Manila, Dec. 18 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on the newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to lead with integrity and humility while defending the country with honor and courage.

"We are reminded today that this oath-taking is a reaffirmation of a sacred trust, the respect for the Constitution, service to the Filipino people, and loyalty to the Republic," Marcos said during the mass oath-taking of newly promoted AFP generals and flag officers and graduates of the foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institutions at Malacanan Palace.

Marcos urged the AFP officers to fulfill their obligations to protect the country's sovereignty, uphold national security, and safeguar...