AFP chief lauds sergeants major for bridging officers, enlisted men

MANILA, Philippines — In an attempt to stem the supposed restiveness among the military ranks, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Carlito Galvez hailed non-commissioned officers for acting as “mediators.” 

“You have done a remarkable job of acting as leaders and mediators by bringing to attention the issues and concerns of our soldiers, particularly on their morale and welfare and discipline, which carry a great weight on the accomplishment of the AFP mission,” Galvez told Sergeants Major and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Friday.

Galvez commended the NCOs for successfully completing a three-day consultative meeting that ended Friday at the PMA in Baguio City.

Amid coup rumors, Galvez highlighted the deliverables in uplifting the morale and welfare of the troops and updates on scholarships for soldiers and their dependents.

In his speech Galvez quoted French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, saying that “war is a matter of morale.”

“Those who are high in morale will certainly win and prevail. That’s what happened in (the siege of) Marawi City. Our soldiers were in high spirits so that’s why we won the battle (against the extremists),” he said.

“As the highest-ranking enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the AFP Sergeants Major and our Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) play a very important role in the efficient and successful functions and operations of the AFP. You are the ‘indispensible bridge’ that connects our enlisted personnel to the AFP leadership. You are the officer’s and soldier’s father, brother, mentor and guardian,” he said.

The consultative meeting was organized by the Office of the AFP Sergeant Major, which is celebrating its 49th anniversary this month also in conjunction with the 22nd NCO Day being held every October.

Over 200 Sergeants Major, NCOs and enlisted personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines attended the event during which Galvez also recognized 17 retiring and retired sergeants major who were previously awarded for their exceptional work and service.

Also during the PMA visit, Galvez had lunch with the PMA cadets and reminded the future military leaders not to lose their integrity even if it will cause them their position and to remain apolitical at all times.

“In these trying times, we will still emerge victorious if we stick together and be true to our service to our nation and the Filipino people,” he said.