In the wake of the deadly Bondi Beach shootings in Australia—which renewed global anxieties over lone-wolf violence and terrorism, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday rejected claims branding the Philippines as a terrorism training hotspot, calling such narratives misleading and unacceptable.
Speaking at the 90th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, the President said the country’s security forces have long acted decisively to dismantle terrorist networks, secure communities, and sustain peace—gains he said should not be dismissed by unfounded speculation.
“We also reject in the strongest terms the recent misleading claims that portray our country as a training hotspot for terrorism,” President Marcos said.
“For years, we have acted decisively to dismantle terrorist networks, to secure communities, and to sustain our hard-earned peace. To dismiss these gains with unfounded speculation is not acceptable,” he added.
While acknowledging evolving global security threats, Marcos stressed the need for vigilance without allowing fear-driven narratives to undermine public confidence.
“Nevertheless, we remain vigilant. We will not let deceptive narratives distract us nor weaken our resolve,” he said.
The President also honored AFP personnel recognized during the anniversary rites, praising their courage and service. “Araw-araw na naglilingkod. Araw-araw na naninindigan. Kaya sa ngalan ng mamamayang Pilipino, maraming salamat sa inyong galing, tapang, at malasakit,” he said.
Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the military, citing his approval of Executive Order No. 107 updating the base pay of military and uniformed personnel, with increases taking effect starting January 2026 and continuing through 2028.
“This can be just one of the many ways that we show our gratitude for the service that you have rendered to our country,” he said.
The AFP was formally established on December 21, 1935 under the National Defense Act during the Commonwealth era, with roots tracing back to the Philippine Revolutionary Army of 1897 and the Philippine Constabulary formed in 1901.