This refers to the picture of Marines on the BRP Sierra Madre, smiling on your PhilStar issue Sept. 9, 2014 issue. The happy faces of the Marines show they are dedicated to their duties even if deployed for long, long periods of time in the Ayungin Shoal. It is a difficult task but they never complain. Their lives are always at risk. China Coast Guard vessels are said to have tried to block fresh supplies and troop replacement for the soldiers but did not succeed. They are really a determined lot, ready to defend the territory.
We want to let the Marines know as well as all other troops deployed and to be deployed there, that we support and pray for them all the time. They always give more of themselves for us, braving challenges and being away from home and loved ones. We should always put our soldiers in a special category for a very obvious reason: that because of the very nature of their mission; the Armed Forces of the Philippines is run by a rigid system of discipline based on competent leadership and backed by dedicated and well-trained followers. – Reney Antiporda, Koronadal City