The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commemorated its 90th year with solemn ceremonies across the nation, including a significant wreath-laying event in Zamboanga City. The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) stood in solidarity with the simultaneous nationwide tribute on Friday, December 5, 2025, honoring the ultimate sacrifice of Filipino soldiers.
A Call to Uphold Core Values
During the ceremony, the acting AFP chief-of-staff, Lieutenant General Jimmy Larida, delivered a powerful message urging all military personnel to remain steadfast in the foundational principles of the institution. He emphasized the timeless values of sacrifice, honor, and duty to country as the bedrock upon which the AFP stands.
Larida's message was read aloud by Brigadier General Romulo Quemado II, the Westmincom deputy commander for internal defense operations. The message highlighted how the sacrifices of fallen heroes have irrevocably shaped the nation's history and built the armed forces into the institution it is today.
Ceremonies Across Western Mindanao
In Zamboanga City, military and civilian personnel of Westmincom gathered at the Dambana ng Kagitingan within Camp Navarro in Calarian village. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the selfless service and the ultimate price paid by soldiers in defense of the state.
A similar tribute was held at the headquarters of the 11th Infantry Division (11ID) at Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu. There, Major General Leonardo Peña, the 11ID commander, stressed the enduring responsibility of every soldier and citizen to remember and uphold the legacy of those who gave their lives.
Rooted in Legacy, Committed to the Future
The 90th-anniversary theme, "Matatag na Sandatahang Lakas, Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas", was underscored as more than just a slogan. Larida framed it as a profound commitment deeply rooted in the legacy of the fallen. As the AFP enters its tenth decade, it reaffirms its unwavering mission to protect the Filipino people and safeguard national sovereignty.
The AFP traces its origins to December 21, 1935, with the enactment of the National Defense Act of 1935, which established a comprehensive national defense system for the Philippines. Nine decades later, the ceremonies across the archipelago, including the one led by Westmincom, connect today's service members with that historic foundation of service and patriotism.
