 1897, the AFP has fought relentlessly — not only against foreign invaders but also against forces seeking to destabilize and divide our nation from within.

To those who attempt to sow division, let it be known that the AFP has not remained stagnant. We have never stood still. In fact, in recent years, we have undertaken one of the most ambitious transformations in our institution’s history, guided by the AFP Transformation Roadmap. We are evolving — not just in doctrine or equipment, but also in mindset and mission.

We are building a multi-domain, joint force capable of defending the Philippines across every aspect of modern warfare. We have reorganized, retrained, and rearmed to face both traditional and emerging threats. Wherever the threat may be — including the newer, more complex arenas of cyberspace, electromagnetic operations, and cognitive warfare — we are preparing to protect our sovereignty and our people.

To meet the demands of an increasingly complex security environment, the AFP has established a new generation of specialized and highly capable commands. Among them are the AFP Cyber Command, tasked with safeguarding against cyberattacks and digital threats; the AFP Strategic Command, responsible for planning and executing operations at the strategic level to ensure unified responses across military domains; and the AFP Intelligence Command, which enhances our capabilities in strategic intelligence gathering, analysis, and decision support.

We have also established the AFP Joint Special Operations Command, overseeing elite units and specialized missions that require precision and agility. The AFP Joint Sustainment Command ensures our forces remain mission-ready by managing logistics, equipment, and support systems. Lastly, the AFP Civil-Military Operations Command bridges the gap between the military and civilian communities, fostering trust, cooperation, and inclusive peace and development. This command will also address the malign and misinformation operations done by external and internal actors, who propagate fake news.

We are bolstering our defense posture with key assets such as frigates, corvettes, offshore patrol vessels, jet fighters, helicopters, light tanks, drones, radars, and air and missile defense systems — each essential in building a credible deterrent and guarding every inch of our territory.

But beyond systems and strategies, what truly defines us is the heart of the Filipino soldier — a heart that beats for home and nation. A heart that does not hesitate to face danger for the people he loves. He may not always carry the most advanced weapons, but he carries something far more powerful — a sense of duty and an unyielding spirit.

As General Douglas MacArthur once said, “Give me ten thousand Filipino soldiers and I will conquer the world.”

That was not a statement about weapons or technology; it was a tribute to the unmatched bravery and discipline of our men and women in uniform.

To the critics, I say: never underestimate the fighting spirit of the Filipino.

We do not wish for war — no soldier ever does. But should the time come when we are called to defend our land and our people, we will be ready — not because we are armed to the teeth, but because we are grounded in patriotism and a sacred oath to protect the Philippines at all costs.

The AFP remains united, prepared, and firmly committed — not to wage war but to uphold peace, order, and our sovereignty. That is what we were trained for, why we are here, and what we will always fight for.

Should that fight ever come, know this: we will not stand alone. We are part of a broader community of nations — partners and allies who share our commitment to freedom, security, and the rule of law. In moments of adversity, we will draw strength not just from within but also from those who stand with us in solidarity.

That is — and always will be — The General Idea.